April 11th is National Pet Day! While we highly encourage you to use this day as an excuse to show your pet some extra love, it’s also a day to raise awareness regarding homeless pets and abusive animal shelters.
National Pet Day was founded in 2006 as a way to “celebrate the joy pets brings to our lives and to create public awareness about the plight of many different kinds of animals awaiting a forever home in shelters and rescues all around the globe.” This year is the holiday’s 10th anniversary, and the holiday is aiming to help stop the overpopulation of unwanted animals by spaying and neutering your pets!
Ways You Can Celebrate:
Throw your neighborhood pets a party
Buy your pet new toys or treats
Hire a professional photographer to do a shoot of your pet in fun outfits
Donate food, toys, and blankets to your local animal shelter
Fun Facts:
65% of U.S. households own pets
63.2% of pet owners consider their pets as family
There are 3,500 brick-and-mortar animal shelters in the U.S.
4 million animals are adopted from shelters each year
If you are looking to add a new pet to your family this year, consider adopting instead of shopping. 25 percent of dogs in shelters are pure breeds, and many of them are just as sweet and friendly as dogs that are purchased from a breeder. By helping to eliminate pets from shelters, you are doing your part in the pet community to ensure that every dog has a home!
If you are simply celebrating the holiday with your pet, consider taking your dog on an extra long walk or buying them new toys or treats. Pets will love any extra attention that you can give to them, so just try and make them feel special.
If your pet hasn’t visited the vet in over a year, visit us at Phoenix Veterinary Center to book your next appointment to ensure your pet’s health.