Patriotic pets: Inauguration Day activities for you and your pet

January 20, 2:20 PMDC Pet Care ExaminerErin Paquette

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Sure, they can’t vote, but that doesn’t mean that your pets can’t take part in the Inauguration day festivities. With a little creativity and a large amount of silliness, your pets can add an element of cuteness to any Inauguration day celebration.

Some Activities to Try

Dress Up

*Important Note* Be smart about which costumes you choose for your pet. (Read our article about Halloween Pet Safety to get an idea about how to safely supervise pets in costume).

• Put an American flag doo rag on their head or as a bandana around their collar
   
• Dress them up as an elephant or a donkey
   
• Dress them up as a famous president

Just Plain Silly

• Show them a slideshow of presidential pets
   
• Bring their pet bed (or whatever it is your pets sleep on) in front of the TV so they can watch the Inauguration with you and your family
   
• Make your pet take a “pet presidential oath” that makes them promise to stay away from any potential “Kibblegates”

‘Fur’ Seriously

*Important Note* It is important to look at any products that are used on your pets to make sure that they are absolutely safe. If possible, take your pet to a professional for the dye job. Do not in any way harm your pets.

• Using pet safe dye, dye their fur a shade of red or blue (this is especially great for pets with white fur)
   
• When you take your pet to the groomers, ask them to shave the word “change” onto your pet’s side
   
• If your pet has long fur, use red, white, and blue “Ouchless” ponytail holders to make their hair into a Mohawk. You can also have a professional groomer cut their hair into a Mohawk fashion
   
• If your pets are used to having ribbons in their hair (this is especially applicable to long-haired pet breeds) try putting red, white, and blue ribbons in their hair in lieu of their normal ribbon colors

Make a Brand

• Create photo cards of your pets dressed up in their Inauguration day gear and send it out to your friends and family
   
• Get a t-shirt made for your pet that says “Presidential Pet, 2012”
   
• Get t-shirts made for yourself with a picture of your pet that say “I stand behind my nominee for 2012”
   
• If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, you can create a website for your pet that features them in their Inauguration day gear. Sell products that feature your pet and donate that money to a local shelter

Make a "Change" Using Change

*Important Note* While you and your pets celebrate this Inauguration day together, remember that there are thousands of pets that will spend Inauguration day on the streets or in a shelter. Try some of the following ideas to make a change for those pets by using some “change.”

• Donate money to a local shelter or rescue mission
   
• Donate any extra pet supplies that you might have to pets in need
   
• Consider adopting a pet; the best way to make a positive change in your life and the life of a homeless animal is to give them a loving home
   
• During the next year, start putting your extra change in a jar that is easily accessible to you and the rest of your family. At the same time next year, donate all of the change you collected to your local shelter or animal rescue mission 

If you liked this article, check out similar articles we’ve written: 

• Inauguration Day pet safety for pets in the DC area
• Spotlight on Tama the Japanese stationmaster cat 
• Infuriated by Democratic win, President Bush’s dog bites reporter  
• Spotlight on Pandas - interesting facts, fun videos, and creating peace in China and Taiwan  
• Are turtles unsafe to have as pets? The FDA seems to think so  

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Let us know about other Inauguration Day pet activities by leaving a comment below. 

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