National Love Your Pet Day on February 20 is the perfect excuse to shower pets with love. But let’s be honest — do we really need an excuse? Pets bring joy, comfort, and unconditional love every day, so why not show them appreciation all year long?
Of course, many parents had high hopes that getting a pet would teach their kids responsibility — feeding them, walking them, cleaning up after them. Fast forward to today, and who’s doing all that? (Spoiler alert: It’s you. It’s always you.)
But there’s still hope! Here are five fun and engaging ways to get kids involved in caring for and loving their pets — while maybe sneaking in a little responsibility, too.
Thanks to the Macaroni KID publishers who shared photos of their family pets for this article!
1. 🦴 DIY Pet Treats — Made With Love!
The way to a pet’s heart? Through their belly! Kids will love getting creative in the kitchen by making homemade treats for their furry (or feathered or scaly) friends. Here are some easy, pet-safe recipe ideas:
🐶 For dogs: Peanut butter and banana cakes. Get the recipe!
🐱 For cats: Tuna treats. Get the recipe!
🐹 For small pets: Simple fresh veggie snacks like carrots, apples, or leafy greens
To make it extra fun, use cookie cutters in cute shapes like bones, fish, or hearts. And hey, if your kid makes the treats, they might actually remember to feed the pet for once!
🔹 Pro Tip: Always check pet-friendly ingredients before baking. Avoid harmful foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, or xylitol.
 Mandie Cohen | Macaroni KID Mon Valley-Pittsburgh East, PA |
2. 🎾 Playtime Extravaganza
Pets thrive on attention, and extra playtime is one of the best ways to show them love. Encourage kids to put down the screens and interact with their pets in fun, engaging ways:
🐶 For dogs: A game of fetch at the park or backyard zoomies.
🐱 For cats: Chasing feather toys or laser pointers.
🐰 For rabbits & guinea pigs: A mini obstacle course with tunnels and ramps.
🐢 For turtles & hamsters: Supervised floor time in a pet-safe space.
Besides bonding, playtime helps pets stay mentally stimulated and physically active. And let’s be real — your dog will probably end up getting way more exercise than your kid.
 Joyce Campbell | Macaroni KID Southern R.I. |
🐾 Bonus: Give Back to Pets in Need! 🐾
Love Your Pet Day isn’t just about our own pets — it’s also a great time to help animals in need. Many shelters and rescues welcome families to volunteer or donate supplies. Here are some easy ways kids can help:
✔️ Donate old blankets, towels, or pet beds to keep shelter animals cozy. 🛏️
✔️ Drop off pet food, treats, or toys at a local rescue. 🦴
✔️ Volunteer! Some shelters allow kids to help with tasks like reading to animals, filling food bowls, or making DIY toys. 🐕🐈
✔️ Fundraise by hosting a bake sale, lemonade stand, or birthday donation drive for a pet charity. 💰
Call your local shelter to see how your family can make a difference. Helping animals teaches kids kindness and — if we’re lucky — a little responsibility.
 Zory Cabrera | Macaroni KID Newington-New Britain-Wethersfield-Berlin |
3. 🛁 Pet Spa Day — A Relaxing Treat
Who doesn’t love a spa day? While some pets enjoy baths, others prefer gentle grooming and relaxation. Here are some ways kids can pamper their pets:
✨ Brush their fur (bonus points for a cute bow or bandana afterward!).
🚿 Set up a warm bath for pets that enjoy water (dogs, some reptiles).
🐾 Trim nails or clean cages for smaller pets to freshen up their space.
Of course, if your kid is all in for a spa day, but disappears the second the bath starts… well, welcome to parenting.
🔹 Pro Tip: Use pet-safe shampoos and grooming tools, and always check water temperature before bathing your pet.
 Eden Margol | Macaroni KID South Tampa, FL |
4. 📸 Pet Photo Shoot — Capture the Cuteness!
Want a fun, memory-making activity? Host a pet photo shoot! Let kids dress up their pets (if they enjoy it), grab some fun props, and snap adorable pictures. Here are some cute ideas:
📷 Heart-themed bandanas or bowties for a festive look.
🐶 Matching outfits with their pet.
🖍️ DIY “Love Your Pet Day” sign for a cute Instagram post.
Be warned — your pet will either strike the perfect pose or look completely unimpressed. There is no in-between.
🔹 Pro Tip: Use treats or favorite toys to get your pet’s attention for the perfect shot.
 Autumn Moricz | Macaroni KID Livingston, MI |  Joyce Campbell | Macaroni KID Southern R.I. |
5. 💤 Extra Snuggles & Cuddle Time
Sometimes, the best way to show love is just being together. Encourage kids to spend quiet, quality time with their pets by:
📖 Reading a book to their pet.
🎥 Watching a movie while snuggling under a blanket together.
🐾 Simply talking to their pet — they may not understand, but they’ll feel the love!
Of course, if you have a cat, cuddles happen strictly on their terms. And if you have a dog, good luck getting any personal space ever again.
 Kara Murphy | Macaroni KID Erie, PA |
Show Love to Your Pets — Every Day! ❤️
No matter how big or small, every pet deserves love and attention — not just on Love Your Pet Day! 🐶🐱🐰🐢
Chat GPT assisted with writing this article.
