Host a party for your pet, such as for its birthday, to show your pet just how much you love and appreciation it.

Decide on a date and time for the party and keep in mind your animal’s disposition when making the plans. Plan a short party with a minimal number of guests for small, less-social animals such as cats, hamsters and rabbits to minimize stress. Dogs, on the other hand, will thrive on longer parties with lots of loud activity and other four-legged friends around.

Choose to host the gathering at your house, if you have adequate indoor space for smaller animal guests or a large, fenced-in backyard for a dog party. Another option would be to rent a venue, such as a picnic pavilion at a pet-friendly park.

Select animal-themed party decorations for the celebration but be sure to keep decorations high off the ground and out of reach of pets for safety reasons. Tie paw-print helium balloons around the party and display large photos of your pet on the walls to showcase the “guest of honor.”

Put together a party favor bag for each guest, in a sturdy tote bag, and hand to the animal’s owner upon arrival at the party. Include a small food bowl, treats or chew toys and several waste disposal bags for dog guests.

Treat the animal guests to a menu of pet-friendly foods for the party. Place plastic food bowls around the party area, at least one per pet guest, and fill with different flavors or dry and wet pet foods. Be sure to include bowls of fresh, clean water and refill frequently, especially if the party is held outdoors.

Place toys and entertainment items around the party area to keep four-legged guests entertained. For a dog party, include things such as chew toys, bones, balls and frisbees. And scratching posts, catnip toys and squeaky toys would be popular at an indoor cat party.

Avoid problems and make the party more enjoyable for all your guests by posting a small list of rules near the entrance of the party or on the invitations. Instruct guests to watch their pets, dispose of any waste and separate any animals who are fighting.

With just a small amount of planning and preparation, throw a fun-filled party for your pet and celebrate all the memories and reasons you love your animal companion.