Calling All Parents of Four-Legged Children
In a year that saw most people spending a lot more time at home, it’s no surprise that our pets have further solidified their bond with us as bonafide members of the family. According to the American Pet Products Association’s (APPA) biennial National Pet Owners Survey, an estimated 67% of American households had a pet, with 50% owning at least one dog and 34% owning at least one cat.
It’s also safe to assume that those pet parents have been spoiling their furry companions with treats, toys, clothing and more. The pet care industry experienced a boom in 2020, with the APPA projecting that Americans would spend $99 billion on their pets by the end of this year.
And with good reason. Family pets have become exercise partners, co-workers, playmates, reading coaches for home-schooled children and even emotional support, as families spent many more hours with Fido or Fluffy. These furry family members certainly deserve to be celebrated for all those hours of hard work and cuddles.
So, for those pet parents who consider their pets as much a part of their family as their human children, here are some options for celebrating Mother’s Day and Father’s Day with your cat or dog.
1. Go on a Family Adventure
Consider an outing based around your furry friend. The Charleston County park system has several options for exploring the great outdoors with your pet in tow, including Mount Pleasant’s Palmetto Islands County Park. Explore its extensive trail system through a tropical, tidal creekside setting, or choose to launch and paddle a kayak for especially brave doggies. You can also make the drive to North Charleston to check out Wannamaker County Park’s newly constructed off-leash dog park, which features separate large and small dog areas and a splash pad for those hot summer days. Adventurous kitties on leash or in one of those nifty backpack carriers are also encouraged. Find more parks and pet-friendly amenities at ccprc.com.
2. Schedule a Check-Up
A healthy pet is a happy pet. Take the time to ensure your fur-baby is in top shape and up to date on all necessary vaccines and preventative medications by scheduling an appointment with Advanced Animal Care of Mount Pleasant. Regular visits to the vet can improve your pet’s quality of life and even extend their lifespan so you can enjoy many more happy years (and Mother’s and Father’s Days) with them. Call 843-884-9838, or email [email protected] to book.
3. Make a Donation in Your Pet’s Name
There’s no better way to honor the heart and soul of your family pet than by helping other pets find loving forever homes of their own. The Charleston Animal Society’s mission is to prevent cruelty to animals. You can support them in their work of caring for and protecting nearly 20,000 pets each year by making a monetary donation in your pet’s name through a Pet Honorarium or Memorial on the organization’s website. According to CAS, a donation of just $50 helps feed homeless kittens for a week. Visit them at charlestonanimalsociety.org for more information.
4. Spoil Them Rotten
When all else fails, buy their love! Show enduring love and appreciation for your pup or cat with a shopping spree at Michael’s Barkery Pet Spa and Boutique. You’ll find everything there to spoil your pet, including special cakes and treats baked in-house, boutique FriendshipCollar collars that come with matching bracelets, which you can wear alongside your furry pal, and a full-service grooming salon to keep your fluffy babe looking and smelling fresh. Visit them at 864 Island Park Drive, Suite 103 in Daniel Island.
