National Pet Day is celebrated every year on April 11th, dedicated to celebrating all kinds of pets, from dogs and cats to birds, reptiles, and everything in between, while also encouraging pet adoption.
History of National Pet Day
National Pet Day was founded in 2006 by pet lifestyle expert Colleen Paige, the same animal advocate behind National Dog Day, National Cat Day, and National Puppy Day. Unlike those species-specific observances, National Pet Day was created to celebrate pets of all kinds, recognizing that companionship comes in many forms beyond just cats and dogs.
Paige created the day with two goals: honoring the many pets that bring joy and companionship into people’s lives, and raising awareness for pets still waiting to be adopted from shelters and rescues nationwide. The day encourages pet owners to appreciate their animals while also spotlighting the importance of responsible pet ownership and adoption over impulse purchases.
How to Celebrate National Pet Day
- Spend extra quality time with your pet, whatever kind of animal they may be
- Consider adopting a pet in need from a local shelter or rescue
- Donate supplies or funds to a local animal shelter
- Schedule a wellness checkup if your pet is due for one
- Share photos of your pet on social media using #NationalPetDay
Fun Facts About Pets
- National Pet Day was founded in 2006 by pet lifestyle expert Colleen Paige.
- Unlike National Dog Day or National Cat Day, National Pet Day is intentionally inclusive of all types of pets, including smaller and less traditional companion animals.
- Millions of pets enter animal shelters in the United States each year, making adoption awareness a central theme of the holiday.
- Pet ownership has been linked to numerous wellbeing benefits, including reduced stress and increased physical activity among owners.
- Non-traditional pets, like reptiles, birds, and small mammals, have grown steadily in popularity as more people seek companions suited to their lifestyle or living space.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Pet Day?
National Pet Day is celebrated annually on April 11th.
How is National Pet Day different from National Dog Day or National Cat Day?
National Pet Day is intentionally inclusive of all types of pets, while National Dog Day and National Cat Day, also founded by Colleen Paige, focus specifically on those individual species.
How can I get involved with National Pet Day?
Spending time with your own pet, adopting from a shelter, or donating to a local animal welfare organization are all meaningful ways to participate.