NATIONAL PET DAY

Observed on April 11, National Pet Day is a day set aside to celebrate pets and the joy they bring to our lives. Two-thirds of American household have pets, and they consider these fluffy animals part of their family. According to ASPCA records, there are approximately 80 million dogs and 96 million cats owned as pets in the US alone. Besides celebrating housed pets, this holiday seeks to create awareness about the plight of pets staying in mills and other rescue centers awaiting adoption. The day further reminds us that we should love our pets always and not just on National Love Your Pet Day observed on 20th February.

History of National Pet Day

Colleen Paige, an Animal Welfare Advocate, founded National Pet Day in 2006 as a means to raise the standards of pets and improve their welfare standards. Paige is also the founder of other holidays looking into the welfare of pets; among them National Dog Day, National Cat Day and National Puppy Day.

According to Colleen, there are a vast number of neglected and unwanted animals that are homeless waiting for someone to adopt them. Pet mills have made the situation worse by focusing more on maximizing profits and neglecting the animals’ welfare. Colleen advocates for the closure of these mills since they don’t contribute to the well being of animals.

How to Celebrate National Pet Day

Pets are our best companions, and they bring meaning to our life. They remain loyal to us even when we treat them to some pet shaming for their wrongdoings. Indeed, you have every reason to celebrate them on National Pet Day.

Do something particularly nice for your pet on this particular day. Buy him a fun new toy, treat him to his favorite meal, or book him for Pet behavior training at Hannah Pet society.

Hire a professional rf5e4w3q2photographer for a fun photoshoot with your fluffy friend. Better still, spend the day taking photos of your pet on your phone and then share them on social media via the hashtag #nationalpetday to join the global conversation with other pet lovers across the globe.

Just like many people do on National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, you can also contribute to the welfare of shelters or rescue centers by volunteering your time to care for the animals or by donating blankets, food, and toys. If possible, adopt a pet from your local shelter instead of waiting for National Rescue Dog Day to give one of the dogs a home.

If you have an ill or elderly neighbor who owns a pet, offer to walk the pets or play with them on this day.

What Is Considered A Pet?

The dictionary defines a pet as any domesticated animal kept as a companion and affectionately cared for. Any animal which can lead a healthy life in captivity can, therefore, be raised as a pet. Pets tend to bond well with their owners, and this provides the latter with both physical and emotional benefits.

Although the most common pets include dogs, cats, fish, and birds, many other animals can be considered as pets. According to Wikipedia, rabbits, pigs, and rodents such as gerbils, rats, and guinea pigs can be domesticated and raised as pets. Surprisingly, some people keep reptile pets such as lizards, turtles, and snakes.

In some areas, however, the law dictates what is considered a pet and some animals are prohibited from being kept at home as pets.

National Pet Day vs. World Animal Day

The two days have the same aim; to protect the animal rights and create awareness about their plight to the general public. However, the two days have notable differences.

First, National Pet Day is celebrated on 11th April while World Animal Day is observed on the 4th of October.

Secondly, while National Pet Day looks into pets and other animals that can be raised as pets, World Animal Day focuses on all animals’ welfare whether pets or not.

Interesting Facts about Pets

- With proper attention, goldfish can live up to 40 years.

- On average, cats sleep for 13-14 hours.

- About 7.6 million animals get into animal rescue centers every year.

- Of the 710000 animals that enter rescue centers, most of them are strays that are later returned to their owners.