It’s National Pet Week

It’s National Pet Week this week! NPW was created to celebrate the bond between people and their pets while raising awareness for responsible pet ownership and care.

National Pet Week was founded in 1981 by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the AVMA Auxiliary and is now widely celebrated throughout the United States and other parts of the world. Each year, its goals are: to promote responsible pet ownership, celebrate the human-animal bond, and promote public awareness of veterinary medicine.

Chip taking a nap

Here are 10 suggestions from Animal Planet on how to celebrate this week!

Pets can get lonely when their owners are away at school or work, so schedule regular playtime with your pet.

1. Schedule an appointment for your pet’s regular annual or semi-annual examination with your veterinarian.

2. Prevent pet overpopulation by spaying or neutering your pet.

3. Make caring for your pet the entire family’s responsibility by creating a “responsibility chart” with all the things your pet needs. Divide up the tasks among family members.

4. Help make it possible for others to enjoy the benefits of pet ownership by making a donation to a local animal shelter or volunteering your time.

5. When considering a snake, lizard or frog as a pet, please know that they need very special care (housing, temperature control, food) in order to remain healthy. It is a good idea to speak with a veterinarian if you’re thinking about bringing a reptile or amphibian into your family.

6. Birds like to bathe themselves, so provide a clean bowl of water for your companion bird several times a week. Make sure to keep your bird warm and out of drafts until it is completely dry.

7. Visit a neighbor who doesn’t get out of the house much and bring your pet along to help keep this person company.

8. Birds can be very sensitive to cooking smells, so it is a good idea to keep your bird out of the kitchen.

9. Throw out your pet’s old, dirty, or shredded toys and treat it to a new toy.

10. Start a photo album of pictures of you and your family with your pet.