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From pre-Christian times to modern, the month of May has been a month of celebrations. Some of the best known are May Day, Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day. The month of May is also National Pet Month with many days honoring our beloved pets, service animals, and wildlife. How will you celebrate?
May 1st – National Purebred Dog Day
May 3rd – National Specially-Abled Pets Day
May 4th – Bird Day
May 6th -13th is National Pet Week – celebrating the relationship between the pet and the pet parent.
May 12th – National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day
May 14th – International Chihuahua Appreciation Day
May 18th – National Endangered Species Day
May 19th – Armed Forces Day
May 20th – National Dog Rescue Day
May 28th – Memorial Day
As a pet parent, we experience the benefits of having a pet every day: the unconditional love, the companionship, and the sense of purpose they bring to our lives. Every day is a reason to celebrate our furry family members.
If you currently don’t have a pet, there are numerous benefits and reasons to add one to your family. A google search for “reasons to have a pet” will return over 158 million results. Some of the top reasons to have a pet include:
- Constant and Loving Companionship
- Pets help reduce stress
- Pets provide entertainment
- Pets provide a routine
- They elevate your mood
If you are currently or have ever been a pet parent, you can easily create your own list of benefits to having a pet.
Being a pet parent is a privilege and the benefits come with responsibilities. Ownership of a pet is a commitment for the life of your pet. Some of the obligations of pet ownership include:
- Selecting a pet that is suited to your home and lifestyle
- A financial investment – pets require medical and dental care, food, licensing and more
- Time – a pet will require your time and attention
- Preventing your pet from negatively impacting other people, animals, and the environment
- Adhering to local ordinances, including licensing and leash requirements
- Socialization and training of your pet
- Providing an appropriate and safe environment for your pet
- Providing exercise and mental stimulation appropriate to your pet
- Planning for your pet in an emergency or disaster
- Making arrangements for the care of your pet when you are unable to do so
As any pet parent will tell you while having a pet comes with responsibilities the benefits outweigh the costs and the rewards are many. So, let’s celebrate all our pets!
BY MARY ELLEN KOSANKE
Sources
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/may/
https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Pages/Guidelines-for-Responsible-Pet-Ownership.aspx
