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    General tips,  Pets

    21 Ways to Show your Pets Love During Pet Appreciation Week

    Pet Appreciation Week: June 5th-11th

    There’s no denying that our pets provide us with all the love and attention we could ever want or even deserve. They show unconditional love in every circumstance, do not judge us, and provide comfort, love, and affection. They are the greatest gifts humans could ever want. Speaking of gifts we appreciate, did you know that June 5th through the 11th is pet appreciation week? 

    It is!

    If you didn’t know about this special week, keep reading to learn more. Let’s return the favor and show our pets how much we love and adore them with a special week dedicated just for them. 

    Origins of National Pet Appreciation Week

    Pet appreciation week originated in 1981 by the American Veterinary Medical Association to create awareness of the importance of our pets in our lives. And secondly, this recognition is significant because it’s a way we as humans can display our gratitude for our pets in everything they do to enrich our lives.

    According to NationalToday.com:

    Pet Appreciation Week is on the first Sunday of June, beginning on June 5 and ending on June 11 this year. People celebrate this day by raising awareness about pet care and pet-related health issues. Various activities are organized to teach people how to care for pets responsibly as well as fostering and adopting pets. People engage with their pets and bond with them through many different activities to make them feel loved, cared for, and appreciated.”

    Life is hectic

    With the busy nature of our daily lives, let’s take a moment this week to show our pets gratitude for everything they give to us. Here are twenty-one ways to show your pets you appreciate them this week.

    Let me know if any of these ideas resonate with you. Would you add anything else to this list?

    21 Ways to Show your Pets Love During Pet Appreciation Week PIN

    21 Ways to pamper your pet  

    Fun Activities

    1. Teach your pet a new trick. Take the time to finish up that training you’ve been slacking on and invest time this week to reach your goal.

    2. Spend extra exercise time outdoors. Go for a hike and enjoy the sunshine. Let your dog or cat enjoy an outdoor adventure among the trees.

    3. Surprise your pet with a new toy. Pick up a new catnip toy for Fluffy or a Snuffle ball for your senior dog to keep them active and entertained.

    dog with sunglasses in lap of owner wearing sunglasses

    4. Play their favorite game. Does your dog love Frisbee? Head out to the park.

    5. Have a celebration party or a playdate! You do not need a reason to have a good party. Invite trusted family, friends, and neighbors for a party! Set up a time and date to have a playdate with a friend who has experience spending an enjoyable time with your pet.  

    Give the gift of good health.

    6. Make sure your pet’s microchip information is up to date. Unfortunately, many pet parents do not keep their contact information updated regularly. It’s not until an emergency occurs that we remember to do so. Plan ahead and get your information updated.

    7. Visit the veterinarian. A trip to the vet is not necessarily an ideal “fun” activity; however, it is necessary to help ensure your pet remains in good health. Taking preventative measures to stay on top of vet visits is an excellent way to show your pet you love and care about their well-being.

    8. Consider getting pet insurance. For those moments in life when the unexpected happens, it’s so helpful to have pet insurance. Also, pet insurance can lighten the burden of those final expenses in life.

    cat sitting in lap of veterinarian

    Family fun

    9. Take a professional pet portrait photo session with the entire family. Photo sessions don’t have to happen for only special occasions. Arrange a duo or family photo session with your pet and create new memories together. It’s a great way to capture the memories to save for a lifetime. 

    10. Do something from your pet’s bucket list. Have you visited the beach yet? How about taking a road trip to a national park? Looking for ideas? Check out 6 Bucket List Ideas to Try with Your Pet Right Now.

    11. Have a pamper session. Set up an appointment to have your pet groomed. Arrange a spa day at home or leave the bathing and grooming to the professionals.

    12. Create a pet calendar with your favorite pictures of your pet. Create a custom calendar of candid photos of your pet with your family.

    13. Pet portrait. Honor your pet with a custom pet portrait to keep on the walls inside your home. You can find a few ideas here.

    bride and groom with dog

    In the Kitchen

    14. Make a home-cooked meal or treat for your pet.- Use your culinary talents and whip up a nice homemade meal or treats for your pets.

    15. Make sure the cat/doggie cookie jar is full. If cooking homemade pet food is not for you, stock up on delicious treats you know they love at home.

    Homebodies/Seniors

    16. Foster a pet! Help an animal get socialized and ready to find their future home by fostering. Offer your time to foster a pet in need. Explore ways to help at your local animal shelter or non-profit.

    17. Get a custom paint by numbers kit. Winnie’s Picks has a great variety of paint by number kits for adults and also offers custom kits. You can explore more here.

    18. Order a custom T-shirt with your pet’s image. You can order a personalized T-shirt with your pet’s picture and show off your pet all year round. Amazon, Etsy, and Zazzle are all websites you can explore this option.

    19. Have a custom pet pillow made. Don’t wait until your pet has passed on to honor them today. Have a pet pillow made in their image. They are a great gift year-round. 

    20. Watch a movie together. Binge-watch your favorite movie or TV series. Sometimes you don’t have the energy or are unable to get outside. That’s okay. You can still cuddle with your pet and chill. Catch up on your favorite movie or series together. There is nothing like spending some quality time together.

    cat resting beside owner

    For all animal lovers/Pet parents past and present

    21. Volunteer at your local animal shelter or non-profit. Whether you have a pet or not, pay it forward and volunteer your time to help animals in need. From helping out in the office and cleaning out cages to fundraising and socializing with animals, there are countless ways to help animals in need.

    Give the gift of your talent and time to help animals find their forever home.

    Final Thoughts

    Our pets are a pivotal part of our family, and we should treat them as such. Pet appreciation week is a chance for us to pause and take a moment to show them just how much we value them as a part of our lives by doing something extraordinary.

    As pet parents, we can all participate in finding ways to show how much we love and appreciate our pets. After all, our pets deserve it!

    Do you have plans to spoil your pet this week? How do you plan to celebrate? Be sure to spread the word about this week. Pin and share this post! Leave a comment below.

    For more ideas on how to help animals in need, check out my other posts below.

    8 Steps to support National Justice for Animals Week

    5 Reasons Why I think Fostering a Pet is a Good Idea

    10 Easy Ways to Prevent Animal Cruelty [Infographic]