National Pet Parents Day celebrates the special bond between humans and their beloved animal companions every last Sunday in April. It’s a perfect occasion to pamper your furry, scaly, or feathered friends, acknowledge their unconditional love, and strengthen your unique connection. Treat your pet to a new toy, enjoy a special outing, or simply spend quality time together.
Want to sponsor National Pet Parents Day? Learn how
Expected National Pet Parents Day Deals
While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Pet Parents Day brings a variety of deals from major retailers and brands. Look for discounts on pet food from companies like Purina and Freshpet, special offers on toys and accessories from KONG and BarkBox, and grooming service promotions from local and national chains. Retailers such as PetSmart, Petco, and online giant Chewy often feature site-wide sales or exclusive bundles for pet parents. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as April 25 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Pet Parents Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #PetParentsDay. Share heartwarming photos and videos of you and your beloved pets, showcasing your special bond.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #PetParentsDay. Film creative videos of your pet-parenting hacks, funny pet moments, or a ‘day in the life’ with your animal companion.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #PetParentsDay. Share stories and photos of your pets, engaging with other pet parents in the community.
National Pet Parents Day Hero
Paul Cavanaugh
History of National Pet Parents Day
Pet parents have existed almost as long as our species. The earliest pets were domesticated wolves around 10000 B.C. Early humans found that wolf cubs who were separated from their mothers and trained would make great companions, and the notion of selective breeding and pet-keeping was born. While some cultures enjoyed the companionship of dogs, others preferred cats, even going so far as to revere them and consider them spiritual.
There was another rise in pet ownership around 6000 B.C. when humans transitioned from hunting and gathering to farming. It was around this time that there is evidence of working dogs living on farms with other domesticated livestock, while cats caught rodents and lived symbiotically with the other animals. Though pet ownership was not exactly as we know it today, the end of our hunter/gatherer nomadic period was a huge step forward for the practice.
The earliest indication of pets being fashionable companions was in the 13th and 14th centuries. Noble gentlemen found dogs useful for hunting, falcons were kept as pets, and ladies began to enjoy having lapdogs inside. Beyond simply being helpful, pets grew to become a status symbol in this era.
The Victorian era mirrored the 13th century in terms of pet-keeping. Again, pets were a status symbol for wealthy lords and ladies to take on their hunting expeditions and keep on their laps while they read. Some consider this the first era of modern pet-keeping, as it wasn’t until the 1800s that those outside of the upper classes became pet owners, too. Pet ownership during this time became symbolic of man’s dominance over nature.
Today, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t have a pet — so many of us are pet parents! In 2019, it’s been reported that 57% of U.S. households have at least one pet according to Wise Voter’s Pet Ownership Statistics. That’s about 85 million families. People in the modern era often have pets for more reasons than just companionship, like emotional support, disability support, and therapy! Some famous pets appear in movies and television shows and are loved widely. Pet ownership sure has come a long way!
National Pet Parents Day timeline
It was roughly 12,000 years ago that early humans learned that some young wolf cubs could be trained by humans.
As humans made the transition from hunters to farmers, working dogs and farm cats gradually began to appear around human settlements.
Once gentlemen decided dogs were useful for hunting and noble ladies decided that lapdogs made great companions, pet ownership became a common status symbol among the upper class.
Keeping pets became an acceptable practice for the middle- and upper classes in the 1800s.
According to a 2019–2020 survey, 67% (85 million families) of U.S. households have at least one pet.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Pet Parents Day
Local businesses can celebrate National Pet Parents Day by offering special promotions and services tailored to pet owners. Pet supply stores can feature discounts on premium food, new toys, or grooming essentials. Grooming salons might offer ‘spa day’ packages for pampered pets, while veterinary clinics could provide free basic health check-ups or discounted wellness services. Even pet-friendly cafes can join in by offering special treats for furry visitors or hosting small adoption events with local shelters, creating a community-wide celebration of pet parenthood.
National Pet Parents Day FAQs
When is National Pet Parents Day?
In 2027, National Pet Parents Day is observed on Sunday, April 25. It’s an annual opportunity to recognize the commitment and joy that pet parents bring to their animal companions’ lives.
How many households own pets?
The latest data from the APPA indicates that pet ownership remains robust, with millions of households across the nation embracing animal companions. Many consider their pets integral family members, reflecting a deep cultural connection.
What are the most popular pets in the U.S.?
While dogs and cats continue to dominate the pet landscape, the popularity of smaller, exotic pets is also on the rise. This diversity reflects the varied preferences and lifestyles of pet parents across different demographics.
Is Pet Parents Day the same as National Pet Day?
While both holidays occur in April and honor animals, National Pet Day (April 11) is about appreciating pets, whereas National Pet Parents Day (last Sunday of April) is dedicated to recognizing the human caregivers. The latter acknowledges the responsibilities and joys of pet parenthood.
How to Observe National Pet Parents Day
Love your pet a little extra today
Give a little extra love to the pet that made you a pet parent. Whether that’s baking homemade treats from scratch, buying them a new toy or treat, or updating their look with a new bandana, your fur baby should feel extra pampered today to remind them just how much you love them!
Post your pet-parent pride!
Every pet owner is proud of their pets, sometimes to the point that their pet becomes the only thing they post on social media! When your profile picture gets replaced with a close-up of Snowball, you know you’re a real pet parent. Snap a shot of your pet enjoying a treat or looking fly in a new collar and share it with your connections.
Give your pet a checkup or grooming
Besides pampering your pet with treats and goodies, it’s important to be a responsible pet parent and keep your fur baby healthy. This could be a new haircut, a bath, a trip to the vet to make sure everything’s going well, or anything else they might need! The best pet parents listen to their pets’ needs and try to give them whatever they need.
5 Fun Facts About Pet Parents
Dogs love attention … too much?
Some dogs have been known to fake being sick just to get more attention from their owners!
Pet parents spend billions
In 2015, over $60 billion was spent by pet parents, according to the American Pet Products Association.
Pets are pandemic-proof
In April 2020, there was a 335% surge in Google searches for ‘adopt a pet’ — this shows that many more people were interested in adopting pets since the pandemic began.
Pets are great snugglers
If you’ve broken your resolve and let Fido sleep on the bed with you, you’re not alone — one survey reported that 73% of dog owners and 81% of cat owners let their furry babies share the bed with them.
There are billions of pet parents
According to a 2015–2016 survey by the American Pet Products Association, there are over 80 million U.S. households with a pet — and the number is expected to have risen.
Why We Love National Pet Parents Day
It recognizes their work
While it’s not quite the same as raising a human child, raising your furry baby requires dedicated care and attention. Pet parents are responsible for the physical- and emotional health of their pet, and will always be. That’s a heavy load! Pet parents deserve some extra love for all their hard work.
It’s an extra reason to love your pet
National Pet Parents’ Day is a great excuse to give a little extra love to your pet baby. Treat Muffin to a new cat toy or Fido to a bone — they’re the reason you’re celebrating, anyway.
It’s an excuse to post pet pics!
Once you get a dog, it’s hard to put anything else on social media. Pet parents love their fur babies so much, their online presence becomes absorbed by their pet! National Pet Parents Day is the perfect day to show everyone what Rufus looks like in his new bandana — again!
Social Media Tips for National Pet Parents Day
Individuals
Creators
Brands