2023 Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

2023 Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

At the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, public education is one of our founding principles and an enduring mission since our founding in 1910. Please use the calendar below to spread awareness of common pet health topics among your veterinary clients, colleagues, family, and friends.

Select One:

January Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

  • One Health Awareness Month
  • Walk Your Dog Month
  • Walk Your Pet Month
  • National Train Your Dog Month
  • Adopt a Rescued Bird Month
  • Unchain a Dog Month

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • January 2 | National Pet Travel Safety Day
  • January 2 | Happy Mew Year for Cats Day
  • January 5 | National Bird Day
  • January 6 | National Cuddle Up Day
  • January 6 | National Standard Poodle Day
  • January 7 | National Alaskan Malamute Day
  • January 8 | National Labrador Retriever Day
  • January 9 | National Australian Shepherd Day
  • January 13 | National French Bulldog Day
  • January 14 | National Dress Up Your Pet Day
  • January 15 | National American Eskimo Dog Day
  • January 17 | National Boxer Day
  • January 20 | Penguin Awareness Day
  • January 21 | Squirrel Appreciation Day
  • January 22 | National Yorkshire Terrier Day
  • January 22 | National Answer Your Cat’s Question Day
  • January 24 | Change a Pet’s Life Day
  • January 24 | Peanut Butter Day
  • January 29 | Seeing-Eye Guide Dog Anniversary

February Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

Awareness Weeks

  • February 7–14 | Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week
  • February 13–17 | Veterinary Assistant Appreciation Week
  • February 19–25 | National Justice for Animals Week
  • February 19–25 | Bird Health Awareness Week

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • February 2 | National Hedgehog Day
  • February 3 | Doggie Date Night
  • February 3 | National Golden Retriever Day
  • February 14 | Pet Theft Awareness Day
  • February 14 | Valentine’s Day
  • February 19 | National Boston Terrier Day
  • February 20 | Love Your Pet Day
  • February 22 | Walking the Dog Day
  • February 22 | National Wildlife Day
  • February 23 | National Dog Biscuit Day
  • February 28 | World Spay Day (last Tuesday in February)

March Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

Awareness Weeks

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • March 1 | National Pig Day
  • March 1 | National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day
  • March 3 | World Wildlife Day
  • March 3 | If Pets Had Thumbs Day
  • March 3 | Employee Appreciation Day
  • March 3| Tripawd Awareness Day
  • March 8 | International Akita Day
  • March 9 | World Kidney Day
  • March 13 | K-9 Veterans Day
  • March 14 | UK Dog Theft Awareness Day
  • March 17 | Saint Gertrude of Nivelles Day (patron saint of cats)
  • March 20 | World Sparrow Day
  • March 23 | National Puppy Day
  • March 23 | Cuddly Kitten Day
  • March 25 | National Newfoundland Dog Day
  • March 27 | National Terrier Day
  • March 28 | Respect Your Cat Day
  • March 30 | Take a Walk in the Park Day

April Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

  • National Heartworm Awareness Month
  • National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
  • Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month
  • Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
  • Canine Fitness Month (AKA Active Dog Month)
  • National Adopt a Greyhound Month
  • Celebrate Diversity Month
  • National Frog Month

Awareness Weeks

  • April 1–7 | International Pooper Scooper Week
  • April 3–9 | National Public Health Week
  • April 9–15 | Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week (second full week in April)
  • April 9–15 | National Dog Bite Prevention Week (second full week in April)
  • April 17–23 | Animal Cruelty/Human Violence Awareness Week (third week in April)
  • April 17–23 | National Pet ID Week (third week in April)
  • April 24–30 | Veterinary Receptionist Week
  • April 23–29 | National Scoop the Poop Week

