Our pets bring a special kind of light to our lives. They’re our best friends, our family, and the ones who are there for us unconditionally. They do so much for us while asking for little in return.
This week is National Pet Week, and it’s the perfect time to give our beloved animal friends some extra love and attention.
What is National Pet Week?
National Pet Week is May 2-8, 2021. The holiday was created by the American Veterinary Medical Association to increase awareness of veterinary medicine while encouraging responsible pet care so our animals can live long, healthy lives. This week is all about celebrating the bonds we share with our pets.
Keep reading for nine ways you can celebrate your best friend during National Pet Week.
How to celebrate National Pet Week
1. Treat your pet!
Who doesn’t love a surprise gift? Extra treats, a new toy, a comfy bed —animals appreciate the simple pleasures, and this is the perfect opportunity to give your pet something special. Crack open your cat’s favorite flavor of wet food, give your dog a new bone, or buy your hamster a new ball or chew toy. You know what your pet loves, so give them a little token of your appreciation and love for them.
2. Spend extra quality time with your fur baby.
We are the center of our pets’ universes. Make their day by taking them out for a long walk, or cuddling and playing with them for an extended session. They’ll eat up the extra attention and love you forever (even though they already do)!
3. Revisit the tenets of responsible pet ownership.
National Pet Week was created by veterinarians who are dedicated to helping pets thrive in every stage of life. AVAM encourages pet owners to understand and educate themselves on important topics related to their pets’ lives, like understanding the needs of the pet you adopt, giving them proper nutrition and exercise, being prepared for emergencies, and more. Keep up with these essential topics for National Pet Week.
4. Have a photoshoot with your pet.
We know that 90% of the storage on your camera roll is dedicated to pet photos already… but take more photos! As much as we wish it weren’t the case, pets are only with us for a short period of time. We want to collect as many memories as possible.
5. Schedule a vet appointment.
Is your pet up-to-date on their shots? Have they had a check-up in the last year? National Pet Week is the purr-fect reminder to see your vet and make sure your animal is happy and healthy. Getting regular check-ups for your pet helps you catch potential health issues before they become serious health problems.
6. Volunteer at an animal shelter.
Whether you have pets or not, all animal lovers can celebrate National Pet Week! Local shelters are always in need of extra helpers. You can volunteer to walk dogs, scoop litter boxes, clean kennels, or help with administrative work — anything the shelter may be in need of! Volunteering is good for the soul, and as a bonus, you get to spend a few hours of your day surrounded by new pet pals.
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7. Consider becoming a pet foster parent.
Some animals don’t do well in a shelter — it can be stressful, and they aren’t able to get as much attention and socialization as they need. Fostering a homeless animal socializes the pet, gives it a more comfortable environment, and teaches it new skills it will need in its forever home. Because potential adopters can see pets in a more relaxed, home environment and also know more about them, foster pets have better chances of being adopted and going to the right home. When you become a foster, you not only help your foster pet, but you also create space in the shelter to save another rescued animal.
8. Shop with brands that support animal welfare causes.
Throughout National Pet Week and beyond, take a moment to think about the brands you shop with and support. Be intentional with your purchases and look for ways to support animal welfare at every turn. For example, in Wholesome Culture’s Giving Back Program, we donate 10% of our profits to animal rescue and environmental organizations, so you can feel good about where you shop.
9. Donate to organizations that rescue and protect animals.
Bring old towels and blankets to your local animal shelter, or make a cash donation to an animal charity like a local rescue or the ASPCA or The Humane Society. Your donations go toward comforting and caring for abandoned animals who need our help.
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There are so many ways you can show your pet and the animals in your community some extra love this week. From giving your pet extra snuggles and treats, to volunteering and fostering in your community, National Pet Week is the perfect time to reflect on how much our animals do for us, and how we can acknowledge, celebrate, and protect them in the long run.
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