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When is National Love Your Pet Day?

February 20th is National Love Your Pet Day.

What is National Love Your Pet Day?

President Calvin Coolidge kept a pygmy hippo named Billy, and his wife had a pet raccoon named Rebecca. Americans love their pets. In honor of these companions, National Love Your Pet Day encourages owners to pamper and spend time with their pets.

Pet ownership has many benefits. People feel more comfortable talking to someone with a pet, which makes well-behaved pets great ice breakers in public. Dogs often help keep their owners fit by providing justification for taking walks. Pets can also alleviate the blues.


Whatever the reason you love your pet, take National Love Your Pet Day as a chance to demonstrate that affection.

Fun facts about National Love Your Pet Day!

  • Elvis kept a pet kangaroo for a while. He later donated it to the Memphis Zoo.
  • Napoleon Bonaparte’s first wife, Josephine, had a pet orangutan.
  • In the 1840s, flamboyant Frenchmen obsessed with style and fashion would take turtles for walks on the streets of Paris.
  • Pet owners spent almost $70 billion on their pets in 2017.

How to celebrate National Love Your Pet Day:

  • Indulge your pets. Spend some time talking with them and building the bond between you. It may not be wise to stroke your scorpion, but your dog or cat may enjoy being petted and brushed down.
  • Be sensitive to what your pet actually likes. Not all species appreciate the same kind of pampering. And, the hair bow may not be Fluffy’s favorite part of grooming.

What’s the hashtag for National Love Your Pet Day?

Use #NationalLoveYourPetDay on social media to post your pampered pet pics.