Get Patriotic With Your Puppy This Election Day

The day has finally arrived! November 5 is Election Day in the United States, a long-awaited day after months of ads and commercials, campaign rallies, town halls, debates, flyers in the mail, and robocalls and texts. Millions of people across America will cast their ballots in the 2024 general election for various offices, including the President of the United States. For some, Election Day is an exciting time filled with anticipation and hope. For others, it can be a source of stress and anxiety. Regardless of who you vote for, learn how dogs provide stress relief on Election Day while helping us celebrate democracy. 

Dogs Can Help Your Election Day Stress Melt Away

The increase in incendiary political ads, disagreements and discord among friends and family members, and anxiety about the future can take a huge toll on our mental health. The best way our pooches can help us on Election Day is to destress. Several studies show that being a puppy owner boosts your mental health, so turn to your puppy to ease your stress and anxiety. 

Not only do our minds suffer from stress, but our bodies will also experience detrimental changes. A hormone that helps regulate our stress levels called cortisol spikes when we are stressed, creating the “fight or flight” mode. This state of being on high alert all the time can cause high blood pressure, affect the sleep cycle and appetite, and negatively affect nearly every tissue and organ in the body.

However, your puppy holds the power to calm down your mind and body during times of dire stress. Studies have shown that petting a dog for 10 minutes can decrease cortisol levels, a more natural alternative to taking medicine and waiting for the effects to take hold. In addition to lowering cortisol levels, playing with your puppy can help lower your heart rate, regulate your emotions, and experience unconditional love. 

Aloft’s “No Watch Paw-ties” soothe Election Day jitters

Voters will be glued to the news watching the election returns flow in. However, all the hype can create stress, so why not take a break by playing with puppies? The nationwide chain Aloft hotels are offering “No Watch Paw-ties” in New York City, Milwaukee, Austin, Atlanta, and Orlando beginning at 5 pm on Nov. 5 to help people unwind from Election Day jitters. Aloft hotels are known for their dog-friendly accommodations, going above and beyond for canine guests. Hotel guests and locals are invited to this free event to mingle with adoptable dogs from rescue organizations and animal shelters while enjoying light bites, mocktails, and cocktails. Furry friends are not left out with treats for participating puppies and dogs, like chocolate bark-tinis and puppucinos. It’s a win-win situation for every creature involved! 

Another perk of this paw-some event is there will not be any election news streaming as people focus on destressing thanks to the help of friendly, playful dogs. Participants might even find the love of their lives by adopting a dog they bond with on Election Day. They have also made a calming video called “Election Noise Escape with Aloft Hotels” to allow anyone to relax virtually if they don’t live near an event or play on repeat throughout the busy day.

Are Dogs Allowed at Polling Places? 

If puppies and dogs provide such excellent stress relief, you may wonder, “Can I bring my dog with me to vote?” The quick answer is, “It depends, but is it truly a good idea?” You’ll want to locate your polling station to find out the exact rules about bringing dogs along, as they vary across the nation. In general, voter guides discourage bringing pets due to the unpredictable nature of dogs while in crowds and protecting a calm voting environment. Please do not show up at your voting location without checking the rules first! Some venues allow well-behaved, leashed dogs to accompany you into the booth. Others only allow waiting in line, and most places ban dogs completely.

However, all polling locations allow trained service dogs that assist people with disabilities and other protected conditions by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Title II states that service dogs can accompany their disabled handlers into public spaces, including voting and polling places, to ensure an equal and fair opportunity to vote as citizens of the US. While there is no national registry of service dogs and no registration or certification paperwork is required, never bring in a dog claiming to be a service dog when it is not. Service dogs are trained to complete and assist with specific tasks and have a job to do and should not lunge at people, bark excessively, or otherwise be out of the control of the handler.

