Start a new year celebrating the pets who fill our lives with purrs, tail wags, and joy! The 2026 calendar is packed with pet holidays—perfect chances to give a little extra love to our beloved companions, whether they are playful pups, majestic birds, or fascinating reptiles.
These holidays are the ideal excuse to make lasting memories, from indulging in a pet-themed treat day to promoting awareness for animal wellness. Let's embrace a year full of opportunities to celebrate the sheer delight our furry, scaly, and feathered friends bring to us every single day!
January Pet Holidays and Awareness Days
January kicks off with a chill in the air, but the warmth of pet celebrations keeps things cozy. As we shake off the holiday season, it's time to focus on new beginnings—for us and our pets. This month offers a range of holidays that honor pets of all shapes and sizes, making it the perfect time to set some fresh goals for the well-being of our beloved companions. From health awareness days to cuddly pet appreciation events, January offers the perfect start to a joyful year.
Awareness Months
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Walk Your Pet Month
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Walk You Dog Month
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National Train Your Dog Month
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Adopt a Rescued Bird Month
Awareness Days and Holidays
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January 2: National Pet Travel Safety Day
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January 2: Happy Mew Year for Cats Day
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January 5: National Bird Day
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January 6: National Cuddle Up Day
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January 6: National Standard Poodle Day
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January 7: National Alaskan Malamute Day
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January 8: National Labrador Retriever Day
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January 9: National Australian Shepherd Day
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January 13: National French Bulldog Day
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January 14: National Dress Up Your Pet Day
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January 15: National American Eskimo Dog Day
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January 17: National Boxer Day
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January 19: National Conservation Dog Day
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January 20: Penguin Awareness Day
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January 21: Squirrel Appreciation Day
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January 22: National Yorkshire Terrier Day
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January 22: National Answer Your Cat’s Question Day
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January 24: Change a Pet’s Life Day
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January 24: Peanut Butter Day
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January 29: Seeing-Eye Guide Dog Anniversary
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January 29: Tuxedo Cat Appreciation Day
February Pet Holidays and Awareness Days
February offers more than just romance—it's a time to truly appreciate the pets we cherish. This month is filled with opportunities to connect with our animal companions, from celebrating Love Your Pet Day to focusing on wellness during National Cat Health Month. It's an excellent time to get closer, whether by sharing extra cuddles, giving belly rubs, or making new memories. February is a reminder to care deeply for the pets we love, encouraging us to spotlight their health with vet visits and show our appreciation through acts like baking special treats.
Awareness Months
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Pet Dental Health Month
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Dog Training Education Month
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National Cat Health Month
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Responsible Pet Owners Month
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Spay/Neuter Awareness Month
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Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month
Awareness Weeks
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February 7-14: Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week
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February 22-28: National Justice for Animals Week
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February 22-28: Bird Health Awareness Week
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February 22-28: Veterinary Assistant Appreciation Week
Awareness Days and Holidays
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February 1: World Greyhound Day
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February 2: National Brown Dog Day
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February 2: National Hedgehog Day
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February 3: Doggie Date Night
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February 3: National Golden Retriever Day
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February 14: Pet Theft Awareness Day
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February 19: National Boston Terrier Day
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February 19: National Whippet Day
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February 20: Love Your Pet Day
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February 21: International Skye Terrier Day
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February 22: Walking the Dog Day
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February 22: National Wildlife Day
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February 23: National Dog Biscuit Day
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February 24: World Spay Day
March Pet Holidays and Awareness Days
As March arrives, bringing the promise of spring, it also heralds a new collection of pet celebrations! The longer, warmer days create the perfect opportunity to venture outdoors, soak up the sun, and focus on the happiness and well-being of our animal companions. March truly has something for every pet owner, offering ideal times for planning adventures with your furry friends and raising awareness about good animal care.
Awareness Months
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Poison Prevention Awareness Month
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Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month
Awareness Weeks
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March 2–8: Professional Pet Sitters Week (first full week in March)
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March 15–21: National Poison Prevention Week (third full week in March)
Awareness Days and Holidays
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March 1: National Pig Day
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March 1: National Welsh Corgi Day
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March 1: National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day
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March 2: International Rescue Cat Day
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March 3: World Wildlife Day
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March 3: If Pets Had Thumbs Day
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March 3: Tripawd Awareness Day
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March 8: International Akita Day
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March 13: K-9 Veterans Day
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March 14: UK Dog Theft Awareness Day
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March 15: National Catio Day
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March 20: World Sparrow Day
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March 20: National Westie Day
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March 23: National Puppy Day
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March 23: Cuddly Kitten Day
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March 25: National Newfoundland Dog Day
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March 27: National Terrier Day
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March 28: Respect Your Cat Day
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March 30: Take a Walk in the Park Day
April Pet Holidays and Awareness Days
April is a fantastic month for pet lovers, offering many opportunities to celebrate animal companions. Beyond the changing weather, the calendar is full of holidays focused on pet safety, responsible ownership, and simply having fun. It's the perfect time to acknowledge your pets' unique personalities and get involved in events promoting their health and happiness—April truly makes showing you care effortless.
