Funny Business: Pet Rock

About the Pet Rock and 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 in addition to business and marketing knowledge. He jokingly marketed small rocks as an actual, extremely low-maintenance pet. 

The pet rock was marketed as:

• Great for the busy person on the go!
• Perfect for people who want a small, easy to care for pet!
• Incredibly low demand, with the ability to survive almost anywhere!

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 was written as if it would help 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!". This public mindset, plus savvy marketing, allowed Dahl to become a millionaire in less than a year.

At the library, we celebrate innovative inventions and National Pet Rock Day. Celebrations include various onsite and virtual activities.

From mid-August to early September, students, faculty, and staff may vote for a favorite pet rock! During the week of Pet Rock Day, the library offers an onsite scavenger hunt. 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.