Happy Belated Pet Parent Day!

Not sure if they exactly have the authority to do this: but the folks at Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) declared the last Sunday in April as the first annual Pet Parent Day. That would be yesterday (April 27).

You still can celebrate by clicking here and sending a free Pet Parent Day greeting card.

“In the traditional spirit of a spring season set aside for celebrating parents of human children, National Pet Parent’s Day recognizes and honors those who lovingly consider their pets part of their close-knit family,” says the VPI site. I couldn’t agree more with the sentiment.

But be aware: If you don't check that box next to the "I prefer not to receive future VPI marketing communications" line at the bottom of the e-card form, you will find yourself on their sales pitch list.

So – how about you? Do you consider yourself your pet’s parent? Something about that phrase always has creeped me out a little. I mean, I love my animals, but they are not human children. On the other hand, pets bring some of the same responsibilities, and the same rewards, as kids. And they never ask to borrow the car.

I also wonder if the “pet parent” phrase is more common among people with no children, or whose children are grown and gone.

Speak!