National Pet Parent's Day

To those who sacrifice time and effort every day as caregivers by playing fetch, scooping poop, or sharing a bed with four paws, National Pet Parent’s Day is a day dedicated to you.

What Is National Pet Parent's Day?

National Pet Parent’s Day is celebrated annually on the last Sunday of April. This year, it falls on the 24^th of April. The Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) founded this special "unofficial" holiday in 2007, in dedication of honoring those mothers and fathers who lovingly consider their furry friends as family.

Many parents celebrate this day by bonding with their pet over the weekend. Here are some of our favorite ideas that we have heard how Bark ATL parents celebrate the day with their dogs:

• Spoil yourself and your furry friend by taking a mini-weekend vacation together.
• Take you dog to the beach.
• Go to a dog friendly restaurant or café and spend the day with them.
• Get pampered together, or give them an extra treat or two.

There are various ways to celebrate, but remember that it’s a day devoted for you and your pet. So make sure to relax, have fun, and do some bonding.

Are You Planning to Be a New Parent?

National Pet Parent’s Day is also a time that motivates many to become new pet parents themselves. However, many people wish for a lovable and adorable animal companion without realizing the dedication it truly takes to appropriately take care of pets. Dogs, in particular, have unique needs that are crucial for lasting happiness and health. It is important to be aware of certain responsibilities before making the commitment to become a pet parent.

Here is a list of things you should know before getting a dog:

• Puppies require the most work and dedication when it comes to training. As a pet parent, you must properly train them to behave correctly. It’s important that they learn as a puppy, so bad habits do not occur over time. Potty training is extremely important, along with training them to not chew things up and bite others.
• Dogs should get vaccinated and spayed or neutered as soon as possible. They also require vet visits for routine check-ups. This is important for them to live a better, healthier, and longer life.
• You should research different breeds before choosing a dog. It is important that the breed matches your lifestyle. Different breeds have different personalities and knowing their personality traits in advance can save you trouble down the road.
• Dogs are not creatures of isolation. Similar to having a child, pet parents must be available to their dogs. Becoming a pet parent conveys that you take on the responsibility of a living creature who has needs that may often come before your own desires.
• Dogs take up a lot of time and energy. If you live alone, work long hours or travel for your job, dog daycare or overnight boarding are available alternatives to provide your dog with much needed social interaction.
• Dogs can cost you a lot! In addition to the routine check ups, they may require heartworm medication, flea and tick prevention, and other additional procedures that may hurt your wallet.
• Lastly, getting a dog means they become a part of the family. Many parents claim that pets are really like their children. It may be tough at times being a parent, from cleaning up poop and getting your favorite shoes chewed up. However, most of us agree that the rewards of being a pet parent far outweigh the work.

Did this blog post inspire you to celebrate this holiday with your furry friend? Share with us how you’ll be spending National Pet Parent’s day this year on our Facebook page here