All American Pet Photo Day is joyfully celebrated each year on July 11. It is a day solely dedicated to appreciating our lovable pets who make life better every single day. While our pets almost always enjoy the limelight, this day encourages us to make it even more special and make them the main focus all day. Today, people upload photographs of their pets on social media and share the love for their furry or feathery friends with thousands of people online.
History of All American Pet Photo Day
All American Pet Photo Day is similar to National Pet Day, which was started by Colleen Paige.
People have been raising pets for centuries and animals have been found in almost every culture and community. Initially, dogs were kept by aristocrats for companionship and hunting and they were symbols of elitism. However, by the 19th century, the middle class also began developing an interest in keeping pets, and not just dogs, but also fish, rabbits, dogs, reptiles, etc. Having pets serves a fundamental human need for caring and it is a symbiotic relationship that benefits animals and human beings.
Pets provide a plethora of physical and emotional benefits and provide companionship to people who are living alone or the elderly who do not have a lot of social interaction with other people. In fact, there are even therapy animals, mostly dogs, who are brought to visit children in hospitals or people in nursing homes to enhance their physical, social, cognitive, or emotional well-being and functioning.
In recent years, the advent of technology has brought social media into our lives and has given a platform for people to showcase their pets. In today’s society, we can even find dedicated social media accounts made and managed by pet parents. It’s safe to say that pets hold significant importance in our lives. All American Pet Photo Day is a perfect opportunity to appreciate our pets who give us unconditional love.
All American Pet Photo Day timeline
The people of Egypt start domesticating and venerating cats.
People start developing an interest in keeping different types of animals as pets such as rabbits, birds, etc.
Philip Henry Gosse builds the first aquarium for the London Zoo, encouraging people to keep fish as pets.
Dogs shows start taking place in the United States of America.
All American Pet Photo Day FAQs
Which animals can be kept as pets?
Hutch, or cage, pets can be kept indoors or outdoors under protected conditions. These include rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, and, recently, chinchillas. Paddock pets are those that must be stabled outdoors and include such animals as horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules. Several kinds of insects are also kept as pets.
What are the top 5 pets?
The top 5 most popular pets residing in American households are:
- Dogs — 46.3 million
- Cats — 38.9 million
- Fish — 12.6 million
- Birds — 5.7 million
What are some good pets to get?
Some of the most low-maintenance pets you can own are:
- Betta fish.
- Pugs.
- Stick insects.
- Rabbits.
- Turtles.
- Hermit crabs.
- Ants.
- Sea-Monkeys.
How To Celebrate All American Pet Photo Day
Do a photoshoot of your pet
Since the day is all about pet photos, get that camera out and start snapping photos of your pets. You can take photos of them in the outdoors, dress them up, or simply capture them in their usual spot on the couch or the windowsill. You can use some props to spruce up the photoshoot. If you have already done a pet photoshoot in the past, maybe you can recreate those photos with some added elements. Don’t forget to upload them on social media and use the hashtag #AllAmericanPetPhotoDay.
Create a collage of your pet photos
Collect all your favorite photos of your loyal companions and set out to create a collage. You can either create a small collage for an album or go all out and make a collage big enough to decorate a wall in your house. After all, pets are the center of our universe.
Volunteer to take photos of animals in a shelter
On this day, why not extend our love to the pets living in rescue centers and shelters? If you know a thing or two about photography, you can volunteer to take photographs of the pets in your local shelter that they can use to adorn their walls or use them to spread the word to find these fur babies a forever home.
5 Interesting Facts About Pets That Will Take You By Surprise
The origin of the word ‘pet’
The word ‘pet’ originated from the word ‘petty,’ which means ‘small.’
First animals to be domesticated
The first animals to be domesticated were goats.
Pets in the U.S.
67% of households in the U.S. have a pet according to a recent National Pet Owners Survey.
Fish are popular
In the United States alone, more than 142 million homes have pet fish.
Pets improve your health
Having a pet is known to decrease blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, aid in coping with depression, and alleviate loneliness.
Why We Love All American Pet Photo Day
It celebrates the sacred bond between humans and pets
It is no secret that pets fill our lives with abundant joy and take our stress away. This day helps us celebrate the sacred bond we share with our pets by engaging in activities with them and showering them with extra love.
Pets get the attention they deserve
Pets are loyal, they love unconditionally, and they bring about several health benefits. All American Pet Photo Day allows us to shine a spotlight on them throughout the 24-hour celebration and show them off on social media.
Pet photographs serve as lifetime memorabilia
Having photographs of our pets helps us keep them in our memories for a lifetime. Years down the line, when we happen to go through the photos again, they will fill our hearts with happy emotions.
All American Pet Photo Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | July 11 | Friday |
2026 | July 11 | Saturday |
2027 | July 11 | Sunday |
2028 | July 11 | Tuesday |
2029 | July 11 | Wednesday |