National Pet Parents Day

By Heather McLaren | Owner of Advanced Animal Transport

    Pets offer a bond that can be irreplaceable. To celebrate this, National Pet Parents Day falls on the last Sunday of April. According to NAPPS (National Association for Professional Pet Sitters) this day was started thanks to Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI). This holiday recognizes that pet parents consider pets as being a part of the family. 

Ideas to Celebrate National Pet Parents Day

    Spoil your pets through their favorite activities. This can be in the form of walks, extra playtime, special treats, and toys. Cats enjoy playing with hair ties and shower curtain rings. Dogs love going for walks and enjoying the elements of being outside. Feathered friends enjoy safe toys that are chew friendly and extra fresh veggies. Reptiles will enjoy extra food and cozy habitat updates. 

    Other ideas include taking your pet to find a new toy at a local pet store or giving them a spa day. For pets unable to leave the house, Advanced Animal Transport can help with this! A quick visit to a local park to smell new smells or visiting family members and pets they're familiar with will brighten their day.

Giving Back to Shelter Pets During National Pet Parents Day

    Don't forget that there are lots of pets in the shelter that would love a new home. This may not be feasible, but that's okay. Some ideas to help them feel loved includes visiting a shelter and just taking them for a walk. New humans equal new smells and new adventures! 

    Have a little extra time to spare beyond a walk? Reach out to the shelter to help volunteer. Shelters are often overwhelmed and filled to capacity. This would ease the load on staff and allow you to socialize with the pets.

    No time available? That's okay, if you have the availability to donate, shelters always need donations. This doesn't just mean money. Animal shelters are in constant need of blankets, towels, toys, and food. Reach out to friends and family if they have excess items that they would like to help donate. Advanced Animal Transport is more than willing to help bring these items to the shelter as well!

    If you would like to help donate money, this would be most helpful as vet bills do accumulate when it comes to saving pets from euthanasia and performing emergency surgeries. Three Stooges Rescue https://threestoogesrescue.org/donate is a local rescue to Port Saint Lucie, FL and has been instrumental in saving pets from euthanasia. However, they do need help with veterinary bills. You can learn more about each dog's story on their social media pages. 

Don't Forget the Important Part of Pet Ownership During National Pet Parents Day

    Review annual health information and certificates. Schedule physicals and updated vaccinations with the veterinarian. This information will be important especially if evacuating during hurricane season. 

Whatever you choose for celebrating National Pet Parents Day, Advanced Animal Transport hopes that you create happy memories with your loved one. Don't forget to take photos and share with us what you did below or catch us on Facebook!