National Pet Day – Disney Pets Edition
They wake us up in the morning, they greet us when we come home, they’re our best friends, they always know what we’re thinking, and best of all they love us unconditionally…and we love them right back! Pets are easily one of the highlights in life (especially Disney pets!); they fill a house with so much energy and joy that once you have one, it’s impossible to imagine life before you opened your door to your four-legged family member. I got my first dog when I was in 4th grade, and he has been by best buddy ever since. He’s my go-to guy when I want someone to cuddle on the couch with. Lucky for me his favorite genre is Disney movies!
I’m not the only one out there who loves my pets, and on April 11, we have an entire national day set aside to celebrate them! No one should feel left out in celebrating the national day, so if you don’t have a pet to cuddle with, I know of a few warm and fuzzy Disney pets who are so full of love, they’ve got plenty they can’t wait to share with you! Each of the below pets have great plush counterparts (available on shopdisney.com) that allow you to be a pet owner, all without having to deal with late night feedings and rainy walks outside. If you aren’t sure which to choose, don’t worry; from furry to feisty, here are the most lovable and adorable Disney pets!
Meeko
Pocahontas has always been one of my favorite Disney movies and it makes me so sad that it is so often overlooked. Not only does the film have great themes and the best song of any Disney film (Colors of the Wind obviously!), but one of the sweetest and feistiest pets plays a starring role! I don’t know what Pocahontas would do without Meeko beside her; no other pet I know can braid unruly hair as quickly as he can!

Felipe
He hauled Maurice and his invention through the forest, ran home to Belle when Maurice was in danger, took Belle back to that same forest, survived a wolf attack, and basically is the unsung hero of Beauty and the Beast. Without him, Belle would have never known her father was in danger and the ensuing love story between Belle and Beast would have taken a totally different course. Plus, he’s pretty darn cute to boot!

Pascal
No matter where I am in the house, it only takes the slightest whiff of potential danger for my dog to materialize at my feet, ready to go to battle against whatever is threatening me. That is the type of love that only pets can give, and Rapunzel has certainly got herself a protector! I love Pascal because he doesn’t let his small stature dictate his spirit; he’s willing to take on Flynn all on his own if it means protecting his best friend!

Abu
In the very opening number, Aladdin sings “you’re my only friend, Abu”, and he gives his best buddy an appreciative glance. I can’t imagine how tough it is to be a street rat like Aladdin, but it seems that Abu helps him through the toughest of times by providing companionship, a cute smile, and sneaky hands for stealing from the marketplace whenever food supplies run short. Something tells me that Abu would like to be remembered as more of a sidekick than pet, especially considering he dresses in human clothing!

Stitch
Stich is a blue alien with gigantic gravity-defying ears, sharp teeth, and claws that frighten me…and yet somehow Lilo still mistook him for a dog on that fateful day she met him. Fast-forward to the end of the movie, and not only does Lilo accept him as a pet, but as a member of her O’hana. Stitch is the perfect Disney personification of a pet who really is a part of the family!

Pluto
To be the companion of Mr. Mickey Mouse is not a small order. From co-starring with Mickey in TV shows and films to greeting guests at the Disney Parks, Pluto has his work cut out for him- it isn’t easy being a mouse’s best friend! Not to slight the others, but Pluto is certainly my pick for best Disney pet! He’s full of bountiful energy and is always excited to see Mickey and his friends; and that includes you, too!
There are so many animals featured in Disney films that it’s impossible to list them all here…and considering the dozens of Disney pets out there, I want to know which is your favorite! Are your favorite episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse the ones that feature Figaro? Are Lady and the Tramp competing for ‘best dog’ in your book? I want to know, which Disney pet is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget…give your pet a big hug on April 11, and let them know they’re the apple of your eye on National Pet Day!
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Special thanks to Maria Salerno for writing this article: Hiya pal! I am a NYC-based writer/musician thrilled to be bringing you all things Disney! I’m a WDW Annual Passholder, so you can find me in the parks regularly throughout the year. In addition to being a Disney Parks loving girl, I’m also a Disney toy and merchandise collector, a runDisney enthusiast, and Disney music and movie aficionado. You can follow me on Instagram: NYCtoAP and find me on YouTube: NYCtoAP. Thanks for reading, hope to see ya real soon!