"Pets are humanizing. They remind us we have an obligation and responsibility to preserve and nurture and care for all life." – James Cromwell.
Happy National Pet Day! This is one of our favorite hallmark holidays because we get to celebrate our fur-companions. Animals are more than just pets–they are caregivers, family, emotional support, and best friends. Over the past ten years, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been a partner in the research that suggests the mental and physical benefits of having a pet in one's life.
National Pet Day was founded by a woman named Colleen Paige, an animal welfare advocate and a pet family lifestyle expert. The day was established to highlight not just the impact of animals on our lives, but to shed light on many pets and animals who are waiting at shelters to be adopted. Paige continues to motivate and encourage people to adopt pets from shelter homes and rescue organizations, creating the holiday motto "Don't shop! Adopt!"
To honor our amazing fur-friends from around the nation, we wanted to share ways you can spoil your pets today:
Long Walks
Both dogs and cats benefit from daily long walks. Something that might seem like a tedious task for you, is one of their most enjoyable activities. From different smells, to wild animals, longer walks give your pets a chance to explore the world while giving them enough exercise to stimulate their minds.
Pet Massages
Did you know that humans aren't the only ones who enjoy a relaxing massage? Pet massages help reduce anxiety, increase circulation, while helping to strengthen your bond. These can be at-home gifts or done by a professional in your area.
New Accessories
New accessories might not seem as sentimental to your pet, until they receive a new Michael Aram gift! From bowls, to fashionable treat holders, or even a bone frame. Michael Aram has created unique pet accessories that will make all the tails wag.
Frozen Treats
Let's get creative! Frozen treats are a fun and yummy way to spoil your fur-friend(s). Some of the go-to treats include: yogurt popsicles, banana + peanut, or frozen pumpkin + strawberries. You can create custom frozen treats with your pets favorite fruits or veggies and have them enjoy them in minutes.
Brain Games
Looking for new ways to stimulate your pets? Games like treasure hunt, ring stackers, shell game, and hide-and-go-seek catnip are fun ways to enrich our pets' lives by giving them something meaningful to do. There are even snuffle mats and puzzle toys you can buy for your pet to continue the fun for days to come.
All pets deserve extra love on National Pet Day—and that includes pets still waiting to be adopted. Chewy’s Wish List features give pet lovers a way to support the shelters and rescues who care for homeless pets in your community. You can donate the supplies your local animal organizations need and add products from their Wish List to your shopping cart. When you check out, Chewy will deliver those products directly to your shelter or rescue’s doorstep. For more ways to help shelters and rescues, click here.
