National Pet Day

National Pet Day is April 11 every year. This is a great opportunity for anyone who owns a pet. It would be a pity if you did not celebrate your companion! Therefore, let give a hug for your hedgehog, show love with your bunny, and give your kitty a haircut! That creature makes you happy and that is not all. For the past 10 years, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been a research partner to determine the physical and emotional benefits of having a pet. It has been demonstrated that pets not only helps to heal our hearts, but also promote a healthy heart by reducing cortisol, cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

History of National Pet Day

Colleen Paige, animal rights advocate and established pet and family lifestyle expert, founded National Pets Day in 2006 in order to commemorate the joy that pets can bring us. However, she also wanted to draw attention to the ongoing need for the variety of pets waiting in shelters to be adopted. She encourages people who want purebred dogs and cats to contact rescue organizations instead of going to a breeder. “Don't shop! Adopt!" has become the slogan of National Pet Day.

In 1973, the Humane Society of the United States publicly announced that approximately 13 million cats and dogs needed shelter each year. Some have gone astray, some have been handed over by owners who are no longer able to take care of them, and some have been arrested in legal proceedings. Currently, according to data from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, there will be about 6.5 million animals in need of shelter across the country. Moreover, 1.6 million cats and 1.6 million dogs found their homes.

Colleen's vacation started in the United States, but it soon expanded internationally. National Pet Day becomes popular and always a reminder for pet lovers, especially in the UK, Ireland, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Spain, Guam, Scotland and many other countries.

Celebrities have also given the cause. Some singers such as Taylor Swift, Ellen De Generes, Ricky Gervais, Cee Lo Green, Jimmy Fallon, Willy Nelson, Kevin Bacon, Seth Myers and Carrie Underwood also encouraged people around the world.

Some reasons for National Pet Day being loved

• Most of us have a pet

In the United States, 67% of households have a pet. We spend about $75 billion a year on pet care products and services.

• Pets are part of the family

A 2016 Harris poll found that 95% of pet owners say their pets are part of the family. That is a seven-point increase from 2007.

• Pets are fun

Only a pet would chase a ball for you, pounce on a laser spot, or gnaw a carrot from your hand. Enjoy watching your guinea pig tuck its cheek, your guinea pig chewing on a TP pipe, or your ferret frolicking in its hammock. Your guinea pig will probably pee on your lap but it is so cute!

Tradition of National Pet Day

The hairy babies are pampered to the fullest on National Day. Owners go all out to lavish their pets with the worship and care they deserve (well, more than any other day). Taking them for a walk or drive, buying their favorite treats or buying them a new toy to play with are just some of the ways to give your pet a little extra pampering this day.

National Pets Day is also one of the best occasions for children to convince their parents to agree to adopt a pet; hence, the addition of a new member to the family, with adoptions from shelters or families bought genealogy, very popular on this day. Everyone is part of the celebration, as every other social media post features fancy portraits or cute candles of pets.

Some number of National Pet Day

36% - the percentage of dogs that reduce the risk of dying from heart disease.

10% - percentage of owners allergic to their pets.

5000–7000 - number of tigers kept as pets in the US

94% - percentage of families with children with autism benefit from having a pet.

44% - percent of people who would rather cuddle their pet than their partner.

200 million - the number of wild dogs in the world.

2 million - the number of animals that die in shelters every year.

9% - percentage of healthy dogs fed meat in shelters in Canada in 2017.

90% - the percentage of pets found in a day when the owner looks for them.

29% - percentage of people who had to part with their pets due to residency restrictions.

How to celebrate National Pet Day

• Adopt a pet

In addition, remember that you are not limited to dogs and cats. House rabbits are easy to train in litters. Reptile is quiet. Some birds will talk to you.

• Launching the next digital diva

Convince your cute cat to pose, pounce, pounce, pout, or play the piano. Post the video on the kitten's account. Pray for virus.

• Pamper your dog

What does your furry friend like? Duck tug toy. A nice belly rub. Lie down on the floor and give that dog some love!