Emotional support dogs and companion pets can certainly help you lower your anxiety around voting as you cast your ballot. If you are able to take your dog to vote, you should strictly follow the rules to prevent any canine chaos or serious voting issues. Be prepared for long lines, and bring a bag with plenty of fresh water, treats to reward them for patient behavior, coats or sweaters if they get cold easily, and waste bags to clean up after them. Never take a picture of your dog inside while voting, as you could accidentally expose someone else’s vote or violate privacy laws, some of which could send you to prison! If asked to leave with your dog or leave your dog outside, comply and do not cause a scene. It’s a good idea to bring along a friend who will wait outside with your dog while you vote, as you should never leave your dog tied to a railing or campaign tent unattended while you’re inside casting your ballot. Another no-no of taking your dog to vote is to dress them in accessories that directly promote your preferred candidate. And of course, your dog is not allowed to cast a ballot. You don’t want to disrupt the democratic process by either inadvertently or blatantly causing a scene with your dog and hindering other people’s right to vote. Remember, just because you can take your dog somewhere doesn’t always mean that you should. 

Commemorate Election Day By Throwing a Dog-Friendly Watch Party

Can’t make it to an Aloft location but still want to celebrate? Throw a dog-friendly party to watch the voting numbers roll in on Election night. Invite a curated guest list and your puppy’s doggy pals for a festive atmosphere. Partygoers can hold several elections for dog attendees, such as Best Patriotic Costume or Best Trick. Make dog-friendly patriotic treats while humans nosh on some delicious food that will sustain you throughout the night. Feature red, white, and blue dog-safe ingredients such as watermelon, strawberries, greek yogurt, and blueberries in delicious frozen, no-bake, or baked puppy treats. Be sure to accessorize your puppy with adorable patriotic outfits for dogs and accessories like bandanas or collars with the Stars and Stripes or showing support for your preferred candidate.

Uncle Sam Costume, Amazon 

Look for local dog-friendly election events near you to get into the election excitement. Check businesses, municipal, or collegiate events to celebrate the right to vote. For example, East Carolina University will host a “Dogs For Democracy” cookout with free food, games, and camaraderie. Another event in Mooresville, NC, holds an annual election for a Dog Mayor office. Winners serve a one-year term and attend town events that serve the citizens of Mooresville and the greater community. 

Interesting Facts About American Presidential Pooches

While neither major party presidential candidate in 2024 has pets, dogs have been cherished companions of several presidents residing in the White House. These presidential dogs have brought joy to not only the First Families but have also captured the admiration of the American public.

George Washington was not only the founder of our country but is also said to be the founder of the American Foxhound. This new breed of dog with unique characteristics was born at the same time as our nation. Washington loved hunting and desired a lighter-boned dog than the English Foxhound, one that could cover more ground at a faster pace. Throughout his lifetime, Washington owned a wide variety of dogs spanning all 7 of the modern-day AKC groups. He named his dogs funny names like Sweet Lips, Drunkard, Taster, Truelove, and Venus. While American Foxhounds are rare, they are still a treasured dog breed native to the United States and still go on hunts today. 

Fala with FDR

Here are some fun facts about other notable First Dogs: 

• The Obamas welcomed Sunny and Bo (Portuguese Water Dogs) as a campaign promise to Sasha and Malia. These dogs are considered hypoallergenic and love to play, a perfect fit for Malia’s allergies and their active family. 

• Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are a variety of Rat Terriers and have short legs, hunting and exterminating vermin with ease. Teddy Roosevelt loved these terriers and used them in the White House as both companions and rat catchers. 

• Pasha the Yorkshire Terrier, Irish Setter King Timahoe, and Vicky the Miniature Poodle belonged to the Nixon family. They enjoyed a luxurious life with a heated dog house and naps in the Oval Office. Nixon’s dog Checkers the Cocker Spaniel was used to soften the blow of his declining public popularity due to scandals. Today, a “Checkers speech” is a term for a political speech lacking substance that instead caters to emotions as a distraction. 

• Fala the Scottish Terrier was Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s cherished canine companion and is one of the most famous presidential pooches. Fala served as a national symbol of pride, traveling everywhere with FDR, appearing at speeches, in movies, and even serving as a password for American troops in World War II.  

Hail to the Paws: A Pawrade Puppy Awaits Your Selection

When browsing puppies for sale at Pawrade, you will see so many candidates vying for a spot to be your new best friend. At Pawrade, we make it easy to “cast your ballot” by voting for the perfect puppy to fit your lifestyle and wishes. From our seamless, secure transaction management system to constant communication every step of the way, Pawrade will help you select the puppy candidate of your dreams. “Vote” in confidence for your favorite Pawrade puppy! 

#partner of Amazon.com