The U.S. Postal Service will honor pets with the issuance of its annual Love Forever stamp in 2023.

The first-day-of-issue event for the stamps is free and open to the public. The Jan. 19 event will be held at Austin Pets Alive, one of the country’s most progressive animal shelters. 

News of the stamps is being shared on social media with the hashtag #LoveStamps.

Each stamp shows a cute and cuddly animal resting its front paws on a big red heart. 

Although the issue date is in time for Valentine’s Day, the stamps are also suitable for use on letters and cards throughout the year, according to the postal service.

Cats and dogs are two of America’s favorite pets and connecting with pets has benefits, according to the USPS. Interacting with a cuddly kitten or a playful puppy can reduce loneliness and raise spirits.

“Love” stamps date back to the 1970s. In 1972, the U.S. Postal Service commissioned pop artist Robert Indiana to turn his painting of the word “Love” into a postage stamp. It was released in Philadelphia, the "City of Brotherly Love," on Jan. 26, 1973, in time for Valentine's Day.

The “Love” stamp for 1986 also featured a dog. “Puppy Love” was designed by Saul Mandel, an American mid-century illustrator and designer, most known for designing the Jolly Green Giant and a poster for "The Incredible, Edible Egg" marketing campaign.