5 ways to celebrate your pet’s birthday

Your pet is an important part of the household, and while they may not understand the concept of birthdays, it’s the perfect day to honor all the joy and happiness they bring into our lives.

Below are five tips for celebrating their big day.

Throw a pawesome birthday party: Liven up your space with some birthday fun! Order a banner with your dog’s name or face on it, or purchase dog- or cat-inspired paper plates, tablecloth, or napkins. And don’t forget the pet-safe birthday hats, bow ties, or bibs! If your pet doesn’t mind crowds, invite your human and furry friends for a backyard hangout. Just make sure you have one cake for the humans and another suitable for the pets.
Make a cat- or dog-friendly birthday cake: There are tons of pet-friendly birthday cake recipes available online, and we also have our own pet-friendly snack recipes you can check out, like oatsy dog biscuits and tuna yums for cats. But if you need a quick “cake,” simply stick an unlit candle in your pet’s favorite canned wet food. Just make sure to take the candle out before your pet digs in, and don’t let them overeat!
Have a playdate: If you want a smaller shindig for your pet and they enjoy spending time with a furry friend, schedule a time for them to meet up, maybe at the dog park or even at home.
Give them a gift they’ll love: Does your pet love new toys? Maybe a special treat from the pet store? Maybe your cat likes a plain ol’ box to play in or your pup likes to play with old socks (under supervision, of course). Either way, their special day is the perfect opportunity to give them a sweet new gift.
Take them on an adventure: If you’ve got an adventurous dog or cat on your hands, carve out a few hours or a weekend to take them on an exciting excursion. Research which parks and hotels allow dogs and cats. Don’t forget — wherever you go, bring your pet’s essentials: tags, food, water, medication, leash, poop bags or litter box, etc. Here’s a helpful list of pet travel do’s and don’ts.