National Pet Day 2024: History, Theme, Significance

The most delightful feeling is coming home and snuggling your pet, who has been waiting eagerly for you. They frequently feel overwhelmed yet are unable to convey this act of love. We know that you hug your Persian cats and labradors every day but April 11, 2024, is just about giving them a special hug, loads of chicken, and extra goodies. This is because this day is celebrated as National Pet Day! The day honors all pets including dogs, cats, birds, and more. This event encourages us to pause and reflect on the vital role that our pets play in our lives.

It’s not uncommon for families to grow by adopting pets from shelters on National Pet Day because it’s one of the best days for kids to convince their parents to finally acquire a pet. Your pet loves you and returns the favour. On National Pet Day, it is time to recognize this affection through this article. 

National Pet Day 2023 Date 

Event	National Pet Day
Date	April 11, 2023
Day	Monday
Country	USA

History that Ensured Pets Get Adopted! 

The origin of National Pet Day began with something like this:

• Colleen Paige, animal welfare advocate, and pet and family lifestyle expert founded National Pet Day in the year 2006.
• This day is celebrated to honour the love and respect every pet provides to the family members who adopted them.
• Her main motive is to ensure that all pet animals such as dogs, cats, birds, etc are fully respected and cared for. However, she also wanted to highlight how many animals need shelter and are waiting to be adopted. 
• She advised people looking for purebred dogs and cats to get in touch with rescue groups rather than visiting a breeder. That’s why it is said, “Don’t shop! Adopt!” 
• The Humane Society of the United States projected that about 13 million cats and dogs were brought into shelters annually in 1973. While some were abandoned by their owners who could no longer care for them, others were stray animals, and some were taken in court proceedings.
• Around 6.5 million companion animals enter shelters throughout the country each year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Furthermore, 1.6 million dogs and 1.6 million cats find their forever homes.

Celebrities have joined the cause as well. Taylor Swift, Ellen DeGeneres, Ricky Gervais, Cee Lo Green, Jimmy Fallon, Willy Nelson, Kevin Bacon, Seth Meyers, and others have all endorsed National Pet Day.

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Significance of Celebrating National Pet Day 

Below are some key factors to let you know how important it is to commemorate pets and in fact every animal on this special day: 

• Pets are stress busters! That’s true because if you have ever got ill and sick for a longer duration then having a pet around would ensure you be relieved of stress and anxiety caused by the sickness
• Pets help in charging your bodily and psychological health! Having a pet around would decrease blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Pets have a calming effect! If you are someone living alone or you have grown your age then pets would help you to extend your lifespan. A human would start being more socially active
• Salute to police dogs! Breeds like Weiner and Labrador are also trained in a manner that they can be employed to investigate a crime, detect narcotics, explosives and ensure children’s safety 

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Make a Step Forward to Contribute to this National Pet Day

However, it’s not only about making a good deed on only “observed days”. Make this your habit and try and contribute each and every day of your life. Below is a rundown of the activities you can start performing and include in your daily routine: 

• If you are looking forward to having a cat or dog in your home, then adopt a stray animal. Adopting a stray and providing a shelter, is the finest gift you can give to that pet
• Dog owners can take their dogs to pet-friendly restaurants or eateries. Get them their favorite treats and enjoy your food being around them 
• You can also reward them by buying them new toys and clicking photos of your photogenic babies 
• Establish a social media account for your cat and get them some love from people all over the world 
• Lastly, if you are someone who always has a busy schedule, so just take an off and be with your dogs/cats. Spoil them completely. Important: Feed, love, play and repeat! 

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National Pet Day in Different Nations 

Country	Holiday	Occasion	Date
Japan	Cat Day	Japan honors its feline companions	February 22
Thailand	National Elephant Day	This day is dedicated to honoring the local elephant population	March 13
Latvia	Zirgu Diena	On this day, Latvia honors horses	January 17
Italy	Hedgehog Day	Italy has its own version of Groundhog Day called Hedgehog Day	February 2
Poland	Day of help to forest animals	On this day, recognize the value of forest animals and the effects of environmental change	February 11

FAQs

A study found that having a pet as a friend could help people feel less stressed, have better heart health, and even help kids learn social and emotional skills. For those who are unable to even communicate their needs and emotions to others, let’s make this day even more special. For more information about such informative articles, check the trending events page of Leverage Edu.