Calling all pet-parents! This year, National Pet Day is on Sunday April 11th, 2021. Whether you've got a dog, cat, bird, fish, horse, rabbit, chicken, snake, hamster, or any other pet, it's time to get ready for this special day. But first, here's a little history ono this exciting pet holiday.

NATIONAL PET DAY

National Pet Day was established in 2006 by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige. Her mission was to put a spotlight on the joy pets bring to their owners' life, as well as bring attention to the ongoing needs of many pets waiting in shelters to find their forever homes. With the ultimate goal being to encourage people who are considering buying pure-breeds to consider adopting a pet instead, the popular term "Don't Shop! Adopt!" was created. National Pet Day was established in the US and has since gained popularity internationally with people like Ellen DeGeneres, Willy Nelson, and other popular celebrities talking about this special holiday on social media.

WHY YOU SHOULD CELEBRATE NATIONAL PET DAY

Whether you've got a dog, horse, or hedgehog, you should be celebrating this special day. Why, you ask? For your health! According to the CDC, there are plenty of health benefits that come along with owning a pet. Some include decreased blood pressure, decreased cholesterol levels, decreased feelings of loneliness, as well as increased opportunities for socialization, exercising, and outdoor activities.

Owning a pet brings along responsibilities. Some of these basic responsibilities include making sure your pet is fed, watered, and their habitat is safe and caters to your pet's specific needs. Besides keeping up with the basic responsibilities of pet ownership, you'll also need to invest your time and energy into your pet. You can do this by playing with and spending time with your pet for a couple hours a day. Whether its taking a walk around the neighborhood or playing a game of fetch, this quality time is what gets us humans outside and living an active lifestyle while building a special bond with our pets.

Before you know it, you and your pet will be a special bond that no one else can compete with.

HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL PET DAY

The most popular way to celebrate National Pet Day is by posting a picture of you and your pet on your social media using #NationalPetDay. You can get as creative as you'd like and set up a photo shoot to get the best selfie of your pet. Or you could simply snap a candid and post about why your pet is so important to you.

Another way to celebrate National Pet Day is by going out and adopting a pet! However, be sure that you have the time, energy, money, and extra love to invest into your new pet. The ultimate goal of National Pet Day is all about bringing awareness to the number of pets currently in shelters waiting to be adopted. What better way to celebrate National Pet Day than by adopting???

If you just don't have the time or money, consider donating some pet supplies to your local animal shelter. Just be sure to contact them before you go out and buy supplies. Sometimes shelters require certain brands of foods and special toys for the pets in their care.

National Pet Day is also about spoiling your pet and showing them how much you love and appreciate what they bring to your life. If your type of pet is allowed, take them to the pet store to pick out some new treats or toys! You could even take your pet to the park for a special outing with the Chuckit! launcher. Or just spend some quality time hanging out at home with your pet. No matter what you choose, just remember to make it fun and special for your pet.

CONCLUSION

While being a pet-parent comes with a lot of responsibilities, it's one of the most rewarding jobs out there. The excitement your pet displays when they are simply in your presence is one of the best things about pet ownership. National Pet Day is on Sunday, April 11th. Take some time out of your day this National Pet Day and spend some quality time with your pet, or pets.????