National Pet Day is Friday April 11th, 2025. There are loads of things you can do to celebrate your pet:
- Have a pet date and have your pup pick a new toy & share a pup cup!
- Extra snacks or an extra special snack
- LOADS of cuddles & snuggles!
And why not head to one of the 12 humane societies and shelters around the state of Minnesota and hand out pats & snacks there too! (Make sure to ask if there are treats you can share with the dogs when you visit.) Perhaps you’ll find a new friend to bring home too!
Yes, there are 12 humane societies & animal shelter organizations in Minnesota! (I didn’t know either!)
- Northwoods Humane Society in Wyoming MN
- Tri-County Humane Society in St. Cloud MN
- Carver Scott Humane Society in Chaska MN
- Paws & Claws Humane Society in Rochester MN
- Lakes Area Humane Society in Alexandria MN
- Brown County Humane Society in New Ulm MN
- Borderland Humane Society in International Falls MN
- Prairie’s Edge Humane Society in Northfield MN
- Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society (BENCHS) in Mankato Mn
- Hawk Creek Animal Shelter / Humane Society of Kandiyohi & Meeker Counties in Willmar MN
- Wadena County Humane Society in Wadena MN
- Animal Humane Society / Woodbury Animal Humane Society in Woodbury MN
In addition to these humane society & animal shelter organizations there are about 63 animal rescues in the state – some with shelter space, others with a vast foster network. If you want to know them all the Minnesota Federated Humane Societies has an extensive list of them.
Did you know that I’ve adopted dogs from 3 different shelters across the state? Mick was from Lakes Area Humane Society in Alexandria, Bender was from Hawk Creek in Willmar and Axle was from Tri County Humane Society in St. Cloud!
If you stop in to Tri County Humane Society you’ll get to meet some awesome pups! Ask if you can give them some extra snuggles if the Meet & Greet Room isn’t busy! (I wrote this on Wednesday so some dogs may have found their new homes by Friday!)
Vinnie
Vinnie, the mob boss. This puppy is the mob boss muscle with baby shark teeth and loads of puppy energy. He has a very high play drive, a very high food drive and tends to be a bit bitey when he plays and wants a treat. He will need someone who teaches him that hands & people aren’t toys, that he needs to mind his teeth and someone who will tire him out with loads of play. He may benefit from a dog role model who enjoys playing. If you want to meet him, ask and be prepared for puppy bites!
** Due to his baby shark bites, he isn’t a good fit for a family with children.
Romania
This lovely lady has been hanging out at Tri County Humane Society waiting for the perfect person to take her on long walks, play with loads of toys and treat her with loads of care & affection. She is a major barker in her kennel – break out a couple of treats and reward her when she’s quiet. Unknown how she is with other dogs, ask the staff at TCHS if they know if she is best for a dog free family or would be happiest with a companion.
Brownie
Brownie is a sweet chunk of chocolate brown pittie. She is a little shy in her kennel, but outside of it she’s a bit less scared. She’ll need some good associations with the leash and a bit of confidence to get her out of her shell. She’s petite too. And that head tilt! SWOON!
Saban
The master of the head tilt! Saban is a tall german shepherd boy. He knows sit, enjoys treats and would love an active family that burns their energy and his. He is a little shy when he meets new people but he warms up quickly – treats help too! He has interacted with dogs in the past but doesn’t like to eat around them so he’ll need his own space for meals.
Winnie
This lovely lady is Winnie in her dappled light camouflage haha! She is a sweet girl, though will need a family that builds up her confidence and helps with her shyness in new scenarios. She is a hugger! I think the right calm family and a slew of tasty treats will help this lovely girl come out of her shell.
And sorry about the dappled light. I thought she would be a bit more comfortable in the woods vs on the backside where I photograph most of the dogs. No leaves = loads of dappled light.
Buck
The smallest spunkiest punk on the planet! Buck is bossy, can be shy with new people and has hops that can get him nearly to eye height. He’s a whopping 20 lbs and loaded with character. Plus he will work for treats, which means he would be a great instagram dog or photographer’s dog. Note that he does get sick during car rides – you may have to keep your adventures closer to home!
Luna
The curliest tailed cattle dog mix ever! Luna is a sweet girl and has LOADS of energy! She’d love an outlet to burn energy, perhaps even a job. Her tail is the best! Not sure where the curl comes from as most cattle dogs have bushy hanging tails. She’ll be a wonderful companion for an active lifestyle.
Shadow
Shadow is a sweet girl, though a bit shy in new scenarios. She doesn’t particular like the leash, so she’ll need to have loads of positive reinforcements to make leashes less scary. Her background isn’t known as she arrived to TCHS as a transfer. Ask the staff members more about her to see what they’ve learned since she has been at the shelter.
Yummy
This lovely merle lady is Yummy! She is petite, bouncy and full of energy. She’s food motivated, enjoys toys and would love a family with an active lifestyle. Merle isn’t a common pittie color, she looks like she might have a bit of french bulldog in her (do a DNA test to see). She will need some work on the basics, it took a lot of work for her to stop bouncing long enough for a sit!
Kodak
Oh my those eyes! Kodak is an energetic sweet blue eyed german shepherd (and husky?) mix. He’s affectionate, has lived with children, gets along with other dogs and is a destroyer of fluffy type toys. This hunk will love a family who enjoys hiking and long walks.
Spring Jewel (formerly Jackal)
This lovely mixed breed lady (doberman mix or shepherd mix?) has been waiting for the perfect family to move in with. She’s food motivated and energetic, though a bit shy with new people and places. She would love an active family who builds her confidence and takes her on long walks.
Lincoln
The dog with the best freckles – Lincoln! He’s a chonky setter who will benefit from an active lifestyle and balanced amount of treats. He has lived on a farm in the past, has done well with other dogs and enjoys chasing kitties. He’s a 6 year old dude looking for a change in scenery – a moderately active family will keep him in tip top condition!
Of course there are other dogs I haven’t photographed that you can visit on National Pet Day. And if you’re at TCHS you might as well pop in and say hello to the cats, then check out the bunnies and guinea pigs.
Can’t have a pet? Visiting Tri County Humane Society on National Pet Day is a great way to celebrate pets. Ask if there are any volunteering opportunities or other ways you can help animals in need.
Have a pet? Celebrate them! And pop into TCHS too!
How are you going to celebrate National Pet Day?