Introduction: Why Pet Holidays Matter
Did you know there’s a holiday for dogs in sweaters? Or a day just for guinea pigs? Pet holidays are more than just excuses to post adorable pictures (though, let’s be real, that’s a big part of it). They’re chances to raise awareness, celebrate adoption, support animal welfare, and show appreciation for our companions who make life better (and fuzzier).
Whether you’re planning a shelter event, a social media post, or just want a reason to bake dog-safe cupcakes, this calendar has you covered.
Want to do more than celebrate? Use our Adoptable Pet Searcher to meet pets who need a forever home today.
Pet Holidays by Month
January
- National Train Your Dog Month
- Walk Your Pet Month
- Jan 14 – National Dress Up Your Pet Day
- Jan 24 – Change a Pet’s Life Day
February
- Pet Dental Health Month
- Responsible Pet Owners Month
- Feb 20 – Love Your Pet Day
- Feb 22 – National Walking the Dog Day
- Feb 23 – National Dog Biscuit Day
March
- Poison Prevention Awareness Month (for pets)
- March 3 – If Pets Had Thumbs Day (yes, really)
- March 13 – K9 Veterans Day
- March 23 – National Puppy Day
April
- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
- April 11 – National Pet Day
- April 23 – National Lost Dog Awareness Day
- Last Saturday of April – World Veterinary Day
May
- National Pet Month
- May 1 – National Purebred Dog Day
- First Full Week – Be Kind to Animals Week
- May 20 – National Rescue Dog Day
June
- Adopt-a-Cat Month
- National Pet Preparedness Month
- June 4 – Hug Your Cat Day
- June 8 – Best Friends Day (pets count too!)
- June 24 – Cat World Domination Day
July
- Dog House Repair Month
- July 11 – All-American Pet Photo Day
- July 15 – National Pet Fire Safety Day
- July 31 – National Mutt Day (also Dec 2)
August
- National Dog Month
- Aug 8 – International Cat Day
- Aug 10 – Spoil Your Dog Day
- Aug 17 – National Black Cat Appreciation Day
- Aug 26 – National Dog Day
September
- Happy Cat Month
- Sept 8 – National Dog Walker Appreciation Day
- Second Saturday – National Pet Memorial Day
- Sept 28 – World Rabies Day
October
- Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month
- National Pet Wellness Month
- Oct 4 – World Animal Day
- Oct 16 – Global Cat Day
- Last Week of October – National Cat Week
- Halloween – Perfect excuse for pet costumes!
November
- Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month
- Pet Cancer Awareness Month
- Nov 1 – National Cook for Your Pets Day
- Nov 7 – National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day
- Thanksgiving – Share safe treats (skip the onions & chocolate!)
December
- Dec 2 – National Mutt Day (second celebration)
- Dec 9 – International Day of Veterinary Medicine
- Dec 15 – National Cat Herders Day (we relate)
- Holidays in general – Pets in festive sweaters galore
Thinking about adopting on National Pet Day? Check the real costs first with our Cost of Pet Calculator—so every celebration stays stress-free.
Conclusion: Every Day is Pet Day
While these official holidays are fun, the truth is that every day is a chance to show love to your furry, feathered, or scaly friends. Whether you’re celebrating National Dog Day with an extra-long walk or hugging your cat (on their terms), these moments remind us how much pets enrich our lives. Mark your calendars, grab some treats, and celebrate big or small—because our companions deserve it.