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While you may celebrate your pet every day, you can still take advantage of a special occasion like National Pet Day to pamper them a little more. The holiday started in 2006 when animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige wanted to bring attention to the millions of pets in animal shelters. Since then, National Pet Day has become a way for people to celebrate the joy their pets bring them. And more pet parents than ever are going to be able to celebrate this year: In a January 2021 survey conducted by online pet network and marketplace Rover, 49 percent of dog-owning respondents said they welcomed a new dog into their home during the pandemic. So, whether this is your first National Pet Day or your 10th, consider showering your companion with one (or more) of these pet-friendly gifts.
SKIP AHEAD Best gifts for dogs, cats, fishes, hamsters, and snakes
Best National Pet Day gift ideas of 2021
From brain games for your cat to hammocks for your fish to cheesy treats for your hamster, these National Pet Day gifts aim to make every pet feel loved and appreciated.
Best dog toys
Check in on your dog when you're away with Furbo's full HD camera, one of the pet products we've previously recommended. Earning a 4.6-star average rating from over 21,700 Amazon shoppers, the camera provides a livestream video feed that allows you to monitor your pet and even toss them their favorite treats in real time. Additionally, a built-in barking alert sensor sends push notifications to your smartphone when it detects barking, and the device lets you talk to your pup with the two-way audio connection.
Furbo Dog Camera
© AmazonFurbo Dog Camera: Treat Tossing, Full HD Wifi Pet Camera. Best National Pet Day Gifts 2021. (Amazon / Amazon)
- Furbo Dog Camera $164.55 at Amazon
- Furbo Dog Camera $169.99 at Chewy
- Furbo Dog Camera $169.00 at Furbo
Boasting a 4.8-star average rating from over 30,000 Amazon customers, these durable balls from Chuckit! are a great option for any dog that loves to chew. Made from natural rubber, these balls are designed to bounce and float wherever you play fetch.
ChuckIt! Ultra Ball
© AmazonChuckIt! Ultra Ball, Medium (2.5 Inch) 2 Pack. Best National Pet Day Gifts 2021. (Amazon / Amazon)
- ChuckIt! Ultra Ball $4.90 at Amazon
- ChuckIt! Ultra Ball $25.99 at Walmart
- ChuckIt! Ultra Ball $5.24 at Chewy
Initially designed in the 1970s for dogs with "destructive chewing habits," KONG toys are famously strong and durable. The brand's classic KONG toy is made from natural red rubber and provides something sturdy for dogs to chew on. The toy can also be stuffed with KONG's Easy Treats or other delicious snacks like peanut butter, yogurt and kibble.
KONG Classic Dog Toy
Kong Classic Dog Toy. Best National Pet Day Gifts 2021.
- KONG Classic Dog Toy $7.99 at Chewy
- KONG Classic Dog Toy $12.99 at Amazon
- KONG Classic Dog Toy $13.99 at PetSmart
For those dogs that like a good game of tug and shake, consider this moose toy equipped with tug handles at both ends, which boasts a 4.2-star average rating from 1,600 Amazon shoppers. Unlike other plush toys, this one has minimal stuffing, which makes it great for pet owners who are looking to limit the mess around the house. This toy is available in two sizes: Small/Medium and Medium/Large.
KONG Tugger Knots Moose Dog Toy
KONG Tugger Knots Moose. Best National Pet Day Gifts 2021.
- KONG Tugger Knots Moose Dog Toy $8.99 at Chewy
- KONG Tugger Knots Moose Dog Toy $24.66 at Amazon
Garnering a solid 4.4-star average rating from almost 3,000 dog owners on Chewy, this playful toy from Outward Hound tests your dog's problem-solving skills in a game of hide and seek. The toy comes with either three squirrels or six squirrels.
Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Dog Toy
Outward Hound Hide-a-Squirrel Dog Toy. Best National Pet Day Gifts 2021.
- Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Dog Toy $18.99 at Chewy
- Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Dog Toy $18.99 at Amazon
- Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Dog Toy $19.99 at PetSmart
Made with natural ingredients and fortified with vitamins and minerals, these treats have a unique chewy texture that gently scrape away plaque and tartar. The product, which has a 4.7-star average rating from over 1,900 Chewy shoppers, is also recommended by veterinarians and accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council.
Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats
© 'Multiple' Murder Victims Found in Calif. HomeGreenies Regular Dental Dog Treats. Best National Pet Day Gifts 2021. ('Multiple' Murder Victims Found in Calif. Home / 'Multiple' Murder Victims Found in Calif. Home)
- Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats $33.99 at PetSmart
- Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats $33.99 at Amazon
- Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats $40.49 at Target
Best cat toys
This 10-pack of furry mice toys is laced with catnip and sized for little paws. Featuring a twisted rope tail, these toys prevent cats from scratching furniture and other home goods. The product, which has a 4.7-star average rating from over 37,000 Amazon shoppers, is also one of the most purchased pet items we've covered.
SmartyKat Skitter Critters Cat Toy
© AmazonSmartyKat Skitter Critters Cat Toy Catnip Mice. Best National Pet Day Gifts 2021. (Amazon / Amazon)
- SmartyKat Skitter Critters Cat Toy $2.69 at Target
- SmartyKat Skitter Critters Cat Toy $1.97 at Walmart
Featuring a durable nylon cord, this toy provides exercise and indoor entertainment for even the roughest players. The tail teaser, which earned a 4.6-star average rating from almost 4,800 shoppers on Chewy, also comes with two faux fur plush toys that squeak and rattle.
Outward Hound Tail Teaser
Outward Hound Tail Teaser. Best National Pet Day Gifts 2021.
Outward Hound Tail Teaser $16.99 at Chewy
Equipped with five different activities, this fun board mentally and physically stimulates your cat by encouraging them to use their different senses to get to their favorite treats. The board, which has a 4.5-star average rating from over 350 Chewy shoppers, is also dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean when playtime is over.
Trixie Activity Fun Board 5-in-1 Strategy Game
© 'Multiple' Murder Victims Found in Calif. HomeTrixie Activity Fun Board 5-in-1 Activity Strategy Game. Best National Pet Day Gifts 2021. ('Multiple' Murder Victims Found in Calif. Home / 'Multiple' Murder Victims Found in Calif. Home)
- Trixie Activity Fun Board 5-in-1 Strategy Game $26.94 at Chewy
- Trixie Activity Fun Board 5-in-1 Strategy Game $42.64 at Target
- Trixie Activity Fun Board 5-in-1 Strategy Game $29.99 at PetSmart
Best fish toys
If you're a SpongeBob Squarepants fan, consider adding his iconic pineapple home to your aquarium's decor. Made from resin, the product is safe for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. The 6-inch-tall house has a 4.4-star average rating from almost 9,000 Amazon shoppers. Penn-Plax also offers replicas of Squidward's Easter Island House and The Krusty Krab.
SpongeBob's Pineapple House
© AmazonPenn-Plax Officially Licensed Nickelodeon SpongeBob Aquarium Ornament. Best National Pet Day Gifts 2021. (Amazon / Amazon)
- SpongeBob's Pineapple House $6.88 at Amazon
- SpongeBob's Pineapple House $6.88 at Walmart
- SpongeBob's Pineapple House $6.88 at Chewy
Wild Betta fish live in shallow waters so they prefer a place near the top of the water's surface to rest, according to Livescience. By using a suction pad that can be stuck to the side of the aquarium, this leaf hammock mimics their natural environment. This aquarium addition has a 4.4-star average rating from over 4,400 Amazon shoppers.
Zoo Med Laboratories Betta Hammock
Zoo Med Laboratories AZMBL20 Betta Hammock. Best National Pet Day Gifts 2021.
- Zoo Med Laboratories Betta Hammock $4.40 at Amazon
- Zoo Med Laboratories Betta Hammock $3.79 at Chewy
- Zoo Med Laboratories Betta Hammock $3.79 at PetSmart
Designed to create the ideal aquarium conditions for small fish, this moss ball works by absorbing and trapping phosphate and nitrite, which can be harmful to your fish's health, for up to two months. The ball floats on the surface of the water and mimics the fish's natural habitat, where plants are always partially filtering light.
Fluval Aquarium Moss Ball
© 'Multiple' Murder Victims Found in Calif. HomeFluval Aquarium Moss Ball. Best National Pet Day Gifts 2021. ('Multiple' Murder Victims Found in Calif. Home / 'Multiple' Murder Victims Found in Calif. Home)
Best hamster toys
Hamsters sleep for between six and eight hours a day, and this fleece bed will provide yours with a great place to rest. The set, which has a 4.3-star average rating from over 2,000 Amazon shoppers, also features a rope ladder, suspension bridge, hoop and rope ring.
TRIXIE Hamster Suspension Bridge
© AmazonTRIXIE Pet Products 6298 Suspension Bridge, Green, 17 x 22 x 15cm. Best National Pet Day Gifts 2021. (Amazon / Amazon)
- TRIXIE Hamster Suspension Bridge $9.54 at Amazon
- TRIXIE Hamster Suspension Bridge $7.49 at Chewy
If your hamster loves to snack, check out these cheese treats formulated by a team of pet nutritionists. Made mainly with yogurt, the treats provide hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice with the high levels of calcium they need, according to eCOTRITION. The 6-ounce bag has a 4.4-star average rating from over 160 reviewers on Chewy.
eCOTRITION Yogies Cheese Snacks
© 'Multiple' Murder Victims Found in Calif. HomeeCOTRITION Yogies Cheese Flavor. Best National Pet Day Gifts 2021. ('Multiple' Murder Victims Found in Calif. Home / 'Multiple' Murder Victims Found in Calif. Home)
- eCOTRITION Yogies Cheese Snacks $2.99 at Chewy
- eCOTRITION Yogies Cheese Snacks $2.99 at Amazon
- eCOTRITION Yogies Cheese Snacks $8.19 at Walmart
Built with a dual ball-bearing design, this wheel lets hamsters exercise without creating the irksome squawking noise that other wheels can sometimes make. It has a 4-star average rating from over 180 Chewy shoppers.
Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner Wheel
© 'Multiple' Murder Victims Found in Calif. HomeExotic Nutrition Silent Runner Small Animal Exercise Wheel ('Multiple' Murder Victims Found in Calif. Home / 'Multiple' Murder Victims Found in Calif. Home)
- Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner Wheel $28.95 at Chewy
- Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner Wheel $29.99 at Amazon
- Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner Wheel $23.49 at Exotic Nutrition
Best snake toys
If you have an arboreal, or tree-climbing, snake, they need climbing branches to stay healthy and happy. This one by Exo Terra is 6 feet long and can be bent into any shape, making it easy for you to switch up your snake's living quarters and create horizontal or vertical branches. Many of the 1,000 Amazon reviews noted this valuable versatility and gave it a 4.5-star average rating.
Exo Terra Jungle Vine
© AmazonExo Terra Jungle Vine, Reptile Terrarium Decoration, Large, PT3086. Best National Pet Day Gifts 2021. (Amazon / Amazon)
- Exo Terra Jungle Vine $13.19 at Amazon
- Exo Terra Jungle Vine $13.19 at Chewy
- Exo Terra Jungle Vine $13.88 at Walmart
Made from natural fir, this half log is designed to help reduce stress for your reptiles, amphibians and other small animals. The log, which earned a 4.3-star average rating from over 30 Chewy reviewers, provides an object your snake can lounge, sleep, play and even climb on.
Zoo Med Habba Hut
© 'Multiple' Murder Victims Found in Calif. HomeZoo Med Habba Hut. Best National Pet Day Gifts 2021. ('Multiple' Murder Victims Found in Calif. Home / 'Multiple' Murder Victims Found in Calif. Home)
- Zoo Med Habba Hut $13.99 at Chewy
- Zoo Med Habba Hut $15.70 at Amazon
- Zoo Med Habba Hut $8.99 at PetSmart
Veterinarians recommend creating a vivarium with plants, rocks and tree branches for your snake to decrease stress and increase happiness. Real plants require soil and water, though, so they don't always work well in a snake vivarium. An easy way to mimic their natural environment is with silk plans that require no maintenance. This one by Fluker's easily attaches to the side of the enclosure and can drape across the floor. The product, which has a 4.4-star average rating from 40 Chewy shoppers, is made from non-toxic polyethylene.
Fluker's Repta-Vines
© 'Multiple' Murder Victims Found in Calif. HomeFlukers Pothos Repta-Vines, 6-ft. Best National Pet Day Gifts 2021. ('Multiple' Murder Victims Found in Calif. Home / 'Multiple' Murder Victims Found in Calif. Home)
- Fluker's Repta-Vines $7.03 at Chewy
- Fluker's Repta-Vines $7.03 at Amazon
- Fluker's Repta-Vines $7.03 at Walmart
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