Celebrations, Events, and Remembrances: National Pet Rock Day

Happy National Pet Rock Day

The first Sunday in September celebrates the Pet Rock! This pet trend went viral in 1975 and has made a comeback.

The pet rock was invented by Gary Dahl, who had a great sense of humor and imagination. He jokingly marketed small rocks as an actual, extremely low-maintenance pet. A pet rock was considered perfect for people who wanted something that was small and easy to care for. 

Each rock was packaged in a small box designed for the little pet's imaginary comfort. The box had air holes, was filled with straw to cushion the rock during travel, and came with a care and training manual written by Dahl. This manual is still considered very important (and amusing) by owners, because it helps people to understand their new pet rock's needs.

People enjoyed buying the pet rocks as joke gifts for their friends and for themselves. It was a mindset of "So unbelievable, I have to buy one!".

At the library, we celebrate National Pet Rock Day with various onsite and virtual activities. From mid-August to mid-September, you can vote for your favorite pet rock, enjoy virtual and in-person scavenger hunts, and more! All virtual events are on this page.

Gary Dahl has since passed away but his legacy is set in stone, thanks to the pet rock.