Key Points
- You can celebrate Gotcha Day on the anniversary of your pet’s adoption.
- Celebrate this special day by preparing your cat or dog a special meal.
- Give back to your local shelter by running a fundraiser in their name.
You probably remember the day you adopted your pet. After all, meeting a new family member is a big occasion.
The day of your pet’s adoption is affectionately known as “Gotcha Day,” and it’s something many dog and cat owners celebrate each year. Even if you don’t know their actual birthday, this is your chance to spoil your pet (more than usual).
So, what is the best way to celebrate Gotcha Day? And, what are some gift ideas your pet will love? Keep reading to find out.
What is Gotcha Day?
Gotcha Day is the anniversary of the day you adopted your pet, and it’s always a good reason to celebrate. (It can also be a way to mark the human adoption process.)
Rescue pets are often celebrated this way because their official birthday is unknown. Of course, all pet parents can put their pet’s arrival date on the calendar.
The way you spend Gotcha Day comes down to your personal preference. Whether it’s a trip to the local dog park, a special dinner, or a new catnip-filled toy — the choice is yours.
How to celebrate Gotcha Day
Not sure how to mark the occasion? Here are 10 different ways to celebrate the next Gotcha Day with your pet.
1. Donate to local animal shelters and rescues
The day is all about your life with your pet, but many dogs and cats are still looking for their forever homes.
Why not celebrate by giving back to shelters or rescues in their name? Don’t forget to share the donation on social media to generate more interest for your favorite organizations.
2. Provide a ball bucket to your dog’s favorite dog park
Dogs who love to play fetch are regular visitors to dog parks. If you have a playful pup, consider donating a bucket filled with bright tennis balls to your local park.
You can add a sign or paint your pup’s name on the bucket with a note saying they are free for all dogs to enjoy.
3. Throw a Gotcha Day Party
Does your dog or cat have animal friends? Celebrate by throwing a Gotcha Day party complete with a pet-friendly birthday cake or cupcakes, and treats in party bags. And don’t forget the matching party hats or bandanas.
Add a wading pool if the day is hot or an obstacle course to keep the dogs entertained. Cats can have a playdate party on a catio, complete with different-sized cat trees, a photo shoot, and catnip toys.
Your friends without pets may think it’s a bit much, but when has that ever stopped pet parents?
4. Treat your pet to a spa day
For some pets, grooming is a relaxing experience. If your dog or cat loves a good pamper, a visit to an animal salon may be the perfect way to celebrate.
Schedule a service you know your pet will enjoy. Whether it’s a wash, brush, trim, or pet-friendly manicure, they should come home feeling content — and looking cute.
5. Prepare a special dinner
Most pets love food, and even if your dog or cat isn’t fussy, they may still have a favorite meal. On this special day, serve them something that will make them lick their paws.
Prepare the meal yourself, or order from a restaurant with a pet menu. Just make sure it is free from seasonings and sauces and has pet-friendly ingredients such as cooked chicken, lean fish, or turkey.
6. Take your pet on a shopping spree
Some pet stores let you bring your dog or cat with you, and this can be a fun outing on their special day. Let your dog or cat sniff out a new toy (or six), as well as some tasty treats.
In some stores, cats can meander the catnip and kitty grass aisles. Dogs can wander the toy and treat aisles.
Of course, your pet will need to be on a lead during this activity.
7. Get out and about
If your pet likes to go in the car, Gotcha Day can be the perfect excuse for a road trip. Take them to their favorite spot, such as the beach, park, or river.
For those with more time, an overnight or weekend getaway can be fun too. You can go somewhere further away and enjoy a camping, hiking, or fishing adventure.
You can even invite a friend with a pup pal to keep them company.
8. Make a memento
Create a keepsake you will cherish forever. There are plenty of personalized options for Gotcha Day, including:
- A family photo with your pet
- A custom portrait of your pet
- A blanket with your pet’s face on it
- A puppy or kitten footprint cast
- A personalized pet t-shirt
You can even get a tattoo with your pet’s paw prints if you’re feeling adventurous.
Protect your pet with pet insurance
Most people don’t think about pet insurance until the unexpected happens. With Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans, you can worry less about cost and more about care when unexpected accidents or illnesses strike.
There is nothing that says “I love you” quite like protecting your pet’s health.
The top Gotcha Day gift ideas
Once you’ve decided how to spend the day, it’s time to start shopping for a pet-friendly present. Here are some of the top pet gift ideas to spoil your dog or cat with:
1. Bubba Rose Biscuit Doggy Birthday Cake
Let your dog make a wish and blow out the candles with a doggy cake. The Bubba Rose Biscuit Birthday Cake has peanut butter and apple, which is a combination most pups love.
The ingredients are organic and safe for your canine companions. While it does say “Happy Birthday”, this is still suitable for Gotcha Day. Even if your dog could read, they would be too busy thinking about how delicious the cake is to care.
2. Gotcha Day Bandanas
This is a milestone occasion, and it makes sense you’d want a photo of your pet. Make sure they are extra adorable with a Gotcha Day bandana. Available in a range of colors including pink, blue, black, green, and red, these cotton bandanas are custom-printed and made in the U.S.It’s a triangular design and when tied correctly, your dog won’t even notice they are wearing it.
3. DIY Gotcha Cake Kit
Would you prefer to make your dog’s cake yourself? Get ready to cook up a storm with the DIY Gotcha Day Cake Kit. The kit comes with the essentials, including a peanut butter cake mix, a pan, and a candle. Just add egg, homemade applesauce, water, and oil. Even with limited culinary skills, you can ace this cake in the microwave or the oven. It’s made in the U.S. and comes with a reusable, silicone bone-shaped pan.
4. The Worthy Dog Gotcha Day Cake Toy
Dogs of all ages love to chew, pull, and cuddle soft toys. So, your pet will appreciate something new to play with. The Gotcha Day Cake Toy by The Worthy Dog is a good choice. It looks like a cake, but it’s made from tough fabric and reinforced stitching. This means it will stand up to even heavy chewers. This squeaky toy is non-toxic and can be used inside or outside. And if it gets dirty, just throw it in the washing machine.
5. Temptations Birthday Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats
Spoil your kitty with low-calorie treats. The Temptations Birthday pack is Lobster and Beef flavored and will be a winner with the crunchy coat and soft center.
These treats can be used as regular food, a snack, or as a meal topper. They are nutritionally balanced and suitable for cats over one year old. The Temptation brand also stocks other flavors and pack sizes, so there is something for every cat.
6. Potaroma Cat Toys Saury Fish
If your kitty goes wild for catnip, a Potaroma Saury Fish will quickly become their favorite toy. The cotton plush is filled with organic catnip and will keep your cat entertained whenever boredom strikes. The fish toy is for cats who like to cuddle or chew, and you can choose between green, yellow, or orange. The shape of the crinkle toy means they can easily throw, kick, or pounce on the fish.
Celebrating Gotcha Day
Gotcha Day is something you can celebrate each year with special activities and gifts.
There are a range of ways you can mark the occasion. From donating to an animal shelter, to a weekend away, there’s an option to suit every pet family.
Show your pet how much they mean to you — and don’t forget the cuddles.
FAQs
