How Are You Celebrating Dog Mom’s Day?
Sunday, May 9th, is Mother’s Day, a holiday devoted to celebrating moms all across the country and all they do for us. Appropriately, just ahead of that, on May 8th, is National Dog Mom’s Day, another 24 hours dedicated to recognizing moms; but this time, moms of fur babies!
History of National Dog Mom’s Day
In 2018, National Dog Mom’s Day was introduced by Dig; a dog person’s dating app designed to match pup-loving singles. The innovative platform allows users to view photos of their potential matches and their dogs before deciding if they’d like to chat. Should they decide to meet up, Dig provides a list of dog-friendly parks, bars, and restaurants in that area. According to Dig, the national holiday was established “to thank dog moms, foster dog moms, and future dog moms for all of the love they give to pups.”
Celebrating Our Proud Dog Moms
Instead of telling you how to pamper your dog, this day is all about dog moms spoiling themselves for a change. However, any true proud dog mom knows that treats must be shared (or risk becoming a victim of the puppy dog eyes). Fortunately, we have some simple suggestions for celebrating National Dog Mom’s Day in ways that canine friends can join in on, too. Here’s what you can do:
- Set aside some time to get some extra cuddles. It’s really a win-win.
- Treat yourself to a pedicure, then maybe give (or get) your pal a paw-dicure, too!
- Make memories by snapping some sweet selfies with your furry best friend.
- Get out for a walk and some fresh air!
- Dedicate the day to total relaxation (bath time, some good reading material, an awesome nap, skincare, relaxing, etc.).
Dog Moms Take Pet Parenting Seriously
According to research conducted by Rover, the role that a proud dog mom plays in their pup’s life is not to be taken lightly. Now more than ever, pets are considered a part of our family, and being a pet parent is a lifestyle. We give dogs human names, human-grade food, personalized gifts, and some of us even celebrate their birthdays. In honor of Mother’s Day, Rover talked to women who have pups inquiring about their identity and lifestyle as pet parents, and the response was fascinating.
- 3 out of 4 consider themselves “dog moms” rather than just dog owners.
- 54% of Gen Z dog moms say their dog is their “child.”
- 52% of Gen X dog moms say their dog is part of the family.
- 45% have referred to their pup as a “fur baby” or “fur kid,” and 40% just call their dog their “baby.”
- 45% of Gen Z dog moms consider themselves “helicopter pet parents” while Millennial, and Gen X dog moms identified as “Velcro pet parents,” which means they’re connected to their dog at the hip, but don’t worry or hover quite as much.
- 40% of female pup owners say they own dog mom apparel, and 17% say they don’t own any—but they want some!
- 40% of dog moms have stayed up at night to comfort a crying puppy.
- 24% of dog moms have missed work to be home with a sick dog.
- 50% of pup moms gush about their dog when meeting new people.
- 62% of moms said they take dozens of photos of their dog.
These results go to show that you don’t have to give birth to be a mother. You can foster. You can adopt. All it takes is opening your home and your heart (plus a little bit of patience). Celebrate this mom-filled weekend by recognizing the special ladies in your life, and don’t forget to wish any fur baby mamas out there a happy National Dog Mom’s Day!