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It's time to show your pet some extra love and appreciation on National Pet Month which begins on May 1! This month has been around since 1981, when it was first created to celebrate the special bond between humans and their furry friends. Whether you have a cat, dog, rabbit, fish or something else, it's a great opportunity to honor your pet with fun activities and thoughtful gestures. From going for a walk together to baking some homemade treats; there are plenty of ways to make this month extra special for both you and your pet!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1981</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of National Pet Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Pet Month was first recognized in the United States, aiming to celebrate the bond between humans and their pets.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1991</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Pet Month in UK</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Pet Month was adopted in the United Kingdom, spreading its influence and recognition overseas.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Promotion of Responsible Pet Ownership</div><div class='timeline-text'>Increasing focus on promoting responsible pet ownership, including pet health, welfare and benefits of owning a pet.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rise in Pet Ownership</div><div class='timeline-text'>A surge in pet ownership was noted, with National Pet Month gaining more importance and recognition.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pets in Pandemic</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Pet Month holds more importance as pets provided emotional support to many during the global COVID-19 pandemic.</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'>Walk your pet</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take your pet for a walk around the neighborhood or to a local park. It's a great way to get some exercise, bond with your furry friend, and explore your local community.</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'>Take your pet to the vet</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>It's important to make sure your pet is healthy. Check up on their vaccinations, and ask about any other health concerns you may have. Your pet will thank you for it!</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'>Treat your pet</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Treat your pet with their favorite snack or toy. It's a great way to show them how much you care and give them something special during this special month.</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'>Volunteer at an animal shelter</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Animal shelters are always looking for volunteers to help care for the animals in their care. This is a great way to show your love and appreciation for pets while also giving back to your community.</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'>Adopt a pet</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you're looking for a new family member, consider adopting a pet from your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Not only will you be giving an animal in need a loving home, but you'll also be giving yourself a furry companion.</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'>It celebrates our furry friends</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Our pets bring us love, companionship and joy. Celebrating National Pet Month is a way of recognizing the important role they play in our lives and honoring them for the unconditional love they give us every day.</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'>It helps us be more mindful about pet care</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Pet Month is also an excellent time to remind ourselves to stay on top of our pet's health and wellbeing. We can make sure their vaccinations are up to date, their grooming needs are taken care of, and that they're getting the regular exercise they need to stay healthy and happy!</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'>It highlights the importance of adopting rescue pets</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>During this special month we can also take time to appreciate all the wonderful adoptable pets out there waiting for forever homes. Adopting a shelter pet is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have - so if you're looking for a loving companion, why not consider bringing home one of these deserving animals?</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cats can meow in harmony with humans</h3><p class='facts-content'>Scientists have found that cats are able to adjust their meows according to humans' melodies - making them one of the few species able to match certain characteristics of human speech.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The life expectancy of indoor cats is twice that of outdoor cats</h3><p class='facts-content'>Indoor cats typically live around 16 years compared to outdoor cats who can have an average life expectancy of 8 years - this is mainly due to increased protection from predators, parasites, changes in weather and disease.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Dogs can understand a lot of words</h3><p class='facts-content'>Studies have shown that dogs can understand up to 250 words and will respond to their names when called. They can also understand nonverbal cues such as pointing and hand signals.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Hamsters can lose up to 1/3 of their body weight in winter</h3><p class='facts-content'>They reduce their metabolism, lose body fat, and sort of go into a kind of hibernation that allows them to survive. They also have increased tolerance to cold temperatures during this time.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Fish can feel pain</h3><p class='facts-content'>Contrary to popular belief, recent studies show that fish can feel pain. They show behavioral changes in response to pain and seem to prefer to swim in areas where pain is not perceptible.</p></div></div>
National Pet Month is celebrated on May 1 every year. In 2024 National Pet Month will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
May 1
Monday
2024
May 1
Wednesday
2025
May 1
Thursday
2026
May 1
Friday
2027
May 1
Saturday
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