How Do We Celebrate 'Love Your Pet Day'?

Pet owners know that being affectionate to their animal besties is an important part of their daily routine. Although it’s great that we express our love for them every day, there’s also nothing wrong with allocating a special day to love and celebrate them even more.
 
What Exactly is Love Your Pet Day?
 
While most people only know about Valentine's Day, which is celebrated by couples on the 14th of February each year, Love Your Pet Day is celebrated annually on the 20th of the same month to express our love for our animal best friends. It’s also the time to honor and appreciate their loyalty and unending love towards us.
 
Why is Love Your Pet Day Celebrated?
 
In Australia, 63% of households have at least one pet. In fact, the country has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the entire world. Unfortunately, finding a pet-friendly home` can be quite challenging for many Australians. A lot of rental spaces in the country do not allow pets, despite the popularity of pet ownership. Statistics reveal that pet resumes are attached to about 30% of renter resumes. This just goes to show how much pets are valued and treated as family despite the non-acceptance of some. Our pets spend their entire lives loving, serving, and bringing us joy. This special day is important to let them know how much they mean to us and to acknowledge their unconditional love as well.
 
What are the Origins of this Celebration?
 
No one really knows who and where Love Your Pet Day started. What we do know is that this wholesome celebration has been celebrated all around the world since the early 2000s.
 
How is Love Your Pet Day Celebrated? 

• Surprise your pet with a new toy - Giving your pet something new to play with is fantastic for stimulating their minds and bodies. It’ll get them thrilled and excited as well, thus lifting their overall mood.
• Give them yummy treats - While homemade treats are definitely better, buying something from the store won’t hurt if you don’t have enough time or cooking is simply not your forte. You can introduce them to new flavors and textures, or you can also buy their favorite meals and snacks. Just make sure that these treats are generally good for them.
• Sneak-in additional playtime - Some pets need regular physical activities to keep them healthy and strong. If you’re able to spend a little bit more time with them on this special day, then they’ll truly appreciate it since playtime is more than just fun and games. It allows them to bond and connect with you as well. For example, you can walk your dog for a longer distance than usual.
• Take them out - Make your pet feel extra special today by taking them out for a day trip? Go to a park, beach, pet-friendly cafe, among others. The new environment can lift their mood and play with other animals or humans.
• Share adorable photos of your pet - Proud pet owners are notorious for oversharing photos and videos of their friends with family and friends, and also through their social media profiles. On this special day, don’t forget to share your favorite moments with them or snap your activities for the day. If you have a pet resume, then that’s something you can share on Facebook as well.
• Alternative celebrations - Realistically, not all pet lovers have their own pets. May it be due to their living situations, allergies, and whatnot. However, you can still celebrate this day even if you don’t have a pet of your own. You can feed that stray kitten that lives on the block, go to animal shelters to do some charity work, or you can also play with animals at dog or pet cafes.

“Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day. It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.”– John Grogan, Marley and Me: Life and Love With the World’s Worst Dog