Buying children new pets can be beneficial for both the child and the pet—if the right pet is chosen for the child at the right time. A day that reminds us of that fact, and one that also celebrates the joys of children’s pets, is National Kids and Pets Day. This holiday falls on April 26th each year and emphasizes the special bond between children and pets. However, it’s not a day that a parent should observe until they know and understand the dangers of putting children and pets together without proper supervision.

The History of National Kids and Pets Day

This holiday was first created in 2005 by Colleen Paige, a celebrity pet and family lifestyle expert, and a former EMT. She created this day not only to help further the bond between pets and children but also to bring awareness to the plight of animals in shelters. Another reason she invented this holiday was to emphasize the importance of parents implementing safety measures when children and pets are together.

Safety Tips for Children and Pets

Since dogs are pack animals and have certain ingrained instincts, it’s important for people to realize that even the tamest animal can bite a member of the household. This can be particularly dangerous for young children who might be the same size or smaller than the dog. Below are some safety measures that parents should consider before putting children and animals together:

• Young children should never be left unsupervised around an animal.
• No animal should be approached while it’s sleeping, eating, or chewing on a toy.
• No animal should be approached while it’s caring for its young.
• Sudden movements or loud noises should never be made around an animal.
• Don’t let a child touch or stand near a dog that’s experiencing heightened excitement or fear.
• Make sure the dog’s or cat’s waste is kept out of reach of children.
• An adult should always be asked before a child approaches an animal.

Facts About Animals in Shelters

Below are some facts about shelter animals and the plight they face every day. The following statistics highlight just another reason why people might want to observe this holiday.

• Only 10% of dogs born will find a permanent home.
• Approximately a quarter of all dogs in shelters are purebred.
• Over 2.7 million cats and dogs are euthanized every year.

Observing National Kids and Pets Day

National Kids and Pets Day can be observed by parents by taking some time to learn about how to safely pair an animal with their child and at what age it’s appropriate for a child to have a pet. It’s also a good day for people to consider adopting one of the stray animals that have ended up in a shelter. And while you’re celebrating this holiday, be sure to use the hashtag #NationalKidsAndPetsDay to spread the word about it on the internet.