Pet Remembrance Day is celebrated every year on July 5 in the United Kingdom to commemorate beloved companion animals that have passed away. Did you know that dogs, which were the first domesticated animals, were also the first pets? Pet Remembrance Day was created by “Pets Magazine” and Lars Anderson, founder of Arty Lobster (a 3D printing company). On Pet Remembrance Day, pet owners gather together and share fond memories of their deceased pets, their photos, and the beautiful moments they had when they were alive. All companion animals are celebrated on Pet Remembrance Day, including dogs, cats, horses, and ferrets.
History of Pet Remembrance Day
The history of pet ownership can be traced to when humans began to domesticate animals. It is believed that dogs were the first animals to be domesticated, and they also became the first pets. According to archaeological evidence, human ownership of dogs as pets dates back to about 12,000 years ago. Scholars believed the main reason for this companionship between humans and dogs was the benefits they derived from each other. With the dog’s speed, powerful jaws, and tracking abilities, they helped humans catch prey while they got back a constant supply of food and warmth. Around this period, humans began burying dogs and cats with their owners, and they were sometimes given notable burials with high-value items placed in their graves.During antiquity, Middle Easterns began using horses in chariot battles, a practice that spread to the rest of the Old World, including ancient Greece and ancient Rome. This practice led to an affectionate relationship between humans and horses. One of the popular examples is the relationship between Alexander the Great and his horse, Bucephalus. In ancient Egypt, people began giving names to their dogs. Between the 17th and 18th centuries, the British elite were the only people who kept pets in Britain, symbolizing their social and economic status.Pet ownership became an element of bourgeois culture with the advent of the middle class in the 19th century. By the end of the 19th century, pet keeping and care had grown into a large industry in most of Europe and the United States. Pets are becoming an important element of human socioeconomic life. Aside from companionship, they bring economic benefit to their owners as well as enjoyment through pet shows, T.V. shows, movies, and social media.
Pet Remembrance Day timeline
Humans begin keeping dogs as pets.
The British aristocratic class start keeping dogs as pets as a sign of their elite status
People begin dealing in pet keeping and pet care to generate profit.
Pets now provide various benefits to their human, including companionship, a guide for the disabled, profit, and entertainment.
Pet Remembrance Day FAQs
How do you get over losing a pet?
First, you need to allow yourself to grieve. Then have a memorial service for the pet, join a pet support group, talk to a therapist, and help other pets. When you have gone over your loss, you can look into adopting a new pet.
What do you say for the loss of a pet?
You can begin by saying your condolences (I’m sorry for your loss or I’m sorry), and then ask them to tell you about the fond memories they had with their pets. That can alleviate the pain that your friend or the pet owner feels.
Why is losing a pet so painful?
Like losing a family member, losing a pet is painful because of the emotional connection between the pet owner and the pet. These pets are not just animals but a companion and a bundle of unconditional love, joy, and comfort.
How to Observe Pet Remembrance Day
-
Hold a memorial service
Organizing a memorial service in honor of your pet is one of the most wonderful ways to celebrate Pet Remembrance Day. The memorial service can be held where you buried your pet or the favorite playing or walking location for your pet. Invite loved ones to share beloved memories they had with your pet and, if possible, lay a flower wreath on that location. If you can’t hold a memorial service, share memories of your pet on social media using the hashtag #PetRemembranceDay.
-
Volunteer at animal charities
Helping other pets is one of the ways you can relieve the pain of losing your pet and contribute to the fight against animal cruelty. You can volunteer at an animal shelter or one of the local animal charities in your area. Also, if possible, you can organize a sponsored walk or race or a bake sale to raise funds for animal charities helping abused pets and domestic animals.
-
Adopt a pet
Another way to celebrate Pet Remembrance Day is to give an animal a home. By rehoming a pet, you help save them from being euthanized. This way, you commemorate the death of a pet by saving the life of another.
5 Cute Facts About Pets
-
A cute sleep-lover
Cats sleep for about 70% of their lives — up to 16 hours a day.
-
Cats are not the most popular pets
Fish are the most popular pets in the United States, followed by cats and dogs.
-
Dogs sweat through their paws
That’s because their sweat glands are located between their paws.
-
Cats only meow to humans
Once cats reach maturity, they stop meowing to themselves and only meowing to communicate with humans.
-
Cats have a long memory
Cats’ memories can last up to 16 hours, longer than monkeys and orangutans.
Why Pet Remembrance Day is Important
-
It commemorates the memory of beloved deceased pets
Pet Remembrance Day is specially created for pet owners to celebrate their dead pets, who were part of their family. It’s a day for these pet owners to grieve their deceased pets, share fond memories, and hold a memorial service, if they want to, in honor of that pet.
-
Pet Remembrance Day is an opportunity to fight against animal cruelty
Every minute, an animal suffers abuse, with dogs mostly being the victims of this abuse. Pet Remembrance Day can serve as an opportunity for those that care about pets and animals in general to take action against animal cruelty. They can volunteer at an animal shelter, organize an animal cruelty awareness program, or raise funds for animal charities.
-
It brings bereaved pet owners together
Pet Remembrance Day also creates an avenue for pet owners to connect, making their grieving easier to bear. This connection can happen during their pet memorial service or when sharing the lovely memories of their pets online.
Pet Remembrance Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 5 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | July 5 | Friday |
| 2025 | July 5 | Saturday |
| 2026 | July 5 | Sunday |
| 2027 | July 5 | Monday |