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • April 1 | Every Day is Tag Day (first Saturday in April)
  • April 1 | International Bull Terrier Day
  • April 2 | National Ferret Day
  • April 4 | World Stray Animal Day
  • April 4 | World Rat Day
  • April 6 | National Siamese Cat Day
  • April 7 | World Health Day
  • April 8 | National Dog Fighting Awareness Day
  • April 10 | National Hug Your Dog Day
  • April 10 | National Siblings Day
  • April 11 | National Pet Day
  • April 11 | Celebrate Shelter Pets Day
  • April 11 | Dog Therapy Appreciation Day
  • April 12 | World Hamster Day
  • April 17 | National Bat Appreciation Day
  • April 18 | Pet Owners Day
  • April 19 | National Cat Lady Day
  • April 19 | Dog Parent Appreciation Day
  • April 20 | Biomedical Research Awareness Day
  • April 21 | Bulldogs are Beautiful Day
  • April 22 | Earth Day
  • April 22 | National Beagle Day
  • April 23 | National Lost Dog Awareness Day
  • April 25 | National Kids and Pets Day
  • April 26 | International Guide Dog Day (last Wednesday in April)
  • April 27 | National Little Pampered Dog Day
  • April 28 | Hairball Awareness Day (last Friday in April)
  • April 29 | World Veterinary Day (last Saturday in April)
  • April 30 | Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
  • April 30 | National Therapy Animal Day
  • April 30 | National Tabby Day
  • April 30 | National Pet Parents Day (last Sunday in April)

May Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

  • National Pet Month
  • National Foster Care Month
  • Responsible Animal Guardian Month
  • Pet Cancer Awareness Month
  • Chip Your Pet Month
  • Arthritis Awareness Month
  • National Service Animal Eye Exam Month
  • Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
  • Mental Health Awareness Month

Awareness Weeks

  • May 1–7 | Dog Anxiety Awareness Week
  • May 7–13 | Puppy Mill Action Week (starts the Monday before Mother’s Day)
  • May 7–13 | National Pet Week (first full week of May starting on a Sunday)
  • May 7–13 | American Humane’s Be Kind to Animals Week (first full week of May starting on a Sunday)

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • May 1 | National Purebred Dog Day
  • May 1 | International Samoyed Day
  • May 3 | National Specially-Abled Pets Day
  • May 4 | Bird Day
  • May 4 | Star Wars Day
  • May 6 | Wildfire Preparedness Day
  • May 7 | Mayday for Mutts (first Sunday in May)
  • May 10 | German Shepherd Day
  • May 13 | National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day (second Saturday in May)
  • May 13 | National Dog Mom’s Day (second Saturday in May)
  • May 13 | Migratory Bird Day (second Saturday in May)
  • May 14 | Mother’s Day
  • May 14 | International Chihuahua Appreciation Day
  • May 19 | Endangered Species Day
  • May 20 | National Rescue Dog Day
  • May 20 | World Dog Day
  • May 23 | World Turtle Day
  • May 29 | Memorial Day

June Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

  • National Pet Preparedness Month
  • National Microchipping Month
  • Adopt-a-Cat Month® from the American Humane Association
  • Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month
  • National Foster a Pet Month
  • National Zoo and Aquarium Month
  • Pride Month
  • Social PETworking Month

Awareness Weeks

  • June 4–10 | Pet Appreciation Week (first week in June)
  • June 18-22 | Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show
  • June 19–23 | Take Your Pet to Work Week®
  • June 19–25 | Animal Rights Awareness Week (third week in June)

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • June 1 | International Sheltie Day
  • June 3 | National Egg Day
  • June 4 | International Corgi Day
  • June 4 | Hug Your Cat Day
  • June 7 | World Food Safety Day
  • June 8 | Best Friends Day
  • June 8 | World Oceans Day
  • June 13 | World Pet Memorial Day (second Tuesday in June)
  • June 18 | Father’s Day
  • June 19 | Juneteenth
  • June 19 | National Garfield the Cat Day
  • June 19 | Take Your Cat to Work Day®
  • June 20 | Ugliest Dog Day
  • June 21 | National Dog Party Day
  • June 21 | National Dachshund Day
  • June 23 | Take Your Dog to Work Day®
  • June 24 | Cat World Domination Day
  • June 24 | World Day Against the Abandonment of Domestic Animals (last Saturday in June)
  • June 28 | National Insurance Awareness Day

July Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

  • National Lost Pet Prevention Month™
  • National Pet Hydration Awareness Month
  • Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month

Awareness Weeks

  • July 9–15 | National Farriers Week
  • July 16–July 22 | National Feed a Rescue Pet Week

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • July 1 | ID Your Pet Day
  • July 4 | Independence Day
  • July 6 | World Zoonoses Day
  • July 10 | National Kitten Day
  • July 11 | All-American Pet Photo Day
  • July 15 | National Pet Fire Safety Day
  • July 16 | World Snake Day
  • July 21 | National Craft for your Local Shelters Day
  • July 22 | AAHA-Accredited Hospital Day
  • July 23 | National Parents Day
  • July 26 | National Dog Photography Day
  • July 30 | International Friendship Day
  • July 31 | Mutt’s Day

August Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

  • National Immunization Awareness Month
  • Itchy Pet Awareness Month

Awareness Weeks

  • August 6–12 | International Assistance Dog Week (first full week of August)
  • August 6–12 | Give a Dog a Bone Week (first full week of August)

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • August 1 | DOGust Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs
  • August 4 | Assistance Dog Day
  • August 6 | Fresh Breath Day
  • August 8 | International Cat Day
  • August 10 | Spoil Your Dog Day
  • August 14 | World Lizard Day
  • August 15 | National Check the Chip Day
  • August 16 | Saint Roch’s Day (patron saint of dogs)
  • August 17 | National Black Cat Appreciation Day
  • August 17 | International Non-Profit Day
  • August 19 | International Homeless Animals’ Day
  • August 22 | National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day
  • August 23 | Blind Dog Day
  • August 26 | National Dog Day
  • August 28 | Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day
  • August 30 | National Holistic Pet Day

September Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

  • Animal Pain Awareness Month
  • Happy Cat Month
  • National Service Dog Month
  • National Pet Insurance Month
  • Responsible Dog Ownership Month
  • Pet Sitter Education Month
  • National Disaster Preparedness Month
  • National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Awareness Weeks

  • September 10–16 | Suicide Prevention Week
  • September 17–23 | National Farm Health and Safety Week
  • September 17–23 | National Deaf Dog Awareness Week (last full week in September)
  • September 17–23 | National Dog Week (last full week in September)
  • September 17–23 | Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week (third week in September)

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • September 1 | Ginger Cat Appreciation Day
  • September 8 | National Dog Walker Appreciation Day
  • September 8 | National Iguana Awareness Day
  • September 10 | World Suicide Prevention Day
  • September 10| National Hug Your Hound Day (second Sunday in September)
  • September 10 | National Pet Memorial Day (second Sunday in September)
  • September 13 | Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day
  • September 16 | Puppy Mill Awareness Day (third Saturday in September)
  • September 16 | Responsible Dog Ownership Day (third Saturday in September)
  • September 17 | National Pet Bird Day
  • September 19 | National Meow Like a Pirate Day
  • September 22 | Remember Me Thursday® (an international social media awareness day that brings attention to the millions of adoptable pets waiting in shelters and remembers those pets who never got a second chance. Share your rescue pet using #RememberMeThursday)
  • September 23 | Dogs in Politics Day
  • September 23 | International Rabbit Day
  • September 28 | World Rabies Day

October Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

  • Adopt-A-Dog Month®
  • Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month
  • National Animal Safety and Protection Month
  • National Pet Wellness Month
  • National Pitbull Awareness Month

Awareness Weeks

  • October 1–7 | National Walk Your Dog Week (first week of October)
  • October 1–7 | Animal Welfare Week (first week of October, starting on a Sunday)
  • October 2–6 | Customer Service Week
  • October 15–21 | National Veterinary Technician Week

