National Pet Month: Fun Facts and How to Celebrate

It's National Pet Month! This is a time to celebrate the joy that pets bring into our lives. Pets are more than just animals that we keep in our homes - they are members of our families. They provide us with companionship, love, and support. In addition, pets have many benefits for our mental and physical health.

What is National Pet Month?

National Pet Month celebrates the benefits that pets bring to people's lives - and vice versa. It is observed annually in the United States in May.

National Pet Month is coordinated by the National Office Of Animal Health (NOAH) and the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA).

National Pet Month’s purpose is to promote the benefits of pet ownership and support pet adoption.

Benefits of Owning a Pet

Pets, especially dogs and cats, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. They can also ease loneliness and encourage exercise and playfulness. Pets are a great way to keep you healthy because they help improve your heart health. Caring for an animal can help children grow up more secure and active. Pets also provide valuable companionship for older adults too. Pets bring so much joy and unconditional love!

Support Pet Adoption

Each year, it is estimated that more than one million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States. There are too many pets in shelters and not enough people who consider adoption when looking for a pet.

If more people adopt pets instead of buying them, the number of euthanized animals could be reduced. When you adopt a dog or cat, you save a loving animal and make them part of your family. You are also freeing up space in the shelter for another animal who might need it.

Not to mention, you'll also be fighting against puppy mills. Puppy mills are breeding facilities that care more about making money than taking care of the dogs. Dogs from puppy mills are housed in shockingly poor conditions and often have health problems or behavioral issues. The moms of these puppies are kept in cages and bred over and over without human companionship.

Many puppy mills continue to stay in business by using deceptive tactics. People who buy pets from stores, on the internet, or through classified ads may not know that they are supporting these cruel businesses. If people stop buying pets from these places, the puppy mills will eventually have to close. Adopting a pet is the best way to make sure puppy mills don't receive a dime of our money.

Fun Ways to Celebrate National Pet Month

Go exploring! Enjoy a dog-friendly park or restaurant near you that you haven’t visited before. Maybe your cat would like to go to the pet store to see the fish and the birds or to pick out some new toys or treats. 

Do It Yourself! Make some new toys or treats for your furry or feathered friend!

• 12 Easy, Fun DIY Dog Toys That Won’t Break the Bank
• 5 Homemade Cat Toys I Made From Empty Toilet Paper Rolls
• 25 Simple Dog Treat Recipes: Made With 5 Ingredients or Less

Go for a walk! You can also take your cat for a walk (or at the very least, attempt it). Start taking short walks around your neighborhood with your cat in a harness and leash. 

Regardless of how you celebrate National Pet Month with your pet, your furry friend will be happy you are spending some extra time loving and pampering them throughout the month!