You’ve seen the photos. A golden retriever in a tiny tuxedo. A tabby cat looking remarkably unimpressed in a shark fin costume. It’s hilarious, it’s adorable, and honestly, it’s a total vibe.
January 14th is National Dress Up Your Pet Day, and if you’re a pet parent, you know the struggle is real. Do they love the attention? Maybe. Do they look like they’re reconsidering all their life choices while wearing that miniature cowboy hat? Definitely.
But here’s the thing: this isn’t just some random internet trend meant for Instagram likes. This day actually has some meat on its bones. Founded back in 2009 by Colleen Paige—a celebrity pet lifestyle expert and animal behaviorist—the goal was originally to celebrate the bond between humans and their animals while boosting awareness for pet adoption. Basically, it’s a way to show off your best friend, but with a side of "let's find these guys good homes."
What Most People Get Wrong About National Dress Up Your Pet Day
A lot of folks think this is a green light to force a cat into a full-body Victorian gown. Please don’t.
If your dog is freezing or your cat is visibly plotting your demise, the costume isn't the point. Paige, the creator herself, has been pretty vocal that this isn't about humiliating animals for a laugh. It’s actually supposed to be a bonding moment. If your pet hates it, a simple bandana counts. Heck, even a fancy new collar counts.
Safety is the big one here. You have to make sure they can breathe (obviously), move, and see. If they can’t wag their tail or if they’re tripping over a cape, it’s a no-go. I once tried to put boots on my lab because it was snowing. He did that weird high-step "The Floor is Lava" walk for ten minutes before I gave up.
Beyond the Costumes: Other Big Reasons to Celebrate Today
If you aren't into the whole pet fashion show thing, January 14th has a few other tricks up its sleeve. It’s a weirdly busy day for history buffs and foodies too.
- Ratification Day: This is the big one for the history nerds. On January 14, 1784, the Confederation Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris at the Maryland State House. Why does that matter? It officially ended the American Revolutionary War. We weren't just rebels anymore; we were officially the United States.
- National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day: If you’re hungry, this is your excuse to find a deli. Pastrami is basically beef that’s been brined, partially dried, seasoned, smoked, and steamed. It’s a whole process. Romanian Jewish immigrants brought it to NYC in the late 19th century, and thank goodness they did.
- International Kite Day: If you happen to be in Gujarat, India (or just have a kite in your garage), this is huge. It marks the start of the transition from winter to summer.
How to Do National Dress Up Your Pet Day the Right Way
Look, your pet's comfort is the priority. If you’re going to participate, keep it simple.
1. The "Soft Launch" approach
Don't just shove them into a costume. Let them sniff the fabric first. Give them a treat. Put a hat on for ten seconds, take it off, and give them another treat. You’re basically bribing them into loving fashion.
2. Check the Material
Avoid itchy wool or anything with tiny buttons they might chew off and swallow. Choking hazards are the fastest way to ruin a holiday.
3. The Photoshoot
The lighting is better by the window. Get on their level. If you’re standing over them, they look small and intimidated. If you get down on the floor, you get that "hero shot" of your pug looking like a king.
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4. Know When to Quit
If the ears go back or the tail goes between the legs, the party is over. Take the outfit off. They’re still a "good boy" even if they won’t wear the wig.
The Actionable Bottom Line
If you want to win at January 14th, start by checking your pet’s temperament. If they’re chill, grab a comfortable, breathable outfit and snap a photo using the hashtag #NationalDressUpYourPetDay. If they’re not into it, skip the clothes and celebrate by heading to a local deli for a hot pastrami on rye—just don't give the spicy mustard to the dog.
For the history fans, take five minutes to look up the Treaty of Paris. It’s wild how close that ratification came to failing just because not enough delegates showed up on time.
Get your pet a high-quality treat, check that their movements aren't restricted by any accessories, and make sure any costume pieces are free of small parts that could be easily swallowed.