How To Celebrate National Pet Day

On April 11, pet lovers everywhere unite to celebrate the furry, feathery, and scaly companions who fill our lives with joy–it’s National Pet Day! A day dedicated to showering our beloved pets with the love and appreciation they deserve, National Pet Day is a worldwide celebration.

Whether you’re a proud parent of a playful pup, a cuddly kitty, or something more exotic, you can celebrate the unconditional love our pets offer. So grab a treat and give your pet some belly rubs as we tell you everything you need to know about this special day.

National Pet Day History

In 2006, Colleen Paige, a passionate advocate for animal welfare founded National Pet Day. While it started as a U.S. celebration, it has since spread its paws far and wide beyond national borders. According to The Economic Times, pet lovers worldwide–including renowned celebrities like Taylor Swift and Jimmy Fallon–have joined in the festivities to honor their furry friends, share heartwarming tales, raise awareness about animal welfare, and promote responsible ownership. 

Who is Colleen Paige?

A celebrity pet and home lifestyle expert, Colleen Paige has devoted her life to celebrating all pets regardless of where they come from. She created special days to uplift the life of our pets such as National Pet Day (April 11), National Cruelty Free Day (May 8), National Wildlife Day (September 4), National Puppy Day (March 23), National Kitten Day (July 10), National Mutt Day (July 31), and other animal celebrations. These holidays have created social media buzz and helped save millions of unwanted pets.

An expert on pets, Paige has written extensively about a wide range of pet topics. She has talked about pet behavior, pet fashion, animal nutrition, and pet and family safety. You can read her advice on popular U.S. publications such as Dog Fancy, Animal Wellness, The Los Angeles Times, The Associate Press, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Good Morning America, NPR, and many others. 

Celebrating National Pet Day in the Philippines

While National Pet Day may not receive much buzz in the Philippines as it does in the U.S., there are signs of celebration that have popped up! The Philippine Star (https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/2022/04/19/2175297/pinoys-playlists-and-pets-how-spotify-celebrated-national-pet-day) reported in 2022 how Spotify highlighted five Filipino artists and their adorable pets on the streaming platform. Several businesses have also been promoting their pet products on social media during past celebrations. Here at Mo and Bear, we’re rooting for National Pet Day to become the talk of the town, especially with the rising number of pet owners and the growing importance of animal welfare in our country.

6 Ways You Can Celebrate National Pet Day 2024 in the Philippines

1. Adopt! Don’t Shop!

Instead of purchasing pets from commercial breeders or pet stores, consider adopting from your local animal shelter. According to the Philippine News Agency (https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1212583), there are around 12 million stray dogs in the Philippines who need loving homes. By adopting, you support  ethical treatment of animals and discourage breeding facilities that focus solely on profit.

2. Social Media Love

Share photos and stories of your pet on social media using the hashtag #NationalPetDay2024. Whether through sharing heartwarming tales, hilarious antics, or adorable snapshots, you can spread the joy of having pets and encourage others to cherish their furry family members.

3. Pamper Your Pet

Treat your best pal to a day of luxury! Give them a relaxing massage, pamper them with a grooming session, or splurge on some new treats to show how much they mean to you. Check out Mo and Bear for Purr Delight moringa-infused cat food and Happy Life eco-friendly pet bath products.

4. Host a Pet Party

Gather your fellow pet lovers and throw a paw-themed party! Set up a pet-friendly space with games, activities, and treats for both humans and animals to enjoy. It’s a fantastic way to socialize with fellow pet lovers and create lasting memories.

5. Volunteer in a Pet Shelter

Give back to the community by volunteering at a local animal shelter or rescue organization. Your effort and time can make a world of difference to animals in need. If you don’t know where to start, check out these nonprofit organizations:

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) - Volunteer to walk rescued dogs, clean kennels, and assist during outreach programs

Compassion and Responsibility for Animals (CARA Welfare Philippines) - Take part in home visits, follow-ups, and turn over for adopted pets. You can also volunteer your professional services (blogging, graphic design, event management, and more) to help their cause. 

Animal Rescue PH - Click the Facebook volunteer group link to know the various ways you can volunteer to help rescued dogs.

Bohol Animal Rescue and Kindness (BARK INC.) - BARK Shelter and City Pound in Tagbilaran, Bohol welcomes long-term and short-term volunteers for bath days, shelter maintenance, dog petting, and other activities.

Aklan Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (AARRC) - Dog and cat lovers can walk dogs to the beach/river, clean their spaces, help administer medicines, play with puppies and kittens, and help with other odd jobs at the center.

Passion Project - Spend time with the dog at their shelters in Bacolod and Bulacan. You can take them out for walks and play with them to enrich their days. Book an appointment and visit Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. 

6. Practice Responsible Pet Ownership

Take a moment to reflect on the ways you can be a better pet parent. Ensure your furry friend receives proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care. By being a responsible pet owner, you provide your beloved companion with a happy and healthy life.

Celebrate National Pet Day 2024

National Pet Day serves as an important reminder to cherish the precious bonds we share with our beloved pets and advocate for their well-being. Let’s celebrate the magic of pet companionship and the unconditional love they bring into our lives. So, grab a treat, shower your pets with affection, join us in honoring the extraordinary bond between humans and animals that makes every day brighter and more meaningful! 

How are you celebrating National Pet Day in 2024? Share it with us on our Facebook page!