National Pet Day 2025: How To Celebrate With Yours

National Pet Day 2025 is coming up, are you ready to celebrate? We know that every day is pet day for your lucky furballs, but this is a special time to really cherish them. If you’re wondering when National Pet Day 2025 is and how to spend it, read on. 

In this article, we look at how the day came about and how to celebrate the occasion this year. Whether you share your home with a playful pup, a cheeky cockatoo, or a snoozing snake, today is all about giving them a little extra love.

When is National Pet Day?​

National Pet Day is celebrated annually on 11 April, and it’s all about showing extra love and appreciation to the animals who bring joy, companionship, and unconditional love into our lives. Whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit, bird, reptile, guinea pig, or something more exotic, this day is a wonderful reminder of how much our pets mean to us.

Who started National Pet Day?

The day was founded by animal welfare advocate Colleen Page in 2006 to celebrate how much pets mean to us. Importantly, it’s a day that raises awareness of animals in shelters hoping for a home. Goodness knows we need it,.

Along with helping dogs and cats in shelters, there are fun ways to spoil the furballs you have at home. Let’s dive into how to celebrate with your favourites this National Pet Day.

Go big, leave home

Firstly, a trip away. There’s not much better than spending a weekend away, bonding with your favourite furry companion. How does pet friendly camping tickle your fancy?

It’s hard to beat a camping getaway; the starry night sky, the beautiful sounds of nature and all the freedom and fresh air for both you and your pet. Definitely sounds like a winning combo to us.

Share a day at the park this National Pet Day 

Bonding with your furball doesn’t need to cost you anything. That might be the sweetest gift of being a pet parent – it’s just being there that means everything to them. 

While heading out for a neighbourhood walk together (yes, cats too; read about training your cat to walk on a leash) may not be something new, you can easily make it a bit more special with extra time spent meeting new friends, or by inviting some along!

You could even double the outdoors fun with a new ball or other toy if you’re feeling generous.

Spoil them with a treat

Like with all parents, pet parents know their munchkin best. Spoil your furball to a treat on National Pet Day… go on…

Here are some homemade cat treats and dog cakes you could try. You might also enjoy the idea of making your own pet friendly ice cream; we know they sure will! You could also head to a pet friendly restaurant for some socialising and dinner.

Not motivated with thoughts of time in the kitchen? How about buying them a new pet bed or food bowls, or a cat tree or a couple of dog winter jackets? You’ll surely get that look of love ten-fold.

Walkies for the win

You don’t have to book off your weekend to enjoy some fresh air. Simply getting out for a nice long walk in the bush or along the coastline can be a great way to enjoy each other’s company. 

Perhaps it’s time to dust off your hiking books, find a nice pet-friendly hiking trail nearby and take your furry companion for a little off-road adventure. They’ll thoroughly enjoy the sounds and smells that nature has to offer, and you’ll most probably have a great time too.

There’s nothing quite like seeing your dog or cat having the time of their life. A neat win-win for everyone. 

A toy for National Pet Day

How good does it feel to see the excitement in your furry little friend’s face when they get a new plaything. The options here are pretty much endless so we’ll leave you with these furtastic ideas for cats and these pawsome gifts for dogs. They’ll translate perfectly for National Pet Day. 

Make it a movie night

Lastly, try a movie night. It’s like date night, but with your dog or cat instead. And of course, the movie pick HAS to be pet related. We’re thinking Marley and Me. Although, that’s only if you’re at the level in your relationship where you’re ready to let your furbaby see you cry. 

Why not check out these top dog films or 5 movies with cats?

Give the gift of pet insurance

Now you know when National Pet Day 2025 is and hopefully have some ideas on how to spend it.

Another pawsome idea is to insure your pet for the occasion. Animal parents and dog and cat lovers may have already felt the weight of those unexpected surgery bills. PD Insurance can take that potential away from your shoulders so you can focus on spending quality time with your best furry friend. 

Find out how we help keep pets (and back pockets) safe through our cat insurance and dog insurance. And if you sign up online, you could get a month or more free!