Hold up, Mother’s Day. Not so fast, Father’s Day. There’s another kind of parent that deserves some serious appreciation—yes, we’re talking about pet parents.
You know who you are. You’ve got fur on your clothes, baby talk in your voice, and a camera roll that’s 95% your pet making slightly different versions of the same face. You’ve planned your schedule around walkies, weighed up the nutritional value of pellets for your rabbit, and once cried because your lizard blinked slowly at you and it felt deeply emotional.
This Sunday, on National Pet Parents Day, it’s your time to shine.
Because being a pet parent isn’t just about feeding and cleaning (though let’s not pretend scooping a litter tray at 6 a.m. isn’t elite-level dedication). It’s about showing up with love, every day, for a creature who can’t say thank you but still manages to make your whole day better just by existing.
To the humans who love like no one’s watching
Pet parenting is a full-time emotional gig. You cheer for first successful poops, worry at 3 a.m. over odd sneezes, and throw birthday parties complete with hats your dog tolerates for 30 seconds (but it’s still worth it).
You’ve googled “Can my parrot eat mango?” and “Why does my cat stare at me like she’s judging my life choices?” more times than you’d admit. And you’ve probably whispered “I love you” to your pet in a tone so soft and sincere it could melt concrete.
And here’s the thing—it matters. That love, that care, that connection: it’s real, it’s important, and it makes a difference in both your lives.
What pets give us in return (besides hair everywhere)
Sure, you provide the food, the shelter, and the unlimited belly rubs, but your pet gives back too. In big ways and small.
- Dogs keep you active, lower your stress levels, and remind you how fun it is to be excited about the mailman.
- Cats not only lower your blood pressure but also teach you patience, boundaries, and the art of the slow blink.
- Birds turn your home into a concert hall, often at dawn, and still manage to be delightful.
- Rabbits and guinea pigs are tiny chaos gremlins who can turn a cardboard box into a rollercoaster.
- Ferrets are the mischievous inventors of hide-and-seek.
- Lizards and snakes prove that love doesn’t need cuddles to be deep.
- Fish bring calm, peace, and an oddly satisfying sense of awe when you watch them drift through water.
Whatever kind of creature shares your home, the bond between you is real, and studies even say it boosts your mental health, lowers blood pressure, and helps fight loneliness.
How to celebrate National Pet Parents Day (besides bragging about your baby to everyone)
This holiday is all about honouring the connection between you and your pet—so go ahead and lean into it. Here are a few fun, easy ways to celebrate:
- Treat yourself and your pet to something special. A new toy for them, a good snack (or nap) for you.
- Take a “family photo”. Matching outfits optional but strongly encouraged.
- Write a love letter to your pet. You’ll cry, but it’s fine.
- Host a mini party (solo or with fellow pet parents) and make it extra. Party hats, themed snacks, and maybe even a pet-safe cake.
- Donate to a local shelter or rescue in honour of your pet’s unconditional love.
To all the pet parents out there—thank you.
Thank you for loving loudly. For waking up early. For going out in the rain. For spending more on pet beds than you do on your own pillows. For speaking fluent squeak, meow, chirp, or hiss. For making your pet’s world the safest, happiest place it could be.
You’re doing a great job.
Happy National Pet Parents Day. You’ve earned every tail wag, every purr, every slow blink, and every delighted wiggle.
Now go cuddle your weird little roommate and tell them they’re the best thing that’s ever happened to you. Because honestly? They probably are.