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • October 1 | National Walk Your Dog Day
  • October 1 | National Fire Pup Day
  • October 1 | National Black Dog Day
  • October 4 | World Animal Day
  • October 10 | World Mental Health Day
  • October 12 | National Pet Obesity Awareness Day
  • October 15 | National Fetch Day
  • October 16 | National Feral Cat Day
  • October 16 | Global Cat Day
  • October 21 | National Pets for Veterans Day
  • October 21 | Reptile Awareness Day
  • October 27 | National Black Cat Day
  • October 28 | Plush Animal Lovers Day
  • October 28 | National Pitbull Awareness Day (last Saturday in October—unless Halloween falls on the last Saturday, then another date is chosen)
  • October 29 | National Cat Day
  • October 31 | Halloween

November Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

  • Adopt a Senior Pet Month
  • National Senior Pet Month
  • Pet Cancer Awareness Month
  • Pet Diabetes Month
  • National Pet Awareness Month
  • Peanut Butter Lovers Month

Awareness Weeks

  • November 5–11 | National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week (first full week of November)
  • November 18–24 | Antibiotics Awareness Week

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • November 1 | National Cook for Your Pets Day
  • November 3 | One Health Day
  • November 7 | National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day
  • November 8 | International Day of Radiology
  • November 11 | Veterans Day
  • November 15 | National Philanthropy Day
  • November 17 | National Take a Hike Day
  • November 23 | Wolfenoot
  • November 23 | Thanksgiving
  • November 23 | National Dog Show (always broadcast in the US on Thanksgiving)
  • November 28 | Giving Tuesday

December Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

  • National Cat Lovers’ Month
  • Safe Toys and Gifts Month

Awareness Weeks

  • December 7–December 15 | Hanukkah
  • December 26–January 1 | Kwanzaa

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • December 2 | National Mutt Day
  • December 4 | World Wildlife Conservation Day
  • December 9 | International Day of Veterinary Medicine
  • December 13 | National Day of the Horse
  • December 25 | Christmas Day
  • December 27 | Visit the Zoo Day
  • December 31 | New Year’s Eve

January Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

  • One Health Awareness Month
  • Walk Your Dog Month
  • Walk Your Pet Month
  • National Train Your Dog Month
  • Adopt a Rescued Bird Month
  • Unchain a Dog Month

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • January 2 | National Pet Travel Safety Day
  • January 2 | Happy Mew Year for Cats Day
  • January 5 | National Bird Day
  • January 6 | National Cuddle Up Day
  • January 6 | National Standard Poodle Day
  • January 7 | National Alaskan Malamute Day
  • January 8 | National Labrador Retriever Day
  • January 9 | National Australian Shepherd Day
  • January 13 | National French Bulldog Day
  • January 14 | National Dress Up Your Pet Day
  • January 15 | National American Eskimo Dog Day
  • January 17 | National Boxer Day
  • January 20 | Penguin Awareness Day
  • January 21 | Squirrel Appreciation Day
  • January 22 | National Yorkshire Terrier Day
  • January 22 | National Answer Your Cat’s Question Day
  • January 24 | Change a Pet’s Life Day
  • January 24 | Peanut Butter Day
  • January 29 | Seeing-Eye Guide Dog Anniversary

February Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

Awareness Weeks

  • February 7–14 | Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week
  • February 13–17 | Veterinary Assistant Appreciation Week
  • February 19–25 | National Justice for Animals Week
  • February 19–25 | Bird Health Awareness Week

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • February 2 | National Hedgehog Day
  • February 3 | Doggie Date Night
  • February 3 | National Golden Retriever Day
  • February 14 | Pet Theft Awareness Day
  • February 14 | Valentine’s Day
  • February 19 | National Boston Terrier Day
  • February 20 | Love Your Pet Day
  • February 22 | Walking the Dog Day
  • February 22 | National Wildlife Day
  • February 23 | National Dog Biscuit Day
  • February 28 | World Spay Day (last Tuesday in February)

March Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

Awareness Weeks

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • March 1 | National Pig Day
  • March 1 | National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day
  • March 3 | World Wildlife Day
  • March 3 | If Pets Had Thumbs Day
  • March 3 | Employee Appreciation Day
  • March 3| Tripawd Awareness Day
  • March 8 | International Akita Day
  • March 9 | World Kidney Day
  • March 13 | K-9 Veterans Day
  • March 14 | UK Dog Theft Awareness Day
  • March 17 | Saint Gertrude of Nivelles Day (patron saint of cats)
  • March 20 | World Sparrow Day
  • March 23 | National Puppy Day
  • March 23 | Cuddly Kitten Day
  • March 25 | National Newfoundland Dog Day
  • March 27 | National Terrier Day
  • March 28 | Respect Your Cat Day
  • March 30 | Take a Walk in the Park Day

April Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

  • National Heartworm Awareness Month
  • National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
  • Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month
  • Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
  • Canine Fitness Month (AKA Active Dog Month)
  • National Adopt a Greyhound Month
  • Celebrate Diversity Month
  • National Frog Month

Awareness Weeks

  • April 1–7 | International Pooper Scooper Week
  • April 3–9 | National Public Health Week
  • April 9–15 | Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week (second full week in April)
  • April 9–15 | National Dog Bite Prevention Week (second full week in April)
  • April 17–23 | Animal Cruelty/Human Violence Awareness Week (third week in April)
  • April 17–23 | National Pet ID Week (third week in April)
  • April 24–30 | Veterinary Receptionist Week
  • April 23–29 | National Scoop the Poop Week

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • April 1 | Every Day is Tag Day (first Saturday in April)
  • April 1 | International Bull Terrier Day
  • April 2 | National Ferret Day
  • April 4 | World Stray Animal Day
  • April 4 | World Rat Day
  • April 6 | National Siamese Cat Day
  • April 7 | World Health Day
  • April 8 | National Dog Fighting Awareness Day
  • April 10 | National Hug Your Dog Day
  • April 10 | National Siblings Day
  • April 11 | National Pet Day
  • April 11 | Celebrate Shelter Pets Day
  • April 11 | Dog Therapy Appreciation Day
  • April 12 | World Hamster Day
  • April 17 | National Bat Appreciation Day
  • April 18 | Pet Owners Day
  • April 19 | National Cat Lady Day
  • April 19 | Dog Parent Appreciation Day
  • April 20 | Biomedical Research Awareness Day
  • April 21 | Bulldogs are Beautiful Day
  • April 22 | Earth Day
  • April 22 | National Beagle Day
  • April 23 | National Lost Dog Awareness Day
  • April 25 | National Kids and Pets Day
  • April 26 | International Guide Dog Day (last Wednesday in April)
  • April 27 | National Little Pampered Dog Day
  • April 28 | Hairball Awareness Day (last Friday in April)
  • April 29 | World Veterinary Day (last Saturday in April)
  • April 30 | Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
  • April 30 | National Therapy Animal Day
  • April 30 | National Tabby Day
  • April 30 | National Pet Parents Day (last Sunday in April)

May Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

  • National Pet Month
  • National Foster Care Month
  • Responsible Animal Guardian Month
  • Pet Cancer Awareness Month
  • Chip Your Pet Month
  • Arthritis Awareness Month
  • National Service Animal Eye Exam Month
  • Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
  • Mental Health Awareness Month

Awareness Weeks

  • May 1–7 | Dog Anxiety Awareness Week
  • May 7–13 | Puppy Mill Action Week (starts the Monday before Mother’s Day)
  • May 7–13 | National Pet Week (first full week of May starting on a Sunday)
  • May 7–13 | American Humane’s Be Kind to Animals Week (first full week of May starting on a Sunday)

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • May 1 | National Purebred Dog Day
  • May 1 | International Samoyed Day
  • May 3 | National Specially-Abled Pets Day
  • May 4 | Bird Day
  • May 4 | Star Wars Day
  • May 6 | Wildfire Preparedness Day
  • