August 3, 2016 - LAS VEGAS — In a tribute to America’s favorite pets, the U.S. Postal Service dedicated Forever stamps here yesterday featuring photographs of 20 different domestic animals — two dogs, two cats, two birds, two fish, four reptiles, five rodents, a crustacean, a rabbit and a horse.

The first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the Pets stamps took place at the SuperZoo National Pet Retailers Show at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. Participating in the dedication event were Chairman of the Postal Service Board of Governors James Bilbray; Postal Service Chief Marketing and Sales Officer James Cochrane; Doug Poindexter, President, World Pet Association; Robert Vetere, Chairman, Pet Leadership Council and Founder, Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, Gregory Popovich.

“More than half of all U.S. homes have at least one pet, and that number increases every year. The most common are cats and dogs, but all types of pets provide love, happiness and companionship for their owners,” said Cochrane. “The bonds we create with animals improve our physical and emotional well-being and our pets truly become members of the family.”

The stamps features 20 existing photographs of different animals taken against white backgrounds by Eric Isselée. Each photograph represents animals that are loved: puppies, betta fish, iguanas, hamsters, goldfish, parrots, guinea pigs, tortoises, rabbits, kittens, corn snakes, mice, hermit crabs, chinchillas, gerbils, dogs, parakeets, horses, cats and geckos. Inspired by her lifelong love of animals, art director Derry Noyes designed these stamps.

Though cats and dogs are the more traditional choice, pets come in all shapes and sizes. Small mammals, like hamsters, gerbils and mice, are popular choices for many people, especially those with limited space that might not accommodate larger animals. Slightly larger mammals, like rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas, have also become much more prevalent in American homes, particularly for families with older children.

Previous stamps featuring animals include: Adopt a Shelter Pet, 2009; Spay and Neuter, 2002; Bright Eyes, 1998; American Dogs, 1984; American Cats, 1988; Puppy and Kitten, 1982 and Seeing For Me,1979.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
Source: USPS