We love the animals in our lives. Their companionship and quirky ways provide so much joy – even after the longest days and toughest of times! National Pet Day is an opportunity to show them our thanks and shower them with some extra attention.
Here are seven ways to do exactly that!
1. Dress for the occasion
The first part of any celebration is to look the part.
These days, there are a huge range of pet clothing and fashion accessories to choose from. And many of them are made right here in Australia – such as Central Coast based Swanky Paws and Yap Wear in Melbourne.
You can choose from a wide range of bows, bow ties and bandanas for a quick costume change. For something more substantial, try a decorative coat for a chilly day or fun novelty costume for playtime fun.
2. Bake up a storm
There is something about freshly baked goods that everyone loves – including our pets!
These days, you can buy pre-made baking mixes that are specifically designed for pets. One such Australian business selling such packs is Melbourne-based Beau’s Grain Free Baking Mixes.
“We’re all about treating our pets by providing delicious and nasty-free treats that will put a smile on any pup’s face,” the Aussie business’s founder Sarah Morrissey says.
Packs include Pumpkin Donut and Red Velvet biscuits. Or for a true celebration, why not bake them a Pup Cake.
You can even theme your biscuits using fun cookie cutters – like these bone-shaped ones.
3. Get creative
Pull out the camera, dust off the sketch book or get out the arts & crafts – National Pet Day is a great excuse to get creative. And it’s an activity the whole family can get involved in!
You could try taking new family portraits, painting the next great masterpiece to hang on the wall or designing fun crafts projects that represent what you love about your pet.
You can even learn how to draw a dog, cat or other pet and try to recreate their likeness!
4. Have a cleaning spree
Looking for something cheap to do? Then why not get down and dirty to clean up your pet’s living space. It’s free and will creating a more comfortable environment – for them and for you!
That could include:
- Washing your dog’s bed and/or putting on a comfy new cover
- Refreshing the cat litter tray
- Replacing the fish tank water and filters, and scrubbing away any algae
- Cleaning out the chicken coop and adding fresh straw into nesting boxes
- Moving the rabbit/guinea pig hutch onto fresh grass and cleaning out their sleeping quarters
- Doing a poop pick up in the backyard or horse paddock
While you’re at it, why not give them a bath and a brush (if relevant) to keep them looking and feeling their best!
5. Get them tickets to the show
The Dog Lovers Show and Cat Lovers Show are back again in 2022, after the COVID pandemic saw the events cancelled over the past two years.
For canine families, the Dog Lovers Show will be held in Sydney and Melbourne. Meanwhile the Cat Lovers Show is exclusive to Melbourne.
The shows have loads of information and entertainment for the whole family, including the furry members!
6. Curl up with them and a movie
Nothing says family activity like a movie night! And to mark National Pet Day, make the theme movies that are about your particular pet.
Need some inspiration? Here are the 10 best dog movies of all time to get you started.
Disney classic The Aristocats, Puss in Boots from the Shrek series and Garfield are all family-friendly flicks about our feline friends.
And who can forget that great fishy movie Finding Nemo? Follow it up with the sequel Finding Dory.
7. Treat them
What pet doesn’t love a tasty treat?!
So, why not spoil them with one of their favourite treats – especially one that is reserved just for special occasions.
For instance, you could consider:
- A raw bone from your butcher or chewy fish treats like mackerel tails for dogs and cats
- A fresh cob of corn or watermelon segment for chickens
- Small sweet treats like fresh strawberries or dried pineapple pieces for rabbits
- Fresh carrots or apple portions (minus the seeds!) for horses
- Blanched zucchini pieces weighed down for fish
No matter what you do, be sure to give your pet some extra love and show them your gratitude for the joy they bring you.
Happy National Pet Day!
