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National Pet Day is celebrated annually on April 11.
Use the day to show a little extra appreciation for your furry friends and the important role they play in your life.
There are many ways you can mark the occasion, especially by including the whole family in the adventures of the day.
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If you need inspiration on how you can shower your pet with love on April 11, look no further.
Here are 11 ways you can celebrate National Pet Day.
National Pet Day is recognized on April 11. (iStock)
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- Throw a pet party
- Head to the dog park
- Set up a photo shoot
- Make pet treats
- Watch a pet movie
- Go on a pet-friendly vacation
- Plan a dinner date
- Shower your pets with gifts
- Go on a special walk
- Set up a spa day for you and your pet
- Support a shelter or rescue
1. Throw a pet party
Throw a pet party for National Pet Day with all your friends and family members who also have pets. Get everyone together for an outdoor party and allow all the pets to spend time together, run around, play, swim, etc.
If you throw a pet party, be sure to have plenty of treats and toys ready to go.
2. Head to the dog park
Spend the day at the dog park with your pet, especially if this is something you don’t often do.
Heading to a new location can be fun for both you and your pet to enjoy fresh air and great exercise.
3. Set up a photo shoot
Whether it's a simple shoot with just you, your pet and your phone, or an all-out event with a photographer, you're sure to catch a new screensaver or two with this idea.
Because our pets are adorable with or without the additional accessories, you do not need to plan a grand event to snap a few great photos.
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That said, if you do plan to take things to the next level, don't forget the cute outfits and backdrop. Dress your animal up, select mataching attire and smile for the camera.
You can even invite fellow pet owners to join in on the fun.
4. Make pet treats
Obviously, our pets love their regular treats, but they get them every day. An easy, homemade peanut butter snack or frozen treat isn't difficult to make.
Switch up the average treats you give to your furry friend by making a homemade recipe – one that is safe for your pet to eat, of course. (iStock)
There are so many recipes for unique DIY pet treats, from cupcakes to cookies to ice cream and more, for your animal's preferences.
5. Watch a pet movie
Spend the night cuddled up with your furry pal and put on a movie for both of you to enjoy. There are pet-related movies you can watch on National Pet Day. Some favorite animal films might include the following:
- "Old Yeller"
- "One Hundred and One Dalmatians"
- "Lassie"
- "Lady and the Tramp"
- "Bolt"
- "Scooby-Doo"
- "Because of Winn-Dixie"
- "A Dog’s Journey"
- "The Art of Racing in the Rain"
- "Hotel for Dogs"
- "Turner & Hooch"
- Any of the many "Air Bud" movies
6. Go on a pet-friendly vacation
For a simple trip where you don't have to go far, we recommend camping as many campgrounds are pet-friendly.
If you're looking for something a little more over-the-top, there are pet-friendly hotels across the U.S. that you can enjoy with your animal. You can also try one of the numerous pet spas and pet hotels that cater to animals.
Make sure your pets are up-to-date on their vaccines before booking your trip.
In honor of National Pet Day, take your animal along on a pet-friendly vacation. (iStock)
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7. Plan a dinner date
The weather in April is beautiful and, naturally, outdoor dining begins to boom once again.
There are likely numerous outdoor restaurants that are pet-friendly near you. For National Pet Day, do some research and find a pet-friendly restaurant or coffee shop in your location to take your furry friend to.
8. Shower your pets with gifts
Run, don't walk, to your local pet store and grab extra toys and treats for your pet on April 11. Fill a little basket with treats, toys and anything else you can think of that would excite them.
Maybe they're in need of some new toothpaste, a fresh collar or leash. This is the perfect time to get all the new necessities and a few extra fun items for play time.
9. Go on a special walk
It's important that your dog gets a good amount of exercise each and every day, but National Pet Day is an opportunity to explore a different place.
Take your pet on a fun hike or to a spot you have always wanted them to see.
Maybe there's a lake nearby that your animal would love to jump into. If you time it well, you could even catch the sunrise or sunset with your pet by your side.
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10. Set up a spa day for you and your pet
Who doesn’t love a good spa day for themselves? Sometimes we may forget our pets need a good rubdown and a deep clean, too.
If you want to really get into this for your elderly animal, use massage oils that are calming and relieving for muscle pain. Numerous pet stores sell oils to assist with this. Just check with your vet before buying something your pet may not need or like.
Pets are there for monumental moments throughout a person's life. National Pet Day is a great occasion to show a little extra appreciation. (Cat Carty Buswell via AP)
11. Support a shelter or rescue
You can celebrate National Pet Day with or without a pet of your own by visiting a local shelter. Donate your time by spending just a portion of your day with the pets that live there.
These animals can definitely use the extra love. You can also donate items like toys, cleaning supplies, blankets, leashes and beds. Research your local shelter to see what items they could use.
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