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National Pet Day is a time to celebrate the joy that our furry, feathered, and scaled companions bring to our lives. Pets are our faithful friends, always there to provide us with unconditional love and companionship, so it’s a great opportunity to honor the bond we share with them and take the time to spoil them a little. Or, if you don’t own a pet yet but always wanted to, today might be a great day to think about taking that big step.
If you’re thinking about getting a pet, there are a few things you should consider first. You need to make sure you have the time, resources, and space to take care of an animal and figure out what kind of pet or breed would be best suited to your lifestyle. Once you have an idea of what you are looking for, here are a few ways to acquire a pet…
Adopting: There are millions of dogs, cats, and other prospective pets waiting for their forever homes in shelters and rescues. Adopting one is a great way to give a homeless animal a second chance at a great life.
Purchasing: If you’re looking for a specific breed of pet, you can consider purchasing one from a reputable breeder. Just make sure to do your research first to find one who is responsible, ethical, and experienced.
Rehoming: You might be able to find someone who needs to rehome a pet, either through online ads or friends and family. Adopting a pet like this means it won’t have to go through the stress of entering a shelter.
And once you have a pet in your life, here are a few ideas for spoiling them on National Pet Day…
Give them an adventure. Bring your dog on a hike, to the dog beach, or into a pet-friendly store or restaurant. They’ll love all the new sights and smells. Or try taking your indoor cat for a walk using a leash, the perfect way for them to experience the great outdoors without being in any danger from cars or other animals.
Give them a special treat. Most foods that aren’t toxic to your animals will be okay to give as an occasional treat. Try a puppuccino from your local coffee shop (or make one yourself – it’s just whipped cream!) or feed them an elevated version of their favorite food on a fancy plate.
Give them extra playtime. Buy a new toy or get creative with what you have. A small flashlight could keep your cat busy for hours. Or play a game like hide-and-seek, tug-of-war, or fetch with your dog – not just fun but also great for keeping them mentally and physically stimulated.