Dressing up your pet is a national event

Gage Goulding

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Photo Credit: (Twitter/@mrangusscottie)

Gage Goulding, News Editor

MOON TOWNSHIP (RMU SENTRY MEDIA/CNN) – Dressing up your pet can certainly gather some attention in public, but it’s not as far off as you think. In fact, Monday is National Dress Up Your Pet Day.

Each year on Jan. 14, pet owners around the country get out their pets best outfit to observe the event that was created by a celebrity pet lifestyle expert in 2009.

Most commonly, cats and dogs are dressed up each October for Halloween, but why wait the whole year to make your pet look dapper?

Experts warn anyone who partakes in dressing up their four-legged friend to ensure that the animal is safe and comfortable. Clothing given to pets should not restrict movement or their ability to breathe. Also, experts warn to never give a pet a prop that could pose a choking hazard.

The UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh also wanted to get in on the action. Posting their favorite pictures of their pet volunteers, the hospital dressed up their furriest friends.

Smile for the camera and share your best pictures on social media using the hashtag #DressUpYourPetDay.