
Anyone who’s ever adopted a pet will know about Gotcha Day, aka the celebration of the day you brought them home in lieu of knowing their actual birthday. And since we’re all treating our fur babies like actual babies now, gifting company Moonpig is getting behind the Gotcha Day celebrations. Yes, your adorable Jack Russell-cross-staffy-cross-dingo (probably) deserves to be celebrated.
Gotcha Day is all about marking that moment you welcomed your pet into your life and gave them their forever home. It’s the anniversary of the day they went from shelter or foster care to ruling your household.
And hey, you might be able to trace your fur baby all the way back to their birthday. That doesn’t give you any less reason to celebrate their Gotcha Day. What’s better than one party? Two parties, baby.

In a recent survey, Moonpig found that 80 per cent of Aussies have celebrated their pet’s birthday or Gotcha Day, with two-thirds of Aussies saying their pet’s birthday is just as important as a human’s birthday. In fact, 16 per cent deem their pet’s special day more important than a person’s. To that, I say, fair play.
Moonpig’s data shows that pet owners aren’t just saying ‘Happy Birthday’ or ‘Happy Gotcha Day’ to their beloved — they’re going all out with the celebrations. 43 per cent of Australians have purchased cards for their pet, or cards from their pet for someone else.
I’m a huge birthday celebrator, and my kitten graduates to adulthood next month (eek!). Olive’s a top notch kitty plus a certified genius, so you best believe I’ll be spoiling her rotten to celebrate her lap around the sun. Her Gotcha Day is in October, so I fully intend on having a round two of celebrations then.
And I’m not the only one. Moonpig’s survey data shows that one-third of Aussies are willing to spend between $50 and $150 on their pet for their birthday or Gotcha Day. Hey, if it means Olive will be the happiest cat alive, I’ll sell my kidney.
To help you celebrate your furry friend’s birthday or Gotcha Day, Moonpig has made the most adorable Gotcha Day card collection. These cards are fully customisable so you can add your own photos, heartfelt (or hilariously unhinged) messages, and give your pet the fanfare they deserve — even if they can’t read it. That’s what you’re there for, right?
The best part of the Gotcha Day collection is that you can get a card for free! Just use the code ‘GOTCHADAY’ at checkout (valid until December 31, 2025).
If you’re stuck for inspo, here are a few of my favourites from the collection — they’re ridiculously cute and guaranteed to make your pet’s big day feel even more special.

Cat Astronaut Love Mew To The Moon And Back Photo Upload Birthday Card
I’ll be cashing in this astronaut card for Olive’s birthday. Her zoomies pretty much send her into another dimension every single night, so it seems fitting.
Image: Moonpig
Pawesome Photo Upload Dogs Birthday Card
If your camera roll is filled with your pet and you can’t pick one photo, this is a super wholesome Gotcha Day card.
Image: Moonpig


First I Stole Your Heart Then I Stole Your Bed Card
Even though she’s small, Olive somehow manages to take up my entire half of the bed, so this card is pretty fitting for her.
Image: Moonpig
Moonpig Free Gotcha Day Celebration
If that’s not enough, Moonpig’s also throwing a huge free Gotcha Day celebration for pets and their owners in Sydney on July 27. Hosted by vet Dr Katrina Warren and her dog, Chilli, at The Carrington, the afternoon will be filled with goody bags, treats, toys, plushies, cards and more. There’ll also be prizes for pets with the best party accessories!
Event details:
Saturday 27 July, 1–3pm
The Carrington, 565 Bourke St, Surry Hills (pet-friendly pub)
Free – limited tickets available on Eventbrite
Give your fur baby the Gotcha Day they deserve with a free custom card from Moonpig here.
The post Celebrate Your Adopted Pet’s Gotcha Day With One Of These Cute (And Free) Cards appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .