May is National Pet Month in America – and this week is also National Pet Week! – which makes it the perfect time to take a pause in our hectic lives to celebrate the animals in our lives. Whether you live with a devoted dog, a clever cat, a terrific tortoise, a rambunctious rat, or even a whole menagerie, this is the perfect time to show your pet how much you love them. This is also a great time for advocacy for animal welfare.
10 Ways to Celebrate the Pets in Our Lives
Make your pet a special meal: The way to the heart is through the stomach, and this is especially true for pets—and their tails will certainly wag in delight at the scent of a new cuisine, be it a surprise can of tuna, a few homemade treats, or a delicious kibble upgrade.
Keep up with vet visits: A healthy pet is a happy pet. Don’t forget to schedule regular check-ups to ensure they are up to date on vaccinations and shots.
Pamper your pet with a spa day: Treat your furry friend to a grooming session to keep them looking and feeling their best. With the weather warming up, it is important to keep their coats at an appropriate length to prevent sunburn and overheating.
Go for a walk: Take advantage of the sunnier days with longer walks in different parks and more outdoor playtime! As pets spend more time outdoors, they become better socialized and more familiar with their surroundings.
Spruce up their living space: Consider gifting your pet a fluffier bed, a larger cage, or even a few new aquarium decorations! A comfortable and stimulating living space not only keeps them cozy but also contributes to their mental health and overall well-being.
Teach them new tricks: Dogs, cats, and even some birds benefit from learning new tricks. Ongoing pet training keeps your pet well-behaved, mentally active, and, most importantly, rewards us with more bonding time! Remember to teach with positive reinforcement and celebrate accomplishments with a few tasty treats.
Surprise them with new toys: Keep your pets entertained and active with a wide variety of stimulation toys, such as nose work games, agility courses, and red laser pens, to keep both their brains and bodies moving.
Have a pet photoshoot: Photos capture life’s most precious memories, and pets may be the most photogenic of us all! Choose a theme, match your pet in your most fashionable attire, and snap a few pictures to cherish forever.
Volunteer: Even those without pets can celebrate National Pet Month! Volunteer at a local animal shelter, foster a pet to help socialize them for their future homes, or simply make a monetary donation to your favorite charity or organization. Your support will help prepare animals for adoption and make a positive impact on their lives.
Adopt a pet: Last, but certainly not least, celebrate National Pet Month by giving a deserving pet a forever home! By adopting from shelters, you are not only providing a second chance to an animal in need but also helping prevent shelter overcrowding, which in turn frees up resources for other pets.
—
Photo Credit: Eric Isselee / Shutterstock.com