Short or tall, cat or dog, slimy and scaly, fluffy and hairy, whatever characteristics describe your animal bestie, your pet deserves to celebrate a day dedicated to themselves. National Pet Day is celebrated annually on April 11, which means it’s time for you to crank up the love and affection they experience daily. 

We treat our pets like family members, so it’s important they know their role in our lives. They are support systems, comforters, and protectors. Overall, they bring countless joy into our lives and create lifetime memories. 

Even though National Pet Day falls on a Monday, there are plenty of activities in Jax that you can work around your schedule to celebrate your beloved companion. 

Pet Photoshoot

One of the simplest ways to start the celebration is to snap up some photos and share them on your social media. You could host a mini photoshoot at local parks, such as Dog Wood Park  or the Jacksonville Arboretum &Gardens. The Dog Wood Park is a 42-acre playground perfect for an active canine who enjoys the outdoors. It has a dog-swimming pond, jogging/walking trails, and plenty of exercise equipment, so you can get those live-action shots of your pup doing what they love best. Don’t forget to bring along their favorite toys to use as props. The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens, however, is a more serene environment suitable for the cool, calm, and collective pups that enjoy nature. Set up a picnic for two and flick pictures of them relaxing in their natural element among scenic views and beautiful flowers.

Dog Wood Park: 7407 Salisbury Road, Jacksonville; jaxdogs.com // @dogwoodparkjax

Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens: 1445 Millcoe Road, Jacksonville; jacksonvillearboretum.org // @jacksonvillearboretum

If you desire frame-worthy photography, you can book a session with the popular Jacksonville animal photographer, Joseph Photography. Michael Joseph or MJ has an extensive record of photographing people and their pets. You can let your pet have all the shine in an in-studio solo shoot or book one together. Whatever you choose, MJ will ensure you receive a family photo that amplifies your support for National Pet Day.

A Day Trip to Paradise

Pet Paradise is the place to be for the ultimate pet-pampering experience. Give your cat or dog the perfect home away from home vacation with a trip to Pet Paradise. They offer grooming services, pet sleepovers, pools, jungle gyms, cat trees, and multi-level condos for suitable sleeping arrangements. Your pet will return home refreshed and renewed.

Pet Paradise: 463393 State Road 200, Yulee; petparadise.com/amelia // @petparadiseresort

Volunteer & Support a Local Shelter

Don’t have a pet? Well, that doesn’t mean you can’t join the festivities. Pay it forward by volunteering at a local animal shelter and spread love to those who aren’t fortunate to have a place to call home yet. The Jacksonville Humane Society extends a shift-based variety of volunteer opportunities to high schoolers and adults. You can even gather a group of five to eight friends for group dog walking offered Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Jacksonville Humane Society: 8464 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville; jaxhumane.org // @jaxhumane

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