National Pet Day
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We love to celebrate holidays over here at Innovet Pet, and we celebrate a lot thanks to our diverse cast of characters. And that includes our team of pups: Gordon The Bulldog, Maverick The Labrador, Pearl The Chihuahua and Enzo, the newest addition to our family! That’s why April 11 is a huge day for us because it’s NATIONAL PET DAY!
April 11 is a day to celebrate all pets from the furry ones to the scaly ones, encouraging us to lavish our pets with love and adopt a little or big one when it’s time to expand the family. It’s a wonderful day to take pictures of our pets, donate to pet causes, and spoil our best furbuddies with love, treats, and toys.
About National Pet Day
Founded in 2006 by animal welfare advocate and Pet and Family Lifestyle expert, Colleen Paige to bring attention to the needs of our pets, especially to those waiting for their forever home. National Pet Day’s unofficial motto is “Don’t shop! Adopt!”
While National Pet Day started as a small celebration in the U.S. to encourage those to adopt, it quickly blossomed into a holiday celebrated in countries worldwide such as Australia, Guam, Israel, Spain, and the U.K.
Facts About The Holiday
- According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter shelters nationwide.
- 1.6 million cats and 1.6 million dogs find their forever homes every year.
- The holiday has been promoted by celebrities including Taylor Swift, Ricky Gervais, Cee Lo Green, Jimmy Fallon, Willy Nelson, Kevin Bacon, and Seth Myers.
- The domestication of dogs is estimated to have started between 18,800 and 32,100 years ago.
- It’s speculated that humans started domesticating cats 12,000 years ago, and some research finds we may not be done yet, finding domestic cats may be only semi-domesticated.
- National Pet Day focuses on celebrating pets everywhere and encouraging those to adopt instead of purchasing their pet from a private breeder or store that uses pet mills.
"I believe all animals are sentient beings that deserve our love and compassion...even not-so-cuddly animals like reptiles and rats. No animal should ever have to suffer, especially at the hand of humans. MILLIONS of unwanted animals perish every day, due to just that....being "unwanted". I'd like to ask animal lovers everywhere to pledge to give $5 a month to their favorite animal shelter or rescue to help support animals in need." - Colleen Paige
How To Celebrate National Pet Day
A New Toy
What holiday isn’t complete with a gift? And for this year, consider taking your pet to the pet store with you so they can pick out their new favorite toy.
Caring For Their Health
National Pet Day is a great day to upgrade our pet’s health. And thanks to the latest innovations and research, it’s never been easier to give your pet rocking good health! And you can do it by spoiling them too!
Grab some CBD oil, and with a few simple baking ingredients that you likely have around the house, you can spend the afternoon whipping up some delightfully healthy and tasty treats for your pet.
A Scenic Drive
With the weather getting warmer, a great way to celebrate the holiday is by taking your pup to a dog-friendly beach or park. Even when the temperatures are a bit cold, just taking your dog for a scenic drive can be just the perfect treat for them.
Adopting A New Pet
We know it’s an incredibly big decision to bring a new pet into the home. And that’s why we encourage you to take the time you need to decide if bringing a pet into your life is the right thing. But we would be remiss if we didn’t mention adoption as one of the ways to celebrate this holiday.
Whether you’re looking to give your child a pet, your furbuddy a new brother, or looking for your first, adopting is a wonderful and inspiring route to go. Even when you’re looking for a specific breed, you still have the opportunity to adopt thanks to purebred rescue organizations.
Volunteer At The Shelter
If you’re not ready to adopt, but still want to help, volunteering at your local shelter or rescue is a brilliant idea. You can offer to help with walks, feeding, or can donate things like blankets, toys, and food.
Celebrating Pets Everywhere
They cheer us up when we are sad, their antics often leave us crying with laughter, and we couldn’t be luckier to have them. In fact, it’s been found that pets help our mental health and keep us in better shape!
So whether it’s spoiling them with a new toy, supporting their health with innovative supplements, or taking a trip to the shelter, give your furbaby a hug for us today!
