Celebrate Your Furry Bff on National Love Your Pet Day

Mark your calendars, pet parents! February 20th is National Love Your Pet Day, a day dedicated to showering our furry companions with the extra affection and appreciation they deserve. But let’s be honest, shouldn’t every day be Love Your Pet Day?

Read on for pawsome ways to celebrate your furry valentine.

Kitty Care

Create a cat castle: Transform a cardboard box into a kitty palace with peepholes and scratching posts. Toss in some catnip and toys for added fun.

Engage the hunter: Prey play with their favorite wand toy, or hide treats or crinkle balls around the house for a treasure hunt. Or toss treats for extra fun.

Espresso hanging out on his new cat tree.

Vertical paradise: Add shelves, cat trees, or climbing furniture to satisfy their natural desire to survey their domain from above.

Give them flowers or herbs: Many cats get a kick out of catnip or silvervine, but if you want to shake up the scent enrichment game, try floral scents like jasmine, rose petals and hibiscus. Or go herby with lemon balm, sage, valerian root, basil, cilantro, rosemary or thyme. Other scents pets may enjoy include coconut, vanilla, ginger and kelp.

Dog Devotions

Sniffari adventure: Take your pup on a new walking route, letting them explore exciting scents and sights for mental stimulation and exercise all in one.

Houdini forages treats from a Kong Gyro treat dispenser toy.

Foraging time: Hide kibble in a Kong or treat-dispensing toy so your pooch can work for their reward.

Play time: Whether it’s tug or a game of hide-and-seek with their favorite toy, playing will get their energy flowing and help you bond at the same time.

Swimming fun: Take your water-loving pup for a dip in a dog-friendly pool or beach, weather permitting. Be sure to take towels!

Universal love languages

Spoil them: Offer their favorite healthy snack or a new, exciting toy.

Phoenix plays in the new cat tunnel.

Quality time: Put away your phone and give them your undivided attention while you play with, snuggle with or brush your pet.

Learn their lingo: Pay attention to their body language, vocalizations, and preferences. Understanding their signals helps you meet their needs and deepens your bond. Consider one of these excellent books by Lili Chin: Doggie Language and Kitty Language.

Training time: Use positive reinforcement to teach your pet a new trick or skill for a gift that keeps giving.

Invest in their wellness: Schedule a checkup with their vet and ensure their environment is enriching and safe.

So much love

Remember, every day is an opportunity to show your pet how much they mean to you. National Love Your Pet Day is just a reminder to crank up the affection and appreciation. Share your #NationalLoveYourPetDay celebrations to inspire other pawsome pet parents.