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It's time to show your appreciation and love for the special bond between kids and pets on National Kids and Pets Day on April 26. This day was created to celebrate the unique relationship between children and their four-legged friends, as well as to promote responsible pet ownership. It's a great opportunity to spend quality time with your little ones and furry family members, doing fun activities together or just snuggling up for some cuddles. Whether you have a dog, cat, hamster, fish or any other pet – it's important to recognize the joy they bring into our lives!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Early 1900s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pets as Family Members</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the early 1900s, the concept of keeping pets as part of the family began to be widely accepted in Western households.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1960s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Animal-Assisted Therapy Emerges</div><div class='timeline-text'>The 1960s saw the dawn of animal-assisted therapy, where pets were used to aid in the emotional and cognitive development of children.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1971</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Pet Rock</div><div class='timeline-text'>The pet rock became a quirky trend among kids in 1971, highlighting how the relationship between children and pets was intertwined with popular culture.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1983</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pound Puppies Toy Line</div><div class='timeline-text'>The creation of the Pound Puppies toy line in 1983 showed a growing appreciation for the companionship of pets among children.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pets in Children's Television</div><div class='timeline-text'>Television shows of the 1990s often featured pets, further promoting interactions between children and animals.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Kids And Pets Day Created</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 2005, author and pet lifestyle expert Colleen Paige founded National Kids And Pets Day to celebrate the special bond between children and their pets.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go for a walk</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take your kids and your pet out for a walk. This will give your kids a chance to get some exercise and your pet will love the fresh air.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Play outside</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Set up some outdoor games for your kids and their pet. Frisbee or tag are some good options that will get everyone moving.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a petting zoo</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take your kids to a petting zoo and let them interact with different animals. This is a great way to learn about animals and how to properly handle them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make pet treats</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative in the kitchen and make some treats for your pet. It's an easy activity that both kids and pets can enjoy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a picnic</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Pack up some snacks, sandwiches, and drinks, and have a picnic with your family and your pet. Enjoy the fresh air and each other's company.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Kids and pets help build bonding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Having a pet can teach children important life lessons such as responsibility, compassion, patience and respect. At the same time, children can provide unconditional love and affection to their furry family members. Having kids and pets in the home can be a great source of comfort and joy for everyone involved!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Pets promote health benefits for children</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Research has shown that having a pet companion can have numerous health benefits for both adults and children - they result in less stress and anxiety, improved cardiovascular health, and even reduced allergies. These benefits are even higher in those who grew up with pets in their childhood home!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Pets encourage physical activity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Children who interact with animals often tend to be more active than those who don't. Pet owners commonly make regular trips outside to walk their dogs or play fetch, while some may engage in activities like hiking or swimming with their four-legged companions. This helps promote physical activity which is essential for overall health.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Children With Pets Show Better Cognitive Development</h3><p class='facts-text'>Studies have shown that children who grow up with pets tend to develop better cognitively and have higher self-esteem, making the whole family smart and confident!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Pets Can Help Kids Develop Empathy</h3><p class='facts-text'>Interacting with a pet can help a child learn about empathy and compassion, valuable emotions that will stick with them as they grow up.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Pets Can Help Teach Responsibility</h3><p class='facts-text'>Tasks such as feeding, walking, or grooming a pet can teach children responsibility from an early age.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Pets Prove to Be Great Comforters</h3><p class='facts-text'>Pets can provide emotional support for kids and can even help them handle stressful situations.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Pets Can Stimulate a Child's Social Skills</h3><p class='facts-text'>Interaction with pets can often help children to better communicate and express themselves, improving their social abilities.</p></div></div>
National Kids and Pets Day is celebrated on April 26 every year. In 2024 National Kids and Pets Day will occur on a Friday.
2023
Apr 26
Wednesday
2024
Apr 26
Friday
2025
Apr 26
Saturday
2026
Apr 26
Sunday
2027
Apr 26
Monday
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