What is National Pet Day?

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” –Anatole France, poet

It’s exactly what it sounds like! A holiday set forth for the sole reason of celebrating our pets! It can be celebrated by a simple picture that you posted to share your fur (or furless) baby with the world or by spoiling them with extra goodies and treats. You could also show your appreciation of animals by paying it forward to your local shelters and rescues.  What started in 2006 has now been celebrated globally each year.

If you are a pet owner, you know that having a pet is about more than just having another being to take care of and play with. We are lucky enough to have all of the love, comfort, support, and connection that our animals bring to our lives. Showing our pets, and even the world, how much they mean to us is the least we can do! Doing so will also help out pets who have not found their forever home.  Approximately 6.3 million animals enter US animal shelters every year. If we can make it our mission, once a year if not more, to show people just how wonderful it is being a pet parent it may change the lives of many sheltered dogs. It can encourage people to open up their homes for a pet in need.

If you are an animal lover and you just haven’t found the right match or don’t think you’d have the time to take on being a pet parent, reach out to your local shelters and rescues! They are always in need of volunteers to assist them with the animals that they get. It could be something simple as taking them for a walk or playing with them outside for a little! This way you get to have your healthy dose of animal serotonin while that animal has a moment of happiness! Who knows, maybe doing so will help you find your forever pet.

You can also make a difference by donating supplies. Many shelters and rescues find themselves struggling when they take in these animals all year long. It’s important that, as a community, we help out! By typing in “Local Shelters or Rescues Near Me” on google you’ll be able to find some that are closest to you. Things that are typically needed are cleaning supplies, towels, blankets, leashes, collars, food and water dishes, dry/wet food, litter, pet beds, toys, hay, flea/heartworm/tick medication, and radios.

*Be sure to contact them beforehand to see if they need a specific brand or type of supply!

Make the best out of this day! Take an extra-long walk, play for a few minutes longer, and cuddle as you’ve never cuddled before. Show your animal babies just how much they are appreciated and loved by you. Give them all an extra treat from us!