Build-A-Bear's Promise Pets™ Collection Encourages Responsibility, Caretaking Through Play

ST. LOUIS, April 9, 2026 // PRNewswire // -- In honor of National Pet Day on April 11, Build-A-Bear Workshop reports insights from a poll of its social media community. The findings indicate that pet care involves love, responsibility, and hands-on experience.

That spirit is reflected in the Promise Pets™ collection, designed to encourage responsibility and the emotional aspects of pet care, and to support thoughtful plush pet adoption. Promise Pets are intended to help children practice empathy and patience through hands-on play, storytelling, and accessories that mirror real-world pet care. The collection aims to help families learn lessons in caretaking and responsibility as preparation for the possibility of a real pet.

Highlights from the Build-A-Bear pet parent survey include:

• Names as Unique as They Are: The variety of pet names reported with little to no redundancy indicates just how unique and creative the naming process has become for pet owners. While "Bruno" was more common, it still only accounted for under 2% of responses.
• Dogs vs. Cats: Dogs were the most reported breed of adopted pets at 45%, but cats followed closely behind at 38%. Of cats, domestic short hair (26%) and tabby (23%) stole the most hearts, while labs (22%), terriers (20%) and chihuahuas (10%) were the most common dog breeds.
• Cuddles Come First: At 32%, cuddling was the number one caretaking activity, followed by brushing (23%) and going on walks (20%).
• Love Is the Non-Negotiable: Half of pet parents said love is the most important part of caring for a pet, followed by patience (24%) and dedication (18%).
• Practice Makes Paw-fect: When asked the best way to prepare for the responsibility of a pet, 86% said hands-on experience is key. The top responses included helping a friend or family member, volunteering at a shelter, and practicing with a toy or stuffed animal.

The Promise Pets lineup includes various plush figures and accessories designed to reflect caregiving activities. The Make-Your-Own Promise Pets collection includes a Calico Cat, Ocicat, Pug and Bernese Mountain Dog, with additional breeds such as the Dachshund, Golden Retriever and Frenchie available online. New this month are Promise Pets Mini Beans™, offered in Calico Cat, Ocicat, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Pug variants.

The collection includes pet care accessories such as carriers, leashes, bowls, beds, and an Adopt-A-Pup book intended for Promise Pets. Families can obtain these items to accompany a new plush pet and participate in related activities.

SOURCE Build-A-Bear Workshop

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