What is a gotcha day?
A gotcha day is the anniversary of the day you brought your pet home. It's a lovely way to celebrate adopted pets whose real birthday is unknown, and a good yearly reminder to book a checkup and update their records.
Easy ways to celebrate
- A new toy or a long sniffy walk. Most pets love an adventure more than a gift.
- A pet-safe treat. Plain pumpkin, a little plain cooked chicken or a few blueberries. Skip cake, chocolate, grapes and anything with xylitol. Not sure? Check our food safety checker.
- A photo shoot. Then turn the best shot into a card with the maker above.
- Donate to a shelter in your pet's name.
Tips for a great pet photo
- Get down to your pet's eye level and use natural light near a window.
- Hold a treat or squeaky toy just above the camera for that head tilt.
- Use burst mode and pick the best frame.
- Leave some space around your pet so the design can frame it nicely.
Questions people ask
Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
No. The card is made entirely in your browser. Your photo never leaves your device, and nothing is stored.
What size is the card?
Each card is 1080 × 1350 pixels, the portrait size that looks great on Instagram and Facebook and prints nicely as a 4 × 5 inch photo.
What if I don't know my pet's birthday?
Celebrate their gotcha day instead: the day they came home. Pick 'Gotcha Day' above and enter how many years they've been with you.
The Paw Plan shares general information, not veterinary advice. For your pet's health, diet or an emergency, call your vet or a pet poison hotline.
