When is National Kids and Pets Day?
April 26th is National Kids and Pets Day.
What is National Kids and Pets Day?
They’re cute, they’re fun to play with, and they can be a lot of work. Pet ownership pays off in the end though, especially for families with kids. National Kids and Pets Day celebrates the friendship we share with our pets and promotes animal adoption.
It’s common knowledge that kids develop an increased sense of responsibility when they take care of pets. It cultivates the ability to nurture, and it teaches them compassion. Pets provide invaluable social training that produces more dedicated parents and more involved members of communities.
National Kids and Pets Day also endorses pet safety. Pet-related injuries to children are often avoidable. Parents should avoid leaving young children alone with dogs and cats. Any animal that comes into the house should also be vetted to see if it gets along with the family members, including other pets.
Colleen Paige, celebrity Family and Pet Lifestyle Expert created this day in 2005. Dogs and cats sit in animal shelters by the millions, waiting for a family to take adopt them. National Kids and Pets Day encourages families to consider adopting a shelter pet and to be responsible about the decision.
Fun facts about National Kids and Pets Day!
- Cuddling with animal companions can lower stress and anxiety levels.
- Siblings who share a pet also forge stronger bonds with each other.
- Reading out loud to a pet sometimes helps hesitant readers practice this skill.
- Children who have pets tend to go outside more.
How to celebrate National Kids and Pets Day:
- Teach your children how to get along with pets.
- If you have no pets, consider what it would take to get one. Puppies can be a lot of work, but an older dog that’s good with kids could fit your family well.
What’s the hashtag for National Kids and Pets Day?
Use #NationalKidsAndPetsDay on social media.