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Your pet probably has no idea that the 20th of February is Love Your Pet Day, but if they did, they’d expect you to go all out – think extra belly rubs, gourmet treats, and longer park walks. “But beyond the fun and fluff, being a great pet parent is about regular vet check-ups, proper nutrition, and a safe, happy environment. So, let’s talk about how to celebrate Love Your Pet Day in ways that will make their tails wag (or purrs rumble) for years to come,” Marycke Ackhurst, Pet Behaviour Expert from Hill’s Pet Nutrition explains.
1. Speak their love language
Some pets are all about cuddles, while others prefer to express their love by bringing you ‘gifts’ (whether it’s their favourite toy, a slightly chewed-up sock or more unsavoury items our cats like to bring us). According to Ackhurst, understanding your pet’s way of showing affection is key: “Pets express love in different ways – some follow you from room to room, some give you slow blinks of approval, and others just enjoy your presence without much fuss. Paying attention to their unique behaviours helps build a deeper bond.” So, if your cat demands attention at the most inconvenient times, or your dog insists on being your shadow, take it as the highest compliment.
2. Pamper with a purpose
A spa day for your pet may be slightly impractical, however keeping them healthy is the real VIP treatment.
- Schedule a vet visit if it’s been a while. Routine check-ups catch issues early and ensure your pet is thriving.
- Stay on top of vaccinations – they’re not just for puppies and kittens.
- Have their teeth checked! Dental health is often overlooked, but gum disease can cause serious health problems.
- Grooming isn’t just for looks – regular brushing of your pet’s coat, not only helps keep your pet feeling their best, but is also important in keeping their coat functional and protecting them from the elements like heat and cold.
- Bake them some special healthy Hill’s treats— another option is to replace one of your pet’s meals with Hill’s wet food, and spread it on a lick mat – this helps to relax your pet.
If you want to go all out, a fresh new bed or a cosy blanket upgrade is like gifting them a first-class ticket to Napland.
3. Give them the adventure they deserve
For dogs, nothing beats a sniffari – a walk where they call the shots, stopping to sniff and explore at their own pace. For cats, an indoor jungle gym, scratching post, or window perch lets them survey their kingdom with ease. New experiences – big or small – keep pets mentally stimulated and happy.
4. Make a difference (Even if you don’t have a pet)
Love Your Pet Day doesn’t have to be for pet parents only. If you don’t have a furry best friend at home, you can still celebrate by helping pets in need. “There are thousands of cats and dogs in shelters around South Africa waiting for a second chance at love,” says Ackhurst.
Why not consider any of the following?
- Volunteer at a local shelter – even a few hours of cuddles and playtime can make a difference.
- Donate food, blankets, or toys to a shelter.
- Consider fostering – many shelters are overcrowded and need temporary homes for pets waiting to be adopted.
If you are looking to adopt a pet Hill’s has created the Pet Matchmaker App, an easy and fun way for pet parents to find a pet that suits their personality and lifestyle.
- The app connects users with shelters across South Africa, helping prospective pet parents search for ‘the one.’
- Filters allow you to customise your search – narrowing down pets by age, size, breed mix, coat colour, activity level, and even compatibility with other family members.
- Each shelter pet is profiled with a bio, photos, and videos to introduce them to potential adopters.
“Think Cupid meets Tinder with unconditional love,” Ackhurst adds, “and, even better, you can do this from anywhere. It could be love at first swipe this Love Your Pet Day.” The goal? To clear the shelters and find forever homes for deserving cats and dogs.
5. End the day with a heartfelt ‘thank you’
Your pet may not understand words per se, but they do understand your voice, your energy and your love. Take a moment to tell them (yes, out loud) how much they mean to you. They’ve been by your side through the good days and the tough ones – so whether it’s with a treat, a scratch, or just an extra-long snuggle, let them know they’re the best thing to ever happen to you.
At the end of the day, every day is Love Your Pet Day in their world – so let’s make this one count.
The Pet Matchmaker App is free to download on iOS and Android.
For more from Hill’s visit their website