May is National Pet Month in the United States – what are you doing to celebrate your pets?
I’m trying planning some outdoor fun later this month for Colt and Hank, but we’re waiting to until after our next vet appointment to book anything.
Since finding out Colt has lymphoma, we have been taking him to almost weekly vet appointments. Just in case another ends up being booked the weekend we want to travel, I have delayed putting money down to secure a hotel.
Fun Ways to Celebrate National Pet Month
Take Your Dog to a Dog Park – Taking your dog to a dog park can be a great way to provide your furry friend with exercise, socialization, and mental stimulation.
Buy Your Dog a Special Treat – We like to take our dogs for car rides if we’re heading to the pet store. It gives them entertainment and they are usually content during the ride. One of our favorite places to take them is Three Dog Bakery in Arlington, TX. They have a large assortment of freshly baked treats for our dogs.
Give Your Dog a New Toy – Giving your dog a new toy can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. Hank destroys toys so fast, but its a fun time to see him focused and happy!
Foster a Pet – If you don’t have a pet, maybe an option for you is to consider fostering a pet (if you’re looking for a furry friend in your life). It’s a wonderful way to give back, as well as an opportunity to see what having a pet is all about before you make a lifetime commitment yourself (and helps out the shelters).
Support Charities in Honor of National Pet Month
There are many organizations and businesses use National Pet Month to promote pet adoption, responsible pet ownership, and animal welfare. Click on each charity’s name below to learn more about their work, and for more ways to support them!
DFW Local Animal Nonprofits
Animal Rescue Foundation of Texas – The Animal Rescue Foundation of Texas (ARF) is a no-kill animal rescue organization comprised of an Adoption Centers and a network of foster homes. Their primary mission is to rescue dogs and cats from high kill shelters, treat their medical, emotional and behavioral conditions, and find them stable, loving homes.
Dallas Pets Alive – Their mission is to promote and provide the resources, education and programs needed to eliminate the killing of companion animals in North Texas.
DFW Rescue Me – DFW Rescue Me is a foster-based dog rescue group in the Dallas area. Their mission is to provide a “new leash on life” by finding permanent and loving homes for lost, abused and abandoned dogs.
Operation Kindness – Operation Kindness operates a lifesaving animal shelter and programs to assist people and pets.
Texas Coalition for Animal Protection – The Texas Coalition for Animal Protection provides compassionate solutions to pet overpopulation and community animal welfare. TCAP accomplishes this goal by making affordable, high quality preventative services available to Texas pet owners.
National Animal Nonprofits
ASPCA – The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was the first humane society to be established in North America and is, today, one of the largest in the world.
The Humane Society of the United States – The Humane Society of the United States takes on puppy mills, factory farms, the fur trade, trophy hunting, animal cosmetics testing and other cruel industries.
World Wildlife Fund – The World Wildlife Fund works to conserve and restore biodiversity, the web that supports all life on Earth; to reduce humanity’s environmental footprint; and to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources to support current and future generations.
There are several other pet-related observances throughout the year, such as National Love Your Pet Day on February 20th, National Pet Day on April 11th, and National Dog Day on August 26th.
These observances serve as reminders to appreciate and care for our furry companions, and to raise awareness about the importance of animal welfare.
What are you doing to celebrate National Pet Month? Let me know in the comments below!
XOXO,
Katie
