Owning a specially-abled pet is life-changing in all the best ways. They have shown us so much love and acceptance and we understand that we want to show them the same. Pets with special abilities or disabilities can come from all kinds of different backgrounds and have different types of disabilities.
Regardless of the reason your pet has a special disability, they deserve to be loved and cared for just like any other pet. Owners of pets with special abilities will be happy to know that their pets have a national day celebrated on May 3rdwhich will be discussed in this article.
About National Specially-Educated Pets Day?
National Specially-Abled Pets Day, formally known as Disabled Pets Day, is a national pet day founded by author and animal advocate Colleen Paige. The day was created to honor and bring awareness to pets with special abilities in all shapes and forms.
Pets with special abilities are sometimes overlooked during adoption or unfairly judged and ridiculed because of their appearance or behavior. All pets deserve equal love, care, and acceptance regardless of any special abilities they may have.
Some owners of pets with special abilities are familiar with snide comments and unnecessary pity from uninformed people. This makes it important to bring awareness about our pets with special abilities to the uninitiated.
When is National Specially-Educated Pets Day?
You can celebrate National Specially-Aled Pets Day every year on 3street of May. This national day was created in 2006 and has been celebrated annually since then. Although National Specially-Abled Pets Day only happens on one day in May, you can celebrate specially-abled pets anytime.
| year: | Day: |
| 2024 | friday |
| 2025 | Saturday |
| 2026 | Sunday |
| 2027 | monday |
Why Isn’t It Called National Disabled Pets Day?
National Specially-Abled Pets Day was formerly called National Disabled Pets Day. The reason behind the change is likely due to the negative stereotypes sometimes associated with the word “disabled” and how it can be used to shame a pet’s abilities. Some pet owners prefer to use the term “specially-abled” for their pets instead.
Regardless, the day is still dedicated to celebrating pets with disabilities or special disabilities. You can call the day by its former name or its changed name, but it is widely recognized today as National Specially-Abled Pet Day.
Some people have no issue with using the word disabled to describe their pet, while others prefer to say special ability. This may be because they see their special disabled pets as no less than or less capable than other pets and being told they need special treatment can be offensive. However, some pet owners don’t want to soften the word disabled, so the term you use is entirely up to you.
How You Celebrate
There are a variety of ways to celebrate National Specially-Aided Pet Day.
1. Adopt a Specially Able Pet
Specially-abled pets deserve a loving home just like any other pet. While they may be missed in shelters, considering adopting a special-handicapped pet if you’re ready for one is a great way to celebrate the day.
2. Donate If Possible
Consider donating to shelters, rescues, and organizations that care for pets with special abilities if you have the funds to do so. This is a great way to show your support for pets with special abilities if you are unable to adopt one.
3. Educate Yourself on Specially Able Pets
Sometimes the best way to celebrate a day meant to raise awareness is to educate yourself on the topic. You can celebrate the day by talking to owners of pets with special abilities and teaching yourself what it’s like to care for one. Of course, this should be done in a kind and respectful way and if the owner is willing to talk about it.
If you are an owner of a pet with special abilities, you can share your favorite stories and photos about them. This can be done through social media or even in a discussion with friends and family.
Although your curiosity may get the best of you, it’s a good idea to try and be more polite when asking some questions about pets with special abilities. Asking questions like “What’s wrong with your pet” or “I feel sorry for them” aren’t always kind words. It feeds into the stereotype that there is something wrong with pets with special disabilities and that they are pathetic.
Just because a pet looks or acts differently doesn’t mean they are suffering or unlovable. The day is intended to bring awareness and acceptance to pets with special abilities and not make them less than others.
6. Spread the Message
If you can’t donate or adopt a pet with special abilities, you can simply spread the word on your social networks. This can be done by sharing social media posts about pets with special abilities up for adoption or organizations raising funds to help pets with special abilities. You can also ask your friends and family to do the same if they also want to celebrate the day.
In Conclusion
Anyone can celebrate National Specially-Aled Pet Day on the 3rdstreet of May every year. The day is not limited to owners of pets with special abilities, so anyone who wants to celebrate is encouraged. There are so many ways you can celebrate the day, whether it’s by adopting a special disabled pet or simply sharing posts on social media to spread awareness.
Everyone will have a different experience raising a special disabled pet, but the joy it brings to our lives is immeasurable.
Featured Image Credit: Elliza_77, Shutterstock