Awareness Months
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National Heartworm Awareness Month
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National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
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Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month
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Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
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Canine Fitness Month (AKA Active Dog Month)
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National Adopt a Greyhound Month
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National Frog Month
Awareness Weeks
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April 1–7: International Pooper Scooper Week
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April 12–18: National Dog Bite Prevention Week (second full week in April)
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April 12–18: Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week (second week in April)
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April 21–27: Animal Cruelty/Human Violence Awareness Week (third week in April)
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April 17–23: National Pet ID Week
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April 23–29: National Scoop the Poop Week
Awareness Days and Holidays
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April 1: International Bull Terrier Day
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April 2: National Ferret Day
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April 4: World Stray Animal Day
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April 4: World Rat Day
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April 4: Every Day is Tag Day (first Saturday in April)
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April 6: National Siamese Cat Day
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April 7: National Pet Health Insurance Day
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April 8: National Dog Fighting Awareness Day
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April 10: National Hug Your Dog Day
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April 11: National Pet Day
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April 11: Dog Therapy Appreciation Day
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April 12: World Hamster Day
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April 18: Pet Owners Day
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April 19: National Cat Lady Day
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April 19: Dog Parent Appreciation Day
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April 21: Bulldogs are Beautiful Day
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April 22: National Beagle Day
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April 22: Pet CPR Day
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April 23: National Lost Dog Awareness Day
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April 29: International Guide Dog Day (last Wednesday in April)
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April 24: Hairball Awareness Day (last Friday in April)
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April 25: World Veterinary Day (last Saturday in April)
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April 26: National Pet Parents Day (last Sunday in April)
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April 26: International Search and Rescue Dog Day (last Sunday in April)
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April 26: National Kids and Pets Day
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April 27: National Little Pampered Dog Day
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April 30: Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
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April 30: National Therapy Animal Day
May Pet Holidays and Awareness Days
May is a month dedicated to celebrating and advocating for our beloved pets, filled with opportunities to focus on their happiness and health. From observing National Pet Month to participating in Puppy Mill Action Week, it's a time to reflect on the immense joy animals bring to our lives and find new ways to ensure they are well cared for. This vibrant month, marked by growth and blooming flowers, encourages us to actively appreciate and champion our animal companions.
Awareness Months
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National Pet Month
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National Foster Care Month
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Responsible Animal Guardian Month
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Pet Cancer Awareness Month
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Chip Your Pet Month
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National Service Animal Eye Exam Month
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Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
Awareness Weeks
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May 3–9: National Pet Week (first full week of May starting on a Sunday)
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May 3–9: American Humane Society’s Be Kind to Animals Week (first full week of May starting on a Sunday)
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May 4–10: Dog Anxiety Awareness Week
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May 4–10: Puppy Mill Action Week (starts the Monday before Mother’s Day)
Awareness Days and Holidays
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May 1: National Purebred Dog Day
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May 1: International Samoyed Day
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May 2: Wildfire Preparedness Day
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May 3: Mayday for Mutts (first Sunday in May)
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May 3: National Specially-Abled Pets Day
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May 4: Bird Day
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May 9: National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day (second Saturday in May)
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May 9: National Dog Mom’s Day (second Saturday in May)
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May 9: Migratory Bird Day (second Saturday in May)
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May 10: German Shepherd Day
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May 14: International Chihuahua Appreciation Day
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May 15: Endangered Species Day
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May 16: World Dog Day (third Saturday in May)
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May 20: National Rescue Dog Day
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May 23: World Turtle Day
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May 25: International Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Day
June Pet Holidays and Awareness Days
June marks the beginning of summer—the perfect time to celebrate the wonderful pets who brighten our lives. This month is packed with opportunities to honor our companions, from events like National Adopt a Cat Month to Take Your Pet to Work Day, highlighting the incredible ways pets enrich our existence. Whether you're enjoying a sunny beach outing with your dog or a quiet cuddle with your cat, June offers many chances to make lasting memories and give our pets the love and attention they wholly deserve.
