National Pet Parents Day 2025: What it is, How to Celebrate

As a pet owner, you routinely spend your days taking care of your pet and ensuring they have everything they need and then some. But did you know that there is a day set aside that honors not just your pet, but you as well? Whether you have a cat, dog, or another animal (or a bunch of animals!) you share your home with, you’re going to want to hear about National Pet Parents Day and how you can celebrate.

What is Pet Parents Day?

The year’s full of designated special “days” that seem to honor everything from donuts to pajamas, so is National Pet Parents Day even legit? Of course it is! While not an official holiday by government standards (hey, there’s only a handful of those anyway), it is observed by pet owners and pet-focused companies across Canada as well as the United States. Numerous other countries likewise have their own days dedicated to companion animals and their people. So, you could say human beings in general are just pet-obsessed and have every right to celebrate that fact.

So, what is National Pet Parents Day exactly? In a nutshell, it’s a day for pet owners everywhere to kick back with their pet and spend some time relaxing and having fun. It’s also a great time to acknowledge the other pet owners in your life with a small gift, fun activity, or if you have dogs, a puppy playdate (we’ll talk more about celebrating this day below).

While the exact origins of National Pet Parents Day are a bit unclear (multiple organizations have claimed credit), it started around the early 2000s. Coinciding with rising pet ownership rates, the day has gained prevalence in more recent years.

Modern pet owner statistics

In honor of this year’s National Pet Parents Day, here’s some interesting data on who has a pet these days:

• According to the American Pet Products Association, almost 67% of households have at least one pet — that’s about 94 million households in the US alone!
• Millennials account for the largest group of pet owners at 30%, with Gen X and Baby Boomers tying for second place at 25% each.
• Dogs are the most popular pets, found in 68 million households, followed by cats in 49 million households and fish in 12 million households.
• American pet owners spent $39.8 billion on veterinary care and pet medical treatments in 2024.
• According to a 2025 Forbes Advisor survey, Florida tops the list of states with the most spoiled dogs, followed closely by Alaska.

When is National Pet Parents Day in 2025?

Conveniently for those wishing to remember Pet Parents Day this year and in the future, it always falls on the last Sunday in April. This year, that’s April 27, 2025.

Other pet holidays in April

April is the perfect time to spend extra time with your furry friend; this month is full of pet holidays and days of awareness! Most of these are geared toward promoting animal welfare and improving the lives of dogs and cats everywhere. In addition to April being Adopt a Greyhound Month, Pet First Aid Awareness Month, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month and Heartworm Prevention Month, there’s Lost Dog Awareness Day on April 23 and Adopt a Shelter Pet Day on April 30.

Things to do on National Pet Parents Day

If you’re a pet owner, the best way to celebrate National Pet Parents Day is by spending time with your pet of course! Consider taking your pal for an extra-long walk or going on an adventure together in a park you haven’t visited before.

If you’re feeling ambitious and your pet loves to socialize, consider throwing a party for them and inviting over their other favorite humans and/or pets. At the end of the day though, the most important thing is spending time with your pal and enjoying what it means to be a pet owner in the first place.

Cool gift ideas for pet parents

Want to have even more fun? Consider wishing all your animal-loving friends a happy pet parents day with a cute card or small gift. Here are some ideas:

• Framed photo of the pet owner and pet
• Custom pet portrait
• A paw print mug or mug with a photo of their pet
• A gift certificate to their favorite pet supply store
• Pet subscription box
• A personalized keychain with a photo of the owner and their pet
• Pet-themed apparel, like custom socks with their pet’s picture on them or a paw print T-shirt
• A pet toy or some treats that they can give their pal
• Pet DNA test kit

Prioritize your pet’s health this Pet Parents Day

This day’s also a great time to catch up on some pet priorities, like scheduling veterinary appointments, stocking up on flea and tick prevention methods, and reviewing everyday exercise and wellness goals. Doing all of these things not only benefit your pet, but they can also help ease your role as a pet owner by helping your pet stay safe and healthy.

Still, accidents and unpredictable illnesses do happen. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to take a moment to sign up for pet health insurance if you don’t already have coverage. Quality pet insurance helps safeguard your budget against surprises while giving you peace of mind that your pet can get the veterinary care they need. And as a responsible pet owner, that’s a pretty nice feeling to have this Pet Parents Day.

*Trupanion does not receive compensation for any products that are mentioned in this article. Linked products are for informative purposes only.