Did you know that April is National Pet Month and it's filled with national pet-related days? We rounded up some ways St. Louis families can celebrate or honor their pets this month. And check out each individual day's celebration below:
- National Hug Your Dog Day, April 10
- National Pet Day, April 11
- National Adopt a Shelter Dog Day, April 30
- Animal Cruelty Week, April 21–27
- National Kids and Pets Day, April 26
Courtesy of Kennelwood Pet Resorts
Bring your dog downtown. St Louis Union Station has two dog-related events. The Purina Incredible Dog Team will be on the Purina Performance Plaza at Union Station on Friday, April 2 for shows at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The family will enjoy watching some canines of various breeds leap, jump, and run obstacles on an agility course while their trainers share fun facts about dogs and tips for training your own furry friends at home. Union Station is also partnering with Kennelwood Pet Resorts for a fun family event on April 10 from 11 a.m.– 3 p.m. Activities include a photo booth with props to capture a fun image of your pooch, along with free samples of Fro Pup. Teach your pet a new trick and reserve a free time slot for an onsite trick class. You can also reserve a free pet training evaluation, provided by Academy for Professional Dog Trainers.
Get your pet a photo with a fireman. At 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 3, the St. Charles Central County Fire & Rescue Department is holding a free drive-thru event to bring your pet to have their picture taken on a fire truck. They will even take your photo for you and provide digital access to the images to your family.
Courtesy of Yuppy Puppies Forever, Inc.
Consider the cats and dogs in need. Consider donating dog food, blankets, leashes, crates, cleaning supplies, or funds to Yuppy Puppies Forever Inc. This O'Fallon based pet rescue specializes in rehoming dogs whose owners have passed away and helps fund surgeries for dogs with special needs. You can also choose to contribute to St. Louis Pet Rescue, a non-profit group focused on saving pets from local animal control facilities and neglect situations. They have an Amazon wish list your family can purchase from to provide for their cats and dogs in need before they find their forever homes.
Courtesy of Clementine's Creamery
Give them gourmet. Treats Unleashed offers an array of all-natural food and treats for cats and dogs. You can even get dog cakes and cookies personalized with your pet’s name on them. The bakery also sponsors a donation program, to give back to various pet organizations in the community.
Take the whole family to get some ice cream - including your pup. Clementine’s Creamery recently partnered with Kansas City–based Mixed Mutt Creamery to provide all-natural ice cream for dogs. Offered in three flavors, pup cups cost $5 and are available at all four area Clementine’s locations.
Adopt a pet! If you are looking to add to your family, consider giving a cat or dog a forever home. The Humane Society of Missouri recently celebrated its 150th year in operation. They will help you find the right pet for you. Learn more about their humane practices and frequently asked questions here.
