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Pet Appreciation Week June 2 - 8
Let's Make It A Month Long Celebration!

We know you love your pets every day, but this special time gives us all a chance to really show our pets how much we love and appreciate them. Nine out of ten pet owners feel their pets are really part of their families, so let this month be a real celebration for them. We all have such busy lives, but we could all benefit from making a little more time for the animals that mean so much to us and give us such pleasure.

Here are some special things you can do for your pet this month:

  • You can bake your pet a homemade treat. Your pet gets tired of eating the same thing everyday, wouldn't you? For recipes check out: www.marthastewart.com/264802/homemade-dog-biscuits or www.simplypets.com/pet-recipes/Cat/Treat/316
  • Provide your pet with some new toys. Most pets enjoy toys and the playtime. Add a little more excitement to their lives.
  • Make sure your pet's vaccines, microchip, and licenses are all up to date, and that all their health concerns are taken care of.
  • Spend more time talking to your pets.
  • How about a nice bath or grooming appointment?
  • Donate to a pet related charity this month and help some animals who don't have a nice home.
  • Give your pet some extra time with you, including lots of hugs. Your pet just wants to spend time with you, after all you are the center of their universe.
  • Take your pet out to the park, or for a swim, or just a special walk to somewhere new.
  • Just for fun, how about joining your pet by eating your dinner on the floor with them.

So, make June Pet Appreciation Month. Let all your furry, fuzzy friends know how much they mean to you. It is a good month to show the world that it is important to be kind to animals everywhere - everyday!

Adopt-a-Cat Month

June is American Humane Association's "Adopt-A-Cat Month." There are many kittens available that were born this spring, but also lots of older cats who really need a new home. Please check with us at Old Dominion Animal Hospital when looking for your new cat. We have cats and kittens up for adoption right here at the hospital. You can be sure we have met their health care needs for they are all parasite free, have been vaccinated for distemper and rabies, and have tested negative for Leukemia and FIV. All they need are loving homes. How about adopting a cat this June?

World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day is June 8th. This is our planet's biggest celebration of the ocean and its protection. The Ocean Project advances ocean conservation in partnership with zoos and aquariums around the world. Their aim is to educate the public, helping to change attitudes and behaviors for protection of our oceans. Please visit www.theoceanproject.org for more information on what you can do to help protect the world's oceans. Area celebrations on June 8th include: a special events day at the VA Aquarium at Bay & Ocean Pavilion in Virginia Beach and a day long celebration at The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland that focuses on the theme "together we have the power to protect the ocean" with special animal encounters and dolphin enrichment and training sessions. Help save the oceans - Visit an Aquarium!

National Zoo & Aquarium Month

June is National Zoo and Aquarium Month. The Association of Zoos & Aquariums has accredited facilities that play a key role in educating over 175 million visitors about wild animals and their conservation needs. The National Zoo in Washington DC has over 2000 animals, over 400 different species, from around the world. The very first zoo in America opened in Philadelphia on July 1, 1874. On opening day the zoo was visited by more than 3000 visitors. Admission was 25 cents for adults and 10 cents for children. Today the zoo protects over 1,300 rare and endangered animals and admits over 1.2 million visitors a year. Why not visit a zoo or aquarium and help contribute to these wild creatures' preservation?

Want to learn more about what's new and what's happening in the pet world? Visit our Newsletter Archive to read past newsletters from Old Dominion Animal Hospital, and keep up with pet events in our area by visiting our Events Page!