National Love Your Pet Day (February 20)
Check out the weird holiday National Love Your Pet Day on February 20. Learn the history of loving pets, and get ideas on how to celebrate.
One weird holiday on February 20 is National Love Your Pet Day. Check out the other weird February holidays!
History of National Love Your Pet Day
We’re not entirely certain where this weird holiday of loving your pets came from, but it’s a good one to celebrate! It’s been around since the early 2000s.
Most households in the United States have at least one pet. There are more cats than dogs in the US, but the actual number of households with dogs is higher than that with cats (which we have all the crazy cat ladies to thank for that).
There are also many other types of pets: fish, rabbits, lizards, and more! (And no, pet rocks don’t really count.) But no matter what type of animal your pet is, know that pets tend to provide stress relief and lower blood pressure.
The first animal to be domesticated was actually the wolf! Around 10,000 BC, ancient humans would take wolf cubs home and train them.
Cats were domesticated around 7500 BC in the near east; it wasn’t until later that they were more common in Egypt. Then a few millenia later, Egyptians began using dogs as guards and to assist in hunting.
The ancient Romans began keeping colorful, bright parrots as pets in 3,000 BC. Around that same time, people in Brazil were doing the same thing. Birds in general became a favorite pet in Spain until well through the middle ages and regency periods.
European royalty began keeping tiny pet dogs as pets in the 1600s, such as toy poodles and other miniature and toy dog breeds.
In the 1850s, the first photograph of a pet was taken. It was titled Poodle with Bow on Table, and it sold for $8,000 in 2009 at an auction.
Ideas for National Love Your Pet Day
Other than splurging for pet gifts on Amazon, here are some ways you can show your pet you love them.
10 Games to Play with Dogs
Games are a great way to bond with your dog, sneak in a little training and share some fun and exercise at the same time! Whether you are looking for a game for National Love Your Pet Day to play on outdoors or an indoor dog game to enjoy on a rainy afternoon, we’ve got 10 great games to play with dogs!
5 Ways to Show Your Dog You Love Them
If you need ideas for National Love Your Pet Day, here are some great ways to show your dog you love them!
Celebrate Valentine's Day With Your Cat
We just had Valentine's Day, but if you didn't show your cat enough love, then celebrate again on National Love Your Pet Day and help your cat know they're special to you.
Paw Print Ornament: A Sweet DIY Keepsake for a Furry Friend
This paw print ornament is a perfect gift for National Love Your Pet Day! See how easy it is to make a DIY paw print ornament as a sweet keepsake for a furry friend!
Our Dog Adoption Story: the Good, the Bad, and…the Priceless
For National Love Your Pet Day, read this beautiful story about dog adoption.
4 Benefits Why Kids Need Pets
If you're thinking about getting a pet on National Love Your Pet Day, here are some reasons why your kids should have one.
15 Reasons Why I Love my Dog & My Dog is my Valentine
We just had Valentine's Day! Was your dog your valentine? On National Love Your Pet Day, read these fun reasons why your dog should be part of your love life!
9 Natural Ways To Comfort Your Dying Dog (At Home)
Losing a pet is one of the most difficult parts of having an animal companion. For National Love Your Pet Day, learn about how you can show your pet you love them towards the end of their life.
Our New Puppy
Thinking about getting a new puppy for National Love Your Pet Day? Here are some good ideas on how to care for them!
Trail Running with Dogs: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
Spend more time with your dog on National Love Your Pet Day and go trail running!
Free DIY dog bandana pattern
Nothing shows your pet you love them more than a DIY gift! For National Love Your Pet Day, make this cute DIYdog bandana.
[FREE] My Pet Is Home Alone Emergency Card | Cats, Dogs & Other Pets
If you live alone, “My pet is home alone” card can be very useful in case of an emergency. Whether you own cats, dogs, guinea pigs, rats, or any other pet, you can use this emergency card! Print them out on National Love Your Pet Day and be prepared to show your pet you love them in spite of an emergency.
400+ Cute Bunny Names for Your Pet Rabbit
Looking for the best rabbit names for your new floppy eared pet that you picked up on National Love Your Pet Day? These cute bunnies names are sure to get your rabbit to hop right on board when you’re ready to add some cuteness to your life.
Cute Dog Gifts for Christmas or National Love Your Pet Day
It's National Love Your Pet Day! This post gives ideas for gifts that you can give to your beloved animal to celebrate today - gifts aren't just for Christmas!
How to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Summer
Keep your dog cool in the summer heat and do the prep work now on National Love Your Pet Day. By taking a few simple steps, you can help your pup stay comfortable and safe, even in extreme heat that's coming in a few months.
Pet Remembrance Box
A shadow boxes is the perfect container for making a pet memorial keepsake box. It allows three-dimensional objects, as well as, photos and flat items to be displayed easily. If you've lost a pet, use National Love Your Pet Day to create this keepsake.
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