All pets will be getting some extra love this Tuesday, April 11, on National Pet Day.
A recent survey conducted by NationalToday.com reveals that the nod for the favorite type of pet goes to the dogs, with 45 percent owning dogs and 30 percent owning cats. Perhaps one of the most interesting facts to come out of the survey is that pet owners are considered more attractive. Thirteen percent of females and 11 percent of males said that pet owners are their dream dates, while 22 percent of Americans are head over “heelers” for people who treat pets like family.
Why We Love Pets (and National Pet Day)
A. They make the best companions
Pets make the most loving and devoted creatures. They cure our loneliness and stress, mold their schedules to us, and often become integral members of our families. Their love is for paw-ternity.
B. They help us keep up with routines
Loving and caring for a pet brings structure and meaning to our lives. Scheduling walks, playdates, and feeding times allows us to plan our days with discipline, makes us more likely to stick to routines, and teaches us time management skills. Sometimes our pets can be the reason we get out of bed each morning. What makes a better motivator than our favorite furry friends?
C. They bring meaning to our life
At the end of the day, having a pet means that you have invested in another life. You develop a mutual dependency upon each other and there is nothing more rewarding than knowing that you are needed and loved. They are paws-itively amazing.
How to Celebrate National Pet Day
1. Have a fur family dinner
Make a reservation at a dog-friendly restaurant, post up in a cat cafe, or prepare a pet-friendly meal at home. The paw-sibilities are endless!
2. Catch up on the classics
Remember Marley and Me or Lady and the Tramp? Or even more recent movies, like Zootopia or The Secret Life of Pets? Cuddle up with your furry friend and watch your favorite animal movie. Hey, they might even understand the parts with barks and meows, right?
3. Have a photoshoot
Capture your favorite moments with your pet with a playful photoshoot. Post the funniest photo from the shoot on social media—who knows, maybe they’ll become internet famous!
Full Ranking of the Most Popular Pets
- Dog (45%)
- Cat (30%)
- Fish (9%)
- Bird (e.g. parakeet, cockatiel, parrot, etc.) (5%)
- Hamster/gerbil/mouse (2%)
- Horse (2%)
- Snake (2%)
- Guinea pig (1%)
- Lizard (e.g. iguana, chameleon, gecko, etc.) (1%)
- Tarantula (1%)
Source NationalToday.com Survey