Awareness Months
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National Pet Preparedness Month
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National Microchipping Month
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Adopt-a-Cat Month® from the American Humane Association
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Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month
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National Foster a Pet Month
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National Zoo and Aquarium Month
Awareness Weeks
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June 7–13: Pet Appreciation Week (first week in June)
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June 15–21: Animal Rights Awareness Week (third week in June)
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June 22–26: Take Your Pet to Work Week®
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June 22–28: National Pollinator Week
Awareness Days and Holidays
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June 1: International Sheltie Day
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June 2: National Greyhound Day
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June 4: International Corgi Day
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June 4: Hug Your Cat Day
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June 7: World Food Safety Day
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June 8: Best Friends Day
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June 8: World Oceans Day
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June 9: World Pet Memorial Day (second Tuesday in June)
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June 12: Peruvian Hairless Dog Day
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June 13: Missing Mutts Awareness Day (second Saturday in June)
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June 14: National Dog Dad Day
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June 16: World Sea Turtle Day
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June 16: Take Your Cat to Work Day®
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June 18: National Internet Cat Day
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June 18: Veterinary Appreciation Day
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June 19: Juneteenth
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June 19: National Garfield the Cat Day
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June 19: National Pets in Film Day
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June 19: Take Your Dog to Work Day®
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June 20: Ugliest Dog Day
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June 21: National Dog Party Day
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June 21: National Dachshund Day
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June 22: National Pet Choking Prevention Day
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June 24: Cat World Domination Day
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June 27: World Day Against the Abandonment of Domestic Animals (last Saturday in June)
July Pet Holidays and Awareness Days
July, a month known for fireworks and long summer days, is also an important time for focusing on the safety and well-being of our pets. With various activities ranging from pet photo contests to awareness days dedicated to keeping animals secure, the month encourages appreciating their companionship. Whether you are enjoying a sunny hike together or ensuring they remain calm during festivities, July provides the perfect opportunity to keep your pets both happy and healthy.
Awareness Months
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National Lost Pet Prevention Month
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National Pet Hydration Awareness Month
Awareness Weeks
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July 6–12: National Farriers Week
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July 26–August 1: National Feed a Rescue Pet Week
Awareness Days and Holidays
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July 1: ID Your Pet Day
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July 4: International Whippet Day
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July 6: World Zoonoses Day
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July 10: National Kitten Day
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July 11: All-American Pet Photo Day
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July 15: National Pet Fire Safety Day
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July 15: Feline Leukemia Day
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July 16: World Snake Day
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July 21: World Collie Day
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July 21: National Craft for your Local Shelters Day
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July 26: National Dog Photography Day
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July 30: International Friendship Day
August Pet Holidays and Awareness Days
August is a month full of playful summer energy, offering abundant ways to celebrate the special animals in our lives. It's a time for heartwarming connections, whether you're spoiling your dog, appreciating service animals, or remembering beloved pets who have passed. This month is a perfect opportunity to give back by participating in local shelter events and showing extra care for the animals who need it most.
Awareness Months
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National Immunization Awareness Month
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Itchy Pet Awareness Month
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National Dog Month
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Clear the Shelters Month
Awareness Weeks
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August 3–9: International Assistance Dog Week (first full week of August)
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August 3–9: Give a Dog a Bone Week (first full week of August)
Awareness Days and Holidays
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August 1: DOGust Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs
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August 1: National Yorkie Day
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August 4: Assistance Dog Day
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August 6: Fresh Breath Day
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August 8: International Cat Day
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August 10: Spoil Your Dog Day
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August 14: World Lizard Day
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August 15: National Check the Chip Day
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August 15: International Homeless Animals’ Day (third Saturday of August)
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August 15: Clear the Shelters Day (third Saturday of August)
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August 17: National Black Cat Appreciation Day
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August 22: National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day
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August 23: Blind Dog Day
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August 26: National Dog Day
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August 30: National Holistic Pet Day
September Pet Holidays and Awareness Days
September, as the seasons shift, is a time for heartfelt appreciation of our beloved pets. This month is dedicated to promoting pet wellness, raising the profile of animal advocacy, and finding opportunities to assist animals in need. From honoring service animals to getting involved in shelter projects, September invites us to embrace the changing leaves by actively backing the pets we share our lives with and those still hoping for a permanent home.
