The month of May is here. It’s also National Pet Month. Every May we recognize the joy our pets bring to our lives. So, why not pay it -- or “paw it” -- forward to our pets? Take time to celebrate the joy your pets bring you this National Pet Month.

I, personally, can not believe it’s already May. This year is really flying by. It seems like we were just beating the Christmas shopping rush. But, before we know it, we’ll be in those backed up retail store lines again. Christmas is a great time to spoil your pets though.

Honestly, since having children I don’t have the opportunity to spoil my pets as often as I once did. Of course we take care of the necessities. We keep them as healthy as we can and keep the groomed. They don’t go without. It’s just a little harder to buy those extra special treats as often.

You’d never know they are less spoiled than before. This is especially true for our dogs. When we walk in the door, you would think we were gone for hours. Even if we were just at the end of the driveway and checking the mail. Their tails wag nonstop. They are pouncing up and down with excitement.

Seriously, every time we walk in the door it’s like we have our own little “welcome committee”. I mean, who else is going to be THAT excited to see you?! Especially when you’ve taken them from the “good life” to the “regular dog life”.

Every time I see our pets, I’m filled with so much joy. They do so much for us. Plus, you can’t beat that shoulder they give you to cry on. They don’t even try to add in an unnecessary opinion! So, this may I’m making a pact with myself. I’m going to make sure to use National Pet Month as a way to let them know how much I really care about them.

Finding a Way to Celebrate Your Pets This National Pet Month

Most of my time spent searching the internet is usually triggered towards my kids now. Simply put, I’m usually looking for ways to keep them entertained. Plus, ways to make my daughter’s school projects super cool. This time I took to the internet for a different reason.

I wanted to find a way to tell my pets “I love you” this May. With all the love and joy they give, there’s no reason why I shouldn’t celebrate National Pet Month for them. But, of course, the internet is LOADED with ideas. All of the ideas can be pretty overwhelming.

10 Ways to Celebrate National Pet Month

So, in order to hopefully lessen your load, I wanted to share some of my research with you. Personally, I stay quite busy. When I compiled this list I kept “busy” individuals in mind. That’s why each idea below is simple and requires minimal effort on your end. At the same time, each idea is definitely heartfelt.

1. Give your pet a much needed “photoshoot” this National Pet Month.

We live in a photo sharing generation. Well, not just a photo sharing generation, a share everything general. We pretty much put our whole life on social media. If you’re a pet owner, I’m sure you have pictures of your pets all over your social media accounts.

Let’s be honest, though. Most of the pictures we take are when our pets are caught in the “act”. How about mixing it up a little? Give your pet the photoshoot they deserve.

2. Enjoy a day trip with your pet.

Now, not every pet is the queen or king of traveling. But, if you have a pet who is, definitely take the time out during National Pet Month for a quick trip. Even if it’s just a drive around town.

Let your pet enjoy the sights and sounds around them. If possible, this would be the perfect time to let them dip their toes in the water. That is, of course, that they are a fan of water.

3. Spoil your pet with a homemade meal.

With day to day life, it’s hard to even spoil yourself with a nice homemade meal. But, I bet anything different from the norm will leave you with a tail wag or sweet purr. Plus, it only takes a few ingredients to make a great homemade meal for your pet.

Keep in mind, everything we eat isn’t safe for our pets. In fact, the ASPCA lists quite a few human foods that are dangerous to our pets.

Human Food Pets Should Avoid

• Alcohol
• Avocado
• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Caffeine
• Citrus plants
• Coconut
• Coconut oil
• Grapes
• Raisins
• Macadamia nuts
• Almonds
• Pecans
• Walnuts
• Onion
• Garlic
• Chives
• Excessive salt
• Undercooked meat
• Undercooked eggs
• Xylitol
• Yeast dough

4. Introduce a new activity to your pet.

Most dogs enjoy a stroll with their owner. Even some cats like taking a nice walk on a leash from time to time. Why not mix your pet’s activity up some? Who knows, you may find something new that you like, too.

What you decide to do doesn’t have to be “extreme”. I’m not exactly suggesting “doggie yoga”. Although that does sound like great bonding. You could even do something as simple as switching up where you talk to your dog for a walk. Try a new trail. Visit a new store or restaurant that allows pets.

