National Pet Day

National Pet Day History

National Pet Day is dedicated to appreciating and highlighting the unconditional love that pets bring into our lives. This day also aims to encourage the humane care of all pets, honouring the therapeutic role they play. It is a day intertwined with the values of compassion, empathy, and humanity and provides us an opportunity to reflect on the benefits that owning a pet can bring, such as positive mental health and overall well-being.

National Pet Day was established in 2006 by Animal Welfare Advocate & Pet Lifestyle Expert, Colleen Paige, in America. The day quickly gained worldwide recognition, including in the United Kingdom. It's pertinent to the UK, where there are over 51 million pets, with almost half of adults owning a pet according to the PDSA. The observance aligns with the British culture of responsible pet ownership and the value placed on animal welfare. It also provides an opportunity to dwell upon the role of many nonprofits and animal shelters that tirelessly work towards the betterment of the animal kingdom.

National Pet Day is observed in much the same way as in other countries. Pet owners often show their love and appreciation by pampering their furry companions, posting their photos on social media, taking them for special walks, or making donations to local pet shelters. Animal shelters usually have specials for adoption, encouraging more people to consider providing a loving home to pets in shelters. National Pet Day is celebrated on April 11th each year.

Facts about National Pet Day

• Having a pet in the home can reduce a child's likelihood of developing related allergies by as much as 33 percent.
• Dogs have almost 220 million smell-detecting cells, compared to the mere 5 million in humans.
• The average pet fish has a 3-second memory, while goldfishes can remember things up to a few months.
• Queen Elizabeth II is famously a lover of dogs, particularly her Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Her last purebred corgi, Willow, who was a 14th generation descendant of the Queen's first dog Susan, passed away in 2018. The Queen still has two 'dorgis' (a dachshund-corgi mix) named Candy and Vulcan.
• There are countless rescue organisations and charities across the UK dedicated to rehoming pets. The Dogs Trust, one of the UK's largest dog welfare charities, cared for over 15,000 dogs in 2018.

In the News and Trending in the UK for National Pet Day

Top things to do in the UK for National Pet Day

• Spend time with your pet. Play with them, get them a gift, show them you love them.
• Visit Dog-friendly parks and beaches: The UK is full of wonderful dog-friendly parks like Hampstead Heath in London or the many dog-friendly beaches around the UK such as Rhossili Bay in Wales.
• Attend The Family Pet Show in Manchester: It is the only pet show where people can bring their pets along. This event has exciting animal displays, fun activities, and celebrity appearances.