National Pet Memorial Day

Naman Sodhi
Sep 06, 2023 By Naman Sodhi
Originally Published on Sep 06, 2023
A little girl with her pet dog outdoors in a park.
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Read time: 4.0 Min

Where is National Pet Memorial Day observed?

National Pet Memorial Day is a national day in the USA. However, it can be observed anywhere globally on the second Sunday of September each year.

Who is National Pet Memorial Day observed by?

The National Pet Memorial Day is observed by pet owners who have lost a beloved pet and want to honor its memory.

When did National Pet Memorial Day first start?

The first time this special and unique day was observed was in the year 1972, and pet parents have since continued to observe this day in honor of their beloved pets.

Who started National Pet Memorial Day?

The International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories established the National Pet Memorial Day.

A little girl with painted tiger face holding a rabbit.

History And Timeline

The second Sunday of September is a very special time to honor your pet's memories. It could be a dog, a bearded dragon, a cat, or any other animal; a pet owner always manages to spoil their pets regardless.

Dogs Were Domesticated

The proof of domestication of dogs can be traced back to as early as 26,000 BCE

26,000 BCE

Earliest Special Burials For Pets

The earliest special burials for pets can be dated around 8,000 BCE.

8,000 BCE

Alexander The Great's Dog Died

When Alexander The Great lost his mastiff, Peritas, he arranged a formal burial, built a monument, and had a funeral procession.

350 BCE

Hachiko Memorial Statue 

The famous Hachiko Memorial Statue was built to pay tribute to the famous Akita dog, Hachiko, who astonishingly waited for his owner for nine years after his death.

1948

Kentucky Horse Park Secretariat Memorial

After one of the greatest racehorses of all time, Secretariat, passed away, he was immortalized with a beautiful statue at the Kentucky Horse Park.

1989

Traditions And Customs

This day is observed with pet owners honoring the memories of their pets by visiting their burial sites. Some even donate to local shelters taking care of rescue dogs and cats or plant flowers or a tree in memory of their best friends.

Ways To Observe National Pet Memorial Day

There are different days to observe this day in honor of the memory of your family pets. For instance, you could plant either flowers or a tree in a local park where you used to take your pet.

Another way you can observe this day is by donating to a local shelter or even a local pet event or sponsoring an animal in need by signing up as a virtual pet parent.

If you currently have a pet, you can place a stepping stone with your pet's paw print and put it in your garden so you can have a trace of them even after they're gone. You can also designate the day to photoshoots and fill out a special photo album of memories that will stay forever.

Facts And Stats

  • The International Association for Pet Cemeteries and Crematories, the organization that started this day, has set out a proper standard for the burial of a pet that any pet parent has to follow.
  • National Pet Memorial Day is a special day observed in the USA in September. However, it is sometimes confused with the World Pet Memorial Day, which is in June, and even the US National Pet Day, which is in April.
  • This day falls shortly after the Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, started in 2015. It is observed on August 28 and serves a similar purpose to the National Pet Memorial Day.
     

As the journey down this fuzzy memory lane comes to a close, one can't help but acknowledge the mixed bag of emotions that pet ownership entails. National Pet Memorial Day is not just about the poignant reminiscing; it's also a celebration of the unconditional love these pets sprinkled into lives.

For those contemplating welcoming a new furry (or feathery or scaly) friend into their lives, this reflective day might just offer the gentle nudge they need. There's an entire universe of whisker twitches, wagging tails, and joy-filled moments awaiting.

What is World Pet Memorial Day?

World Pet Memorial Day is observed all over the world by pet owners who want to honor their late pets.

Is it National Pet Day or National Dog Day?

National Pet Day is observed on April 11, while National Dog Day is celebrated on August 26, which, as the name suggests, is celebrated for dogs specifically.

What are some advantages of National Pet Memorial Day?

National Pet Memorial Day provides an excellent opportunity for pet owners who have lost their pets and want to remember all the beautiful moments together. It is also an occasion to take children to participate in events hosted by animal shelters and non-profits and teach them empathy towards animals.

Do pet lovers like celebrating National Pet Memorial Day?

Yes, pet lovers like celebrating National Pet Memorial Day as it is a great way to remember pets who have passed on.

Who invented the concept of National Pet Memorial Day?

The National Pet Memorial Day concept was established by the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Sunday, September 11, 2022
  • Sunday, September 10, 2023
  • Sunday, September 08, 2024
  • Friday, September 13, 2024
  • Saturday, September 14, 2024

Facts

Where Do They Live?

United States
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Sources

https://www.richellusa.com/10-ways-to-honor-your-pet-on-national-pet-memorial-day/

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-pet-memorial-day-second-sunday-in-september/

https://www.iaopc.com/page/national-pet-memorial-day

https://blogs.bl.uk/untoldlives/2023/02/peritas-alexander-the-greats-dog.html

https://www.beltonvetclinic.com/services/cats/blog/world-pet-memorial-day

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Written by Naman Sodhi

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English with History, Master of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature

Naman Sodhi picture

Naman SodhiBachelor of Arts specializing in English with History, Master of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature

Naman possesses a formidable academic background, having attained a Bachelor's degree in English with a minor in history followed by a Master's degree in English language and literature from the esteemed Sophia Girls' College in Ajmer. Naman has honed her writing and editing prowess through a wide-ranging career that includes tutoring, fact-checking, and writing and editing. Her astute social media acumen benefited mutiple businesses as well as animal welfare organizations where she devised highly engaging social media campaigns and compelling posts.
A veritable polymath, Naman's creative genius which has won her a host of awards in diverse fields such as art and crafts, creative writing, and dramatics. Her insatiable curiosity fuels her quest for knowledge as she scours books, films, TV shows, and anything else she can find in search of captivating stories. 
Naman has an innate love of animals and spends her free time supporting animal organizations and caring for animals. Naman's highly proficient and has broad-based expertise that enables her to lead the editorial team.

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