These days, pets are genuinely a part of our families. As a society, our relationships with our furry friends have become more involved in recent years and many even treat their pets almost like their human children.
We totally support strong and loving relationships with your pets. After all, they contribute to your happiness and you contribute to theirs. So, why not do special things like celebrating their birthdays?
And remember that you can celebrate their actual birthday or their gotcha day – the anniversary of the day you adopted them. Here are a few ideas to mark the occasion, whichever you choose.
1. Host a Birthday Party
This may only make sense for dogs since most cats aren’t such a fan of hanging out with other pets. But for dog owners, this can be a great way to celebrate. Invite a few of your friends over and be sure to include friends whose doggos get along with your dog. Take it to the next level with:
- Put up dog-themed decorations
- Gift bags for your canine attendees, which can include some toys and treats
- Plan some games that both humans and dogs can participate in
- Get a dog-friendly birthday cake
2. Annual Photo Shoot
If you want to do something a little more lowkey but meaningful, think of taking a special picture of your pet every year on their birthday. You could just take a photo with your phone in a spontaneous moment. However, you could also make it extra special by using a fun photo backdrop, a number prop that shows their age or even hiring a photographer to take a more professional picture. Get a frame that accommodates many photos and add the new installment each year.
3. A Pawesome Gift
What’s a birthday without presents? You probably buy little things for your pet throughout the year, but think about getting them something extra special for their birthday. Some ideas could include a new bed or blanket, an interactive toy, a cat tree or perch, or personalized food and water bowls. If you have a dog, you may want to take them to a pet store and let them pick out their own gift.
4. Plan an Adventure
Once again, this idea is probably better suited to dogs… unless your cat is experienced and comfortable being on a harness outside your home. Think about what your dog likes the most and take them to visit a new place you know they’ll love or a tried and true favorite like a dog-friendly park, hiking trail, body of water or forest preserve.
5. Get a Pet Subscription Box
Instead of focusing all the celebration on one day, subscribe to a pet box that delivers a package of goodies once a month for a few months. There are lots of great options out there, so just choose one that looks like they offer items your particular pet will love.
6. Donate to a Good Cause
This might not impact your pet directly, but it would be a beautiful gesture to make an annual tradition to donate to an organization that benefits animals. There are many great ones out there, but we particularly like groups that help stray pets find forever homes.
7. Plan in Extra Play
Your pet’s birthday celebration doesn’t have to be big or elaborate. You probably know their favorite thing is quality time with you, so just be sure to give them lots of extra love, attention, play and treats for their birthday.
While your pet may not fully understand what’s being celebrated, they’ll certainly enjoy being treated extra special!