5. Volunteer your time at a local animal shelter.

In the United States alone there is estimated to be about 3,500 shelters. That number may seem like a lot. But, it’s not when you consider how many animals they take in on a yearly basis. It’s estimated that as many as 8 million pets come into animal shelters across the United States.

If we were to divide those 8 million animals across the 3,500 shelters available, that’d be over 2,000 pets in each shelter. As you probably know, there’s not many shelters prepared for that type of load. Needless to say, shelter overpopulation is a huge problem.

Animal shelter staff carries quite the load every single day. That’s why they are so welcoming to volunteers. I know what you’re thinking. With life as busy as it is, how can you really find time to volunteer?!

Even just taking an hour of the month of May will make a huge statement for many shelter pets you interact with. As far as you know that interaction may be the most they receive the whole time they are at the shelter.

6. Let your cat explore his or her natural instincts.

Cat owners know how frustrating it can be to come home and your favorite chair’s arms are shredded. This doesn’t just cause mental stress. It also causes financial stress, too. Sometimes the only thing you can do is replace what was destroyed.

Scratching is a natural instinct for a cat, though. In short, that’s what they do in the wild. Of course I get it. They aren’t in the wild anymore. Shouldn’t they know better?! Well, not until we teach them the appropriate way to “scratch”.

Cats who scratch aren’t doing it for “revenge”. Even if some do have that evil look in their eyes. They actually do this to stretch their claws and groom them down. It’s somewhat like an exercise plan with a little play added.

This National Pet Day, give your cat a different way to exercise his or her claws. Invest in a scratching post that makes them, and you, happy. Plus, it saves your precious furniture, too.

If you want to go all out, check out the PetFusion Modern Cat Activity Tree and Scratching Post. This is the ultimate way to let your cat stretch their claws. Plus, with the 30 inch leap to top platform they are stretching their limbs, too. There’s a 30 inch sisal carpet post, too! Of course that is perfect for scratching.

7. Promote responsible pet ownership wherever you are.

It’s up to us to be the voice for pets everywhere. That is, of course, because they don’t have their own voice to speak. Make your pet proud and speak to others about responsible pet ownership.

There are many valuable resources online that explain responsible pet ownership. If you aren’t much of a public speaker, make sure to find these and print them out. You can share them with other pet, or soon-to-be, owners.

8. Find a super dog friendly city near you.

There are a ton of cities that are considered to be super dog friendly. Then even have restaurants that love your dog just as much as YOU do! As well as fun things for you and your dog to do together.

There are a lot of cities out there you and your pooch can go celebrate National Dog Month in. Plus, it will be a nice little get away for you as well.

According to Dog Time these cities include cities from Miami to Virginia Beach. Miami is actually #1 on the list. Other cities include Atlanta, Austin, Portland, and Raleigh.

9. Spoil your dog with a memory foam dog bed.

I can’t stress how AWESOME memory foam dog beds are. Well, honestly, I can’t stress how awesome memory foam is in general. Memory foam cushions joints and muscles. It also promotes energy and overall good health.

In the long run, buying a memory foam dog bed will save you money in the long run. That’s because beds like the PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed and Lounge are super durable. The Ultimate Dog Bed and Lounge even comes with a removable cover that is washable. That makes for super easy clean up!

10. Get crafty and cherish your pet’s paw prints forever.

Getting a copy of your pet’s paw print is a great way to have them near you until the end of time. Having a copy of your pet’s paw print is also a great way to always remember those who left paw prints in our hearts over the years.

Pinterest

Purina offers a great, simple way to capture your pet’s paw print. All it takes is a little black paint, a sharpie, picture frame, and white sheet of paper. With these 4 simple items you can make something you will treasure for a lifetime.

This National Pet Month Remind Your Pet How Much Joy They Bring to Your Life

I’m sure you know all too well how good it feels when someone does one little thing for you. The same goes for when you take time out of your day to make someone feel special. Our pets go above and beyond every day to make us feel like the most important people in the world.

This May, National Pet Month, make sure you return the favor to your pet. Let them know how much they mean to you.