According to a recent survey of more than 260,000 policyholders with Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), almost 58 percent of those who responded said they have hosted a birthday party for their pet.

This backed up by a similar statistic from the Pet Products Manufacturer's Association saying that nearly six million (5.8 million) American dog and cat households host pet birthday parties.

VPI policyholders who throw their furry friends a birthday bash do so complete with cake, party hats and visits from their four-legged friends. The company goes on to say that one of their policy holders, Sandy Deem, who owns Three Dog Bakery in Newport Beach, CA, receives many requests for pet birthday cakes, sometimes as many as 20 a week.

As part of its committment to celebrating pet birthdays, VPI sends a birthday greeting card to each of its insured dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets, with an included pet treat for the doggies and kitties, and a coupon for free pet food.