10 Ways To Celebrate Valentine's Day With Your Pets

Introduction

Whether we're in a relationship or happily single, Valentine's Day can look a little different when our Fluffy Friends are around.

You can do many enjoyable activities to show your dogs and cats your love on Heart's Day.

We've rounded up the ten best ways to celebrate Valentine's Day with your pets to make them (and you!) feel extra special.

1.   Book a Spa for Valentine's Day

Doesn't a soothing bath, a blowout, and a manicure and pedicure sound divine? Many groomers are fully booked during Valentine's Day, so make your reservations in advance.

You can also book a "Pet Groomer on Wheels" so you don't have to wait in line.

If you have a feline, try gently brushing since most cats dislike water.

And did you know that massages are beneficial for your pets? Massages really help with anxiety and arthritis!

If your pet suffers from anxiety caused by stressors like fireworks, thunderstorms, and loud noises, you can comfort them with a massage and an anti-anxiety bed.

If you're planning to go outdoors to play, a pre-activity massage is beneficial as it prevents injury or soreness. It also improves blood circulation to the nerves, muscles, and joints.

2.   Bring-Your-Pet-to-Work Day

If you're working on Valentine's Day, why not bring your pet to the office?

Many businesses have adopted pet-friendly rules, making it simpler for working adults to spend valuable time with their four-legged pals during the day.

Or better yet, suggest a Bring-Your-Pet-to-Work Day at your workplace.

Post-pandemic office workers who own pets are so used to spending time with their fur babies that the prospect of going to work seems daunting.

One survey shows that about 22% of pet owners fear that their pets may suffer from separation anxiety once they are required to go to work. But only 7% of companies are pet-friendly.

So, let your workplace know the benefits of having your best friend over to the office with you, and who knows, your company may even adopt a pet-friendly policy soon!

3.   Bake Homemade Goodies

Pets love treats as much as they love you, so what better way to show your fur-ball a great Valentine's Day than freshly baked treats? And place your treats inside their favourite feeding toys to stimulate their minds.

Handmade snacks are also an excellent alternative to store-bought snacks because you're sure that the ingredients are pet-friendly. Remember to check with your vet about possible allergies that your pet may have.

Related: 6 Tips to Help your Dog with Separation Anxiety 

4.   Give Them a Gift

Since Christmas was about two months ago, Valentine's Day is a great holiday to splurge on new toys.

As a bonding activity, go to the local pet store and allow your furry companions to browse the aisles until they discover their favourite toy.

You can also gift-wrap the new toys so your pets can have fun opening them! But make sure to dispose of your wrappers as they are choking hazards.

5.   Go for a Scenic Walk or Drive

What could be more enjoyable than a scenic stroll with your best friend? Regular walks with your pet can benefit your health in various ways.

And it would be best to try a new route for your Valentine's walk.

Bring your reflective dog leash with you if you're planning for a nighttime walk!

If your dogs or cats enjoy car rides, take them somewhere nice where they can run around and play.

And instead of listening to the radio while driving, set up a pet playlist for your fur-ball.

6.   Dress Up for Date Night

If you know how to sew, why not design new costumes for your stylish pup or kitty? You can also buy matching outfits and take loads of great photos to commemorate the special day. If you have someone special over for V-Day, inform them of your matching outfits plan so they won't feel out of place.

Post your pictures on social media to make your friends happy too.

Related: How to Groom your Dog at Home like a Pro

7.   Groom Them at Home

Doing activities together, like grooming at home, is also a nice idea for V-Day.

Give them a relaxing bubble bath, trim their nails, brush their teeth and fur, and blow dry them, and they'll look dapper in no time!

Don't forget to give their ears a good cleaning too! Use a damp cloth soaked in mineral oil to clean the outer flaps.

Some breeds have too much hair that may impede air circulation.

Consult your veterinarian to determine whether or not shaving the hair inside the ear is important for your dog.

Too much ear hair may be itchy for them, and they would tend to scratch or shake their head frequently.

If you own a cat, bathing them might be challenging but not entirely impossible. Some cats enjoy the water, while most are terrified of it.

So, it's essential to introduce bathing to your cat while they're young.

Still, if you can't get them close to water, you can always use a dry shampoo specially formulated for cats.

Get ready with your treats and kibbles during your grooming session so your pets stay happy throughout the process.

8.   Volunteer at a Shelter

Not every pet will have a loving owner this Valentine's Day to spoil them. If you're feeling charitable, think about donating to your neighbourhood shelter or another worthy cause that supports animals without permanent families.

Donations may come in the form of cash or care packages. If you opt for care packages, include dog and cat food, treats, chew toys, and towels. Add in a plush toy for comfort.

Find out what information is required from you and what is expected of volunteers by calling or visiting the animal shelter website in your area.

While some shelters need you to fill out an application since so many people are interested in volunteering, others will only require you to attend an orientation.

Typical volunteer tasks at animal shelters include walking dogs, cleaning cages, working in the office, and, of course, cuddling with all the animals.

9.   Paw Painting Session

Your fur babies can participate in your arts and crafts projects with paw print paintings. But choose non-toxic paints that are easy to clean with water. Washable body paint or finger paints for children also work well for pet paw prints.

Additionally, the best place to work with pets and paints is outdoors. That way, even if your pets run around with paint on their paws, you don't have too much clean-up to do after your activity.

Related: The More You Know: How Do Dogs Communicate?

10. Adopt-a-Pet Day

Adopting a pet will definitely make for a great Valentine's Day. Visit your local shelter, and there are a lot of dogs and cats of various ages, shapes, and temperaments eagerly waiting for their fur-ever family.

Typically, pet adoption requires you to fill in an application form. Some organisations might also visit your home to check if you have a suitable environment for adopted pets.

And to find a good match for you, shelters would typically ask you for a meet-and-greet.

And finally, you might also need to pay a minimal fee to help cover initial veterinary care like shots, spaying or neutering, and microchipping.

Still, different shelters have different pet adoption requirements. Get in touch with your local animal organisation if you have specific inquiries.

Pet adoption may be the best Heart's Day gift for yourself and for the Fluffy Friend you'll save!

Conclusion

Our pets have proven that they will always give us the warmest welcome home, aid in stress relief, and keep us smiling. They deserve a bit more love on Valentine's Day! We hope our ten ideas helped you make this day unforgettable. 

Leave your thoughts in the comments below and let us know how you’ll spend Valentine’s Day this year.