National Pet Day
HISTORY OF NATIONAL PET DAY
Colleen Paige, animal welfare advocate and pet & family lifestyle expert, founded National Pet Day in 2006 to celebrate the joy pets can bring to us. However, she also wanted to bring attention to the ongoing needs of many pets of all kinds waiting in shelters to be adopted. She encouraged people who want purebred dogs and cats to contact rescue organizations instead of going to a breeder. “Don’t shop! Adopt!” has become a well known motto.
Over the past 10 years, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been a partner in research to determine the physical and mental benefits of having a pet. It turns out that not only can pets steal our hearts, but they also contribute to overall cardiovascular health by lowering cortisol, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels. That’s a WIN/WIN!
TOP 5 WAYS AMERICANS SHOW THEIR PETS LOVE ON NATIONAL PET DAY
Give my pet a special treat (32%)
Tell my pet "I love you" (19%)
Buy or make a special gift for my pet (15%)
Let my pet sleep in my bed with me (15%)
My pet teaches me to be more patient (6%)
TOP 5 INTERESTING INSIGHTS ABOUT PEOPLE AND THEIR PETS
22% of Americans are attracted to people who treat their pet like a family member.
11% of Americans hang out with their pets (e.g. watch TV, read books, etc.).
10% of Americans consider their pet to be their best friend.
10% of Americans talk to their pet in a special voice.
10% of Americans carry on conversations with their pet.
HOW YOU CAN HELP ON NATIONAL PET DAY
Foster a pet: you can visit your nearest pets’ welfare center and adopt a pet. You could help a pet by providing them with food, shelter and care. To find a local shelter, here is a link to our partners in Las Vegas
Spend time at pet rescue centers: on this day you can visit a pet rescue center with some treats for the animals and spend some quality time. (Volunteer with Pawtastic Friends)
Pamper your pet: if you own a pet you can pamper them by taking them out to a beach or park, give them their favorite treat or take them to a grooming center.
Spread awareness: you can use your social media to spread awareness regarding pets’ welfare and promote their adoption among your community.
Support Pawtastic Friends: donate to our training program and prepare each rescue dog for their transition (adoption) into a new home.
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