This special day, to be celebrated on April 26th annually, was created in 2005 by Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert, mother, pet lover and former EMT/Medic, Colleen Paige. National Kids & Pets Day is dedicated to furthering the magical bond between children and animals, to help bring awareness to the plight of pets in shelters awaiting new homes and educating the public about safety between children and pets. "The future of our children and their ability to show compassion toward animals and each other, depends on us, to give them the skills necessary to make the world a better, kinder place to live", says Paige. Children with learning disabilities can greatly increase academic success reading to pets and pets help shy children to open up and feel more confident.

The responsibility that a child can learn from caring for a pet is vital in their social development. Children that grow up with pets tend to be extremely nurturing and compassionate, making dedicated and loving parents and pet owners themselves. This, in turn, simply makes for a happier world. And who doesn't want that? "National Kids and Pets Day encourages parents to never leave small children alone with dogs and cats and other animals that have the potential to cause them harm. Thousands of children a year are either injured or killed by family pets. Often these tragic events can be avoided. Millions of orphaned pets sit in shelters awaiting new homes. But be sure that your child and family are ready for a new pet. Celebrate your kids and pets... today and every day!