Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Ways to Celebrate #NationalPetDay

While it's obvious that we should celebrate our pets each and every day, today is a great reminder. It's National Pet Day!

3 rescued dogs ready for spring national pet day

Founded in 2006 by Celebrity Pet Author Colleen Paige, National Pet Day is celebrated each year on April 11. 

Colleen created the day to "celebrate the joy pets bring 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."

We have compiled a list of some things you can do to celebrate today, or any day...

rescued senior hound mix dog

Ways You Can Celebrate National Pet Day
  • Adopt a pet from your rescue organization or shelter
    • If you're not ready to adopt, please consider fostering
  • Host a National Pet Day gathering or party - invite your friends and celebrate our love of pets at your home, the park, or anywhere that works
  • Spring Clean and donate to your local shelter - they almost always need used blankets and towels, as well as cleaning supplies, dry food, toys, copy paper, etc. (contact your local organization to find out what's most needed)
    • Get your friends or co-workers involved too - be the drop off point for donations and take them all to the shelter
  • Get your crafty friends together for a fun-filled afternoon making no-sew blankets or toys to donate to your local shelter. Check out these easy tug toys we made.
  • Get outside and play with your pets - go for a walk or hike, play ball in the yard, or just lounge on the deck
  • Volunteer at your local shelter - whether you have pet experience or not, they are always looking for help
  • If your pet loves car rides, take them for an extra long one today
  • Organize a fundraiser for your local shelter - have a yard sale, schedule a Paint Night with friends, donate a portion of the proceeds of an item you sell on etsy, etc.
  • Take your pet out for a special toy or treat - whether it's a visit to the pet supply store or ice cream place, I'm sure they'll love it
  • Schedule a photo session with your pets - DIY-it at home (don't forget some selfies) or hire a pet photographer
  • Share photos of pets looking for their forever homes on social media - visit your local shelter or rescue organization's page and share, share, share!
How are you celebrating today?

21 comments:

Sue said...

Every day is Pet Day around here. I'm waiting for National Caretaker's Day. We're making dog food today which is a favorite activity, then we'll play ball in the yard. Of course there'll be plenty oh hugs and cuddles, too.

Sue said...

Every day is Pet Day around here. I'm waiting for National Caretaker's Day. We're making dog food today which is a favorite activity, then we'll play ball in the yard. Of course there'll be plenty oh hugs and cuddles, too.

Raising Your Pets Naturally with Tonya Wilhelm said...

I think it would be so much fun to have a national pet day gathering. I think a party is definitely in order for this celebration. I can picture bobbing for apples and eating yummy fruit snacks with our dogs.

Jane ♡ Pawbellish said...

Love all the ideas, especially having a crafting session with friends and donating to shelters.

Happy National Pet Day!

Hindy Pearson said...

Every day feels like National Pet Day in our house, but I think it's a good opportunity to remind people how lucky they are to share their lives with pets, and how much richer they are as a result. You have some excellent tips about ways to celebrate, that will help others not as fortunate to have a loving home.

Marjie said...

Oh, come on. Every day is Pet Day. Why, just yesterday, I packed a ham bone in dry ice and sent it to Natasha, since she's feeling neglected with Shannon spending much of her time with the baby in the NICU. Tank will get the Easter ham bone, and I'll send the Easter lamb bone to Natasha with Cass. See? Every day is Pet Day! The lap dogs look adorable in their headgear.

Unknown said...

I love the ideas to help out shelter pets! It's great celebrating the dog we already have and love, but it's even better to take this day to go out of our way to do something special to help pets in need. One thing I love doing that's super easy is helping with transport. You get to help dogs get out of shelters and to their new rescues, foster or forever homes before their "time" is up. It doesn't take much time and it really helps save more shelter dogs. Great post!

Kings River Life said...

A lot of great info and ideas! As some have already commented, every day is Pet Day at our house too! The adopting a pet part is especially great-I hope a lot of people take you up on that one.

M Dawson said...

Helping shelter pets is top of our list,, we fundraise and help Place for Cats foster network.

Unknown said...

fun ideas. We went and did a reading of our kids books at a school. Talked about pets, travelling with them and more.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

The pups look SO cute in their little head pieces! I love those. Your ideas are all great, I like the idea of having a yard sale & donating the money, what a great idea!
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

DawgBlogger said...

Every day is "Cookie's day" around here :-)

Felissa Hadas said...

We "spring clean" quite often so that we can bring stuff to our local shelter. Everyday is picture day at our house. The girls never know when I am going to point my phone at them. The good camera comes out pretty often as well. Love the idea of sharing adoptable pets. We used to do that more often but life has gotten busy.

Unknown said...

I hope you all had a wonderful National Pet Day. Luckily it is National Pet Month all month too! Yay! We went for an extra long drive and had extra frozen carrot snacks to celebrate. :)

The Daily Pip said...

My best friend's birthday is April 11. I love the idea of having a party for National Pet Day. Maybe next year I will have a joint party for my friend and our pets - and we could do some fun pet related crafts, too! Great ideas!

Unknown said...

These are really great ideas to take your celebration beyond just posting on social media. I love the idea of having a local fundraiser! Even having a neighborhood pet party could be fun! ~ Dear Mishu

Tenacious Little Terrier said...

I took Mr. N for an extra long walk and we went to the dog park as well. He liked exploring the new neighborhood.

Impurrfectlife said...

Hope you all enjoyed National Pet Day. Really and truly us pet parents celebrate our furbabies everyday! Cute pictures!

Beth said...

These are all wonderful suggestions! I had hoped to throw a small party for friends and their dogs, but it didn't work out this year.

Unknown said...

Scheduling a photo shoot is my favorite way to celebrate!

Unknown said...

Every day is pet day in my household but i love the number of tips you have listed. Our pets give us unconditional love so i never lose an excuse to spoil them silly whenever i can

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