Celebrate National Pet Day every year on April 11 by recognizing the love, joy and companionship pets bring to our lives! National Pet Day is inclusive of all animal, regardless of their size, shape, breed, and species!

Its popularity has grown quickly across social media with animal lovers everywhere sharing their love for their pets. It is a day to show our appreciation and unconditional love for all the pets that bring joy and happiness into our lives. From dogs and cats to reptiles to birds, celebrate the joy of being pet parents! Spread the word and join as we celebrate your pet on National Pet Day!

History of National Pet Day

Colleen Paige, an animal welfare advocate and pet and family lifestyle expert, founded National Pet Day in 2006. Colleen Paige is also responsible for creating National Cat Day and National Dog Day.

National Pet Day takes place every year on April 11th, serving as a reminder of the joy and special role animals have in our lives. This day is a great opportunity for us to show extra appreciation for our furry, feathery, and scaly friends, by spoiling them with extra love, treats, and playtime.

National Pet Day's Mission

National Pet Day's mission is to raise awareness and bring attention to the importance of pet adoption, responsible pet ownership, and welfare for all animals. This day encourages people to show love and appreciation for their pets, as well as to support local animal shelters and rescue organizations. 

Bringing Awareness to Pet Adoption on National Pet Day and the Benefits of Adopting a Pet

National Pet Day brings awareness to the importance of pet adoption and the amount of adoptable pets waiting in shelters for their forever home. According to ASPCA, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, approximately 6.3 million animals enter animal shelters every year. This number reflects animals from dogs to cats and tortoises to rabbits.

Whether you're looking to add a furry friend or companion animal to your family, consider contacting rescue organizations instead of going to a pet store. The benefits of adopting a pet enriches our lives in countless ways. Not only are you giving a deserving pet a second chance, but also helping reduce the number of animals in shelters.

Pet adoption drives, local shelters, rescue shelters, and websites such as bestfriends.org and petfinder.com are a great way to find the perfect pet for you. From purebred dogs and cats, to puppies and birds, there are countless animals in need of a loving home. Considering volunteering or making a donation to the Humane Society of the United States if adopting is not an option for you.

Raising Awareness on Responsible Pet Ownership

National Pet Day aims to prioritize responsible pet ownership and the well-being of our furry friends. Pet care goes beyond just providing food and shelter; it involves nurturing their physical and emotional wellness, providing a safe and clean environment and providing pets with regular socialization. 

All pets deserve a loving home where they receive the care they deserve. As pet owners, it is our responsibility to ensure that our animals are happy and healthy. Giving them extra love and attention is not only a way to bond with them but also essential for their overall well-being. Let's continue to educate others on the importance of responsible pet ownership to ensure that all animals are given the best possible care.

Different Ways to Celebrate Your Pet on National Pet Day

For pet lovers across the world, it is a day to give thanks and bring awareness to the love we have for our pets. Whether you're thinking about bringing home a pet or appreciating them from a distance, join in on the fun and celebrate the joy of pet ownership! Here are some ways you can join in on the fun:

Celebrate National Pet Day on Social Media

Sharing your pet's story is a wonderful way to celebrate National Pet Day. On National Pet Day, social media platforms are flooded with adorable photos and heartwarming stories of pets from around the world. Whether it's on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook or X, pet owners everywhere take the day to show-off their animal companions and give thanks to the love and joy they bring to their lives. From cute videos of pets doing tricks to heartfelt messages expressing gratitude for their unconditional love, National Pet Day is a time to celebrate the special bond between humans and animals. Show-off and share your fur baby with #nationalpetday on social media! 

Volunteer at a Local Animal Shelter

Volunteering your time at you local animal shelter or an animal rescue organization is a great way to give back to the community. It makes a world of a difference for these animals. You'll not only provide them with attention, but contribute to their overall happiness. Your time and effort can truly make a positive impact on the lives of these animals in need. They will surely be grateful for your love and support!

Fun Activities You Can Enjoy on National Pet Day

On National Pet Day, pet owners can enjoy a variety of activities with their animal companions.

Take your pet for a long walk or hike in nature to enjoy the fresh air and exercise. Treat your pet to a new toy, special meal or homemade dog treats to celebrate the occasion. Spend quality time or find activities you can enjoy with your pet, whether it's a game of fetch, tug-of-war, or simply cuddling on the couch. Consider pampering your pet with a grooming session or a trip to the pet spa for some extra TLC.

Whatever you choose to do, spend time with your pet and make sure to show your pet how much you appreciate and love them on this special day.

Fun Facts About Pets

• Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, with some breeds able to detect scents up to 100,000 times better than humans. This is why they are often used in search and rescue missions, as well as in detecting drugs and explosives.

• Cats have a unique grooming behavior known as "allogrooming," where they will groom other cats, as well as their human owners. It is a sign of affection and bonding. This behavior helps to strengthen social bonds within a group of cats.

• Guinea pigs are social animals and thrive in pairs or small groups. They are known to communicate with each other through a variety of vocalizations, such as purring, chirping, and whistling. They also have a wide range of body language cues to express their emotions and needs.

• The first no-kill animal shelter in the United States was first started by Francis Battista in 1944, one of the founders of Best Friends Animal Society. This method of animal rescue has served as a model for numerous shelters and rescue centers, leading to the preservation of countless of canine lives.

• According to the American Pet Products Association, cats and dogs continue to dominate as the 2 most popular pets in the U.S, with 65.1 million American households owning a dog, and 46.5 million households owing a cat. Other animals including but limited to horses, fishes, reptiles and small animals trail behind with just 34.4 million collectively. 

• Did you know that petting a dog or cat can actually lower your blood pressure and reduce stress? Studies have shown that interacting with animals can have a calming effect on humans, leading to improved mental and physical health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What celebrities celebrate National Pet Day?

Social media has been instrumental in spreading awareness about National Pet Day, a beloved celebration for pet lovers around the world. The support for this day has even reached celebrities like Taylor Swift, Ricky Gervais, Cee Lo Green, Jimmy Fallon, Willie Nelson, Kevin Bacon, Seth Meyers, Carrie Underwood, Barack Obama, and numerous others have expressed their love for their pets and pups on this special day.

2. Is it better to adopt or buy a pet from a breeder? 

Instead of going to a breeder, head to your local shelter and rescue organization for many adoptable pets in need of a loving home. By adopting instead of buying, you can potentially help save an animal from being euthanized.

Many shelters and rescues spay or neuter, vaccinate and provide necessary medical care for their animals before adoption. This can save you money in the long run. Adopting also helps reduce the demand for breeding, reduce the amount of strays and combat issues like overpopulation and unethical breeding practices.

3. Are there any events associated with National Pet Day?

Yes! There are various weeklong events and activities organized to celebrate National Pet Day. Many animal shelters and pet stores like Petco host special adoption drives, discounted services, and educational events. Local communities may also organize pet-centric festivals, parades, or gatherings. These events focus on the adoption of pets, behavior training sessions, and fun activities for pets and their owners.

4. Is National Pet Day a federal holiday?

National Pet Day is not a federal holiday in the United States. It is an unofficial holiday that is recognized and celebrated by pet lovers and animal advocates across the country. This day is dedicated to honoring and appreciating the special bond between humans and their pets!

5. When is National Dog Day?

National Dog Day is celebrated on August 26th each year. This special day is dedicated to honoring and appreciating our furry canine friends for their loyalty, love, and companionship. It serves as a reminder to show gratitude to our dogs and to raise awareness about the importance of adopting rescue dogs. Whether you have a four-legged friend of your own or simply love dogs, National Dog Day is a great opportunity to celebrate these wonderful animals.

7. What other national pet holidays are there?

Some other national pet holidays include National Love Your Pet Day on February 20th, National Dog Day on August 26th, National Cat Day on October 29th, and National Bird Day on January 5th. These holidays are dedicated to celebrating and honoring the special bond between people and their pets, as well as raising awareness about pet adoptions and animal welfare.

8. When is National Puppy Day?

National Puppy Day is celebrated annually on March 23rd. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of adopting puppies from shelters and rescues, as well as to celebrate the joy and companionship that puppies bring into our lives. It is a day to spoil and appreciate our furry friends and to promote their overall well-being.

9. When is Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day?

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day is observed on August 28th each year. This day is dedicated to honoring and remembering beloved pets who have passed away, with the belief that they are waiting for their owners at the Rainbow Bridge in the afterlife. It is a time for pet owners to reflect on the memories and love shared with their furry companions.