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A little reason to celebrate

National Love Your Pet Day

Animal · February 20

A day for paying a little extra attention to the pets we live with, from dogs and cats to fish, birds and the occasional patient tortoise.

National Love Your Pet Day falls on Saturday, February 20, 2027. That is 116 days away.

Pets are the animals we share our homes with on purpose. Dogs, cats, rabbits, budgies, goldfish, hamsters and the odd bearded dragon all count, and so does the cat who only tolerates you.

Marking the day is mostly about attention. A longer walk, a new route that gives a dog fresh smells to read, ten minutes of play with a wand toy for a cat. Many animals respond well to routine, so the best version often looks like an ordinary day with a little more of the good parts in it.

Different pets show affection differently. A dog may lean its weight against your legs. A cat may blink slowly at you from across the room, which many owners read as a friendly signal. Rabbits sometimes nudge you with their noses, and parrots may want to sit near you and chatter. Learning your own animal's version is part of the fun.

Small upkeep counts too. Washing the water bowl, brushing a shedding coat, cleaning a cage or tank properly, or checking that a collar tag still has the right phone number on it are all quiet ways of looking after someone who cannot do those jobs alone.

For the many people without a pet, shelters and rescue groups care for animals waiting for homes, and they often welcome donated towels, blankets or a few hours of help.

Ways to celebrate

• Take your dog on a new walking route with time to sniff.
• Spend ten minutes playing with your cat using a wand toy.
• Give the water bowl, cage or tank a thorough clean.
• Check that your pet's ID tag details are current.
• Donate old towels or blankets to a local animal shelter.

Dates

All national days on February 20

Also on February 20

• National Cherry Pie Day
• National Muffin Day
• Hoodie Hoo Day

Categories: Animal days