Animal lovers unite to celebrate National Pet Day

Calling all Rovers, Whiskerses, Lunas and Spots — today is National Pet Day, the official celebration of our friendliest, furriest friends.

• There are a lot of them reading our newsletter alongside you every morning, judging from the dozens of adorable photos we received yesterday!

Why it matters: Research shows pet ownership can significantly boost our mental and physical health, Axios' Erica Pandey writes.

• Local therapy dogs help comfort veterans, law enforcement, air travelers and stressed students.
• And you can't help but smile when cozying up with the adoptable felines at the cat cafe.

The intrigue: Pets are such a crucial part of the family that some pooches took the ice alongside their owners at Nationwide Arena for the Blue Jackets' recent team photo day.

The big picture: Around half of all American homes own at least one pet, with dogs the most popular choice, per 2021 U.S. Census data.

Zoom in: The Franklin County Dog Shelter and Columbus Humane are our two biggest players for local pet adoptions, but lots of small rescue groups also help animals find their forever homes.

• The dog shelter adopts out hundreds of pets per year, while Humane cares for hundreds of animals from 49 different species, including chinchillas and rabbits.

Ways to celebrate your pet:

🎨 Turn them into high art: Terra Gallery hosts regular Paint Your Pet events.

• 36B N. High St., Dublin. $50.

🎉 Get them a friend: Meet cats, dogs and more at Columbus Humane's Party with the Pets.

• 6-8pm May 4. 3015 Scioto Darby Executive Court, Hilliard. $55 online, $65 at the door.

🏃 Go for a run: Both humans and dogs are welcome at PetPromise's Rescue Run, a fundraiser for the rescue group.

• 9:15am May 27 at McFerson Commons Park, 218 West St. $45.

💰 Donate: The Columbus Foundation has a handy list of local animal welfare nonprofits.

🌳 Visit a park: Metro Parks offers pet trails — leashed cats are welcome too! — and the city has five dog parks.

Thanks to the many readers who sent us photos of their cute animals for National Pet Day.

Adorable reality check: We received so many that it's impossible to include them all.

• But we certainly had a fun, productive morning enjoying them. Here are a few highlights: