National Pet Day is April 11, but if you’re a pet owner, you know that you celebrate your animal companion every day of the year! So embrace your hedgehog, form a bond with your rabbit, and give your cat some catnip! This animal brings you joy, but that’s not all. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has collaborated with researchers over the past decade to determine the physical and mental benefits of owning a companion. Pets not only have the ability to win our affections, but they also promote cardiovascular health by reducing cortisol, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels.
WHEN IS NATIONAL PET DAY IN 2023?
On April 11, National Pet Day, our canine companions, including cats, dogs, birds, and even tigers, are honoured.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL PET DAY
National Pet Day was established in 2006 by animal welfare advocate and pet and family lifestyle expert Colleen Paige to recognise the pleasure that pets can bring to their owners. However, she also wished to draw attention to the ongoing requirements of countless shelter animals of all species. She encouraged individuals seeking purebred canines and cats to contact rescue organisations rather than breeders. Avoid shopping! Adopt!” has become a popular holiday slogan.
The Humane Society of the United States estimated in 1973 that thirteen million cats and canines enter shelters annually. Some were strays, others were surrendered by owners who could no longer care for them, and others were seized as a result of legal proceedings. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter shelters in the United States today. Additionally, 1,6 million cats and 1,6 million canines find permanent homes.
Colleen’s holiday began in the United States, but quickly spread internationally. Numerous nations now observe this day, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Spain, Guam, and Scotland.
Celebrities have also joined the effort. Taylor Swift, Ellen De Generes, Ricky Gervais, Cee Lo Green, Jimmy Fallon, Willy Nelson, Kevin Bacon, Seth Myers, and Carrie Underwood, among others, have promoted National Pet Day.
And social media has helped publicise Colleen’s cause and spread the celebration. Bo, one of the two Portuguese water dogs who shared the White House with President Barack Obama, melted the hearts of politicians on both sides of the aisle with a photo he uploaded of him online. Bo was rehomed because he did not get along with an older canine belonging to a Texas family.
FULL RANKING OF THE MOST POPULAR PETS
1: Dog (45%)
2: Cat (30%)
3: Fish (9%)
4: Bird (e.g. parakeet, cockatiel, parrot, etc.) (5%)
5: Hamster/gerbil/mouse (2%)
6: Horse (2%)
7: Snake (2%)
8: Guinea pig (1%)
9: Lizard (e.g. iguana, chameleon, gecko, etc.) (1%)
10: Tarantula (1%)
NATIONAL PET DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 11 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | April 11 | Thursday |
| 2025 | April 11 | Friday |
| 2026 | April 11 | Saturday |
| 2027 | April 11 | Sunday |
