National Pet Day!

Five dogs wearing party hats on a pink background with confetti smiling and wearing bow ties.

Give your furry friends extra special treatment on April 11th. Why? Because it's National Pet Day! Two-thirds of Americans consider their pets as family, meaning our pets are there for us every day of the week providing unconditional love whether we are mad, sad, or happy. Now it’s time to reciprocate the love. Consider it Valentine’s Day for your pets. Start this pet-acular holiday by surprising your companion with a treat or taking them out! Here are 7 ways to celebrate with your friend.

Ways to celebrate!

Two dogs laying on their backs on a grassy lawn with sunglasses on and surrounded toys and balls

1. Give a gift

Swing by your local store and pick up an item your furry friend will love. Maybe a new bed? Or a new toy? Maybe a new, shiny dog tag? Something new will surely get their tails wagging.

A puppy dog sitting on a picnic table with a giant pup sundae in front of him

2. Take your dog to “Yappy Hour”

Sometimes local bakeries that specialize in dog treats will hold a special event for your pupper. A lot like their human’s happy hour, they too can partake in delectable treats for a reduced price.

A black and white dog licking a pink ice cream cone isolated on a blue background

3. Treat them to ice cream

Splurge by letting your pet enjoy a frosty treat. You can share sweet vanilla ice cream between you and your pet! Animals like dogs shouldn’t have ice cream often, but we’ll make the exception on National Pet Day.

A small white fluffy dog wearing ble reflective sunglasses, marti gras beads and a tye dye bandana posing for a photo shoot

4. Have a photo shoot

Give your pet all the attention they deserve. Make them feel like the superstar they are by throwing them a photo shoot. This is a great way to get your pet smiling while giving yourself pictures that will last a lifetime. Find your favorite and post the picture with the hashtag #NationalPetDay.

a small gray cat laying on their back in their owners lap getting a belly rub

5. Give a massage

You know what your pet likes, so spend an elongated amount of time rubbing your pet’s belly, scratching behind their ears, or just simply lots of snuggles.

A small white dog laying on the ground with a pile of treats in between it's paws

6. Get your pet’s favorite treat

Pick the treat that your pet loves and spoil them without guilt! Your excuse? You’re celebrating National Pet Day of course!

A tabby cat laying outside on the ground with a beautiful sunset in the background reflecting off her fur

7. Spend the day outside

Either throw a ball, go for a walk together, or even sunbathe out on the grass. Enjoying the outdoors together will only bring you two closer.

If you don’t have a furry family member, you can still enjoy National Pet Day. Spend the day by extending a helping hand to animals in need. Kick off National Pet Day at your local animal shelter. Here are 3 ways to join in the pet-loving holiday.

A beagle sitting out front of a green door with a cardboard sign around it's neck that reads adopt me

1. Adopt

There are many animals at your local animal shelter who aren’t a part of a loving family. Stop by and check out all the available animals. Find the purr-fect friend and be their forever home.

A women bending over tending toand feeding shelter pups

2. Volunteer

You can’t adopt every animal in the world- despite our wishes- but you can do your part to make sure animals are enjoying their time waiting to be adopted. Volunteer your time and make any animal’s day brighter with just your presence.

A cute little beagle sitting in front of brown cardboard boxes with the sign donations pet food and thank you sign in the foreground

3. Donate

If you are short on time, you can help out by donating items to your local shelter. They could always use the extra supplies. Donate items like blankets, food, and toys! Everything an animal could dream of!

Spend National Pet Day celebrating your pet. Spoil them with attention and treats. Or spend the day giving back to your local animal shelter. Either way, National Pet Day is one for the pets!