Home Holiday Love is in the Air: How Americans Celebrate Valentine's Day with Their Furry Friends

Love is in the Air: How Americans Celebrate Valentine's Day with Their Furry Friends

by Susan Pazera
Love is in the Air: How Americans Celebrate Valentine's Day with Their Furry Friends

As a proud dog owner myself, I understand the joy and love that our furry companions bring into our lives. Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic dinners and heart-shaped chocolates anymore. For pet parents across the United States, February 14th presents a unique opportunity to celebrate the unconditional love they share with their beloved pets. In recent years, the trend of showering pets with affection and treats on Valentine’s Day has soared, with an estimated $2.14 billion being spent on pets in 2024 alone. Let’s take a look at the heartwarming ways Americans are celebrating this special day with their loyal BFFs. The information and ideas that I am sharing below are provided by Freshpet, the leading fresh food for dogs and cats.

A Day of Pampering:
For many pet owners, their furry friends are more than just pets; they’re cherished members of the family. Valentine’s Day gives them the perfect excuse to indulge their pets with extra attention, playtime, and of course, treats. From healthy food picnics to adorning their homes (and dog houses) with festive decorations, pet parents spare no expense in making their pets feel loved and cherished.
Love is in the Air: How Americans Celebrate Valentine's Day with Their Furry Friends
The Ultimate Doggy Date:
What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with a special date with your canine companion? Many pet parents are embracing the idea of a “Dog Date” for Valentine’s Day, complete with dressing up, dining at scenic spots, and serving Freshpet, the leading fresh pet food brand, as a token of affection. Whether it’s a sunset cruise or a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood, these doggy dates are filled with love and laughter.
Love is in the Air: How Americans Celebrate Valentine's Day with Their Furry Friends
Understanding the Bond:
According to consumer expert Anna de Souza, pets are incredibly attuned to their owners’ emotions. This means that the gestures and special moments shared on Valentine’s Day are sure to be felt and appreciated by our pets. Taking a moment to give them extra love, cuddles, and praise not only strengthens the bond but also lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthier living, especially when complemented with nutritious meals like those offered by Freshpet.

Gifts from the Heart:
Just like humans, pets appreciate tokens of affection, and Valentine’s Day presents the perfect opportunity to spoil them with thoughtful gifts. From heart-covered knitwear to plush toys and even Dog DNA kits, there’s no shortage of ways to show our pets how much they mean to us. And when it comes to food, pet parents are increasingly opting for high-quality, fresh ingredients like those found in Freshpet meals, ensuring their pets live longer, healthier lives.

Valentine’s Day is not just a celebration of romantic love; it’s a day to honor all forms of love, including the special bond between pet parents and their furry companions. By showering them with affection, treats, and thoughtful gestures, Americans are embracing the true spirit of this holiday. So this February 14th, let’s spread love and joy not only to our human loved ones but also to our beloved pets who bring so much happiness into our lives every day!

Check out the Infographic for Valentine’s Day, presented by Freshpet, for statistics and ideas that are sure to make February 14th an extra-special day for pet parents and the pets they love.

Love is in the Air: How Americans Celebrate Valentine's Day with Their Furry Friends

Image provided by Freshpet

About Freshpet
Freshpet is the leading fresh food for dogs and cats, feeding fresh to over 11.5 million pet households. Since its conception in 2006, Freshpet has been on a mission to transform the lives of dogs and cats through the power of fresh, nutritious food, while pushing the boundaries of sustainable practices. The recipes are developed by Veterinarian Nutritionists and made with natural whole ingredients, like fresh meats, vegetables, and fruits, which are cooked in small batches at lower temperatures to preserve their natural goodness. Sustainably-made in Bethlehem, PA and their new Kitchens in Ennis TX, Freshpet foods and treats are kept refrigerated until they arrive at Freshpet fridges in your local market, or are delivered direct to your door.

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