Awareness Months
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Happy Cat Month
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National Service Dog Month
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National Pet Insurance Month
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Responsible Dog Ownership Month
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Pet Sitter Education Month
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Pet Memorial Month
Awareness Weeks
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September 14–20: Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week (third week in September)
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September 20–September 26: National Deaf Pet Awareness Week (last full week in September)
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September 20–September 26: National Dog Week (last full week in September)
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September 21–27: National Farm Health and Safety Week
Awareness Days and Holidays
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September 1: Ginger Cat Appreciation Day
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September 4: National Wildlife Day
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September 5: National White Cat Day
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September 8: National Dog Walker Appreciation Day
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September 8: National Iguana Awareness Day
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September 13: Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day
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September 13: National Pet Memorial Day (second Sunday in September)
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September 12: National Hug Your Hound Day (second Saturday in September)
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September 17: National Pet Carbon Monoxide Safety Day
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September 17: National Pet Bird Day
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September 19: National Meow Like a Pirate Day
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September 19: Responsible Dog Ownership Day (third Saturday in September)
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September 19: Puppy Mill Awareness Day (third Saturday in September)
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September 21: National Cat and Dog Gut Health Awareness Day
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September 23: Dogs in Politics Day
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September 26: International Rabbit Day
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September 28: World Rabies Day
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September 30: National Puppy Mill Survivor Day
October Pet Holidays and Awareness Days
October offers a blend of tricks and treats for both people and their pets. It's a month that promotes love and care for animals, featuring events like Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and National Pet Wellness Month. This spooky season is a perfect time to celebrate your pet's individuality and show appreciation in both meaningful and playful ways—from dressing them up for Halloween to advocating for animal safety.
Awareness Months
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Adopt-A-Dog Month®
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Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month
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National Animal Safety and Protection Month
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Black Cat Awareness Month
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National Pet Obesity Awareness Month
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National Pet Wellness Month
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National Pitbull Awareness Month
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Small Dog Awareness Month
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World Animal Month
Awareness Weeks
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October 1–7: National Walk Your Dog Week (first week of October)
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October 3–9: Animal Welfare Week
Awareness Days and Holidays
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October 1: National Fire Pup Day
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October 1: National Black Dog Day
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October 4: World Animal Day
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October 10: World Mental Health Day
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October 14: National Pet Obesity Awareness Day (second Wednesday of October)
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October 16: National Feral Cat Day
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October 17: National Fetch Day (third Saturday of October)
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October 21: National Pets for Veterans Day
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October 21: Reptile Awareness Day
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October 24: National Pitbull Awareness Day (last Saturday in October unless it falls on Halloween)
November Pet Holidays and Awareness Days
November, a month traditionally focused on gratitude, provides an ideal opportunity to extend that thankfulness to the pets who enrich our lives. As families and friends come together, it's the perfect moment to emphasize pet well-being, underscore the significance of adoption, support the needs of senior pets, and contribute to animal shelters. Whether through volunteering at a local rescue or simply enjoying time with your beloved animal companion, November's holidays serve as a powerful reminder to give back and cherish the happiness pets bring to us.
Awareness Months
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Adopt a Senior Pet Month
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National Senior Pet Month
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Pet Cancer Awareness Month
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Peanut Butter Lovers Month
Awareness Weeks
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November 1–7: National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week (first full week of November)
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November 8–14: Human-Animal Relationship Awareness Week (second week of November)
Awareness Days and Holidays
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November 1: National Cook for Your Pets Day
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November 3: One Health Day
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November 7: National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day
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November 8: International Human-Animal Bond Day
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November 11: Veterans Day
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November 12: World Animal Enrichment Day
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November 16: National Slobber Appreciation Day
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November 17: National Take a Hike Day
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November 23: Wolfenoot
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November 23: Thankful for My Dog Day
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November 24: National Border Collie Day
December Pet Holidays and Awareness Days
December concludes the year with a focus on warmth, connection, and compassion for all creatures, from our beloved pets to animals across the globe. This month, featuring National Cat Lovers' Month and Wildlife Conservation Day, serves as an excellent opportunity to demonstrate appreciation and kindness. It's the ideal time to wrap up the year by spreading love, whether through cozy moments with your own pet during the holidays or by participating in important animal welfare initiatives.
Awareness Months
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National Cat Lovers' Month
Awareness Days and Holidays
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December 1: Giving Tuesday
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December 2: National Mutt Day
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December 3: Celebrate Shelter Pets Day (first Thursday after Thanksgiving)
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December 4: World Wildlife Conservation Day
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December 9: International Day of Veterinary Medicine
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December 10: International Animal Rights Day
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December 27: Visit the Zoo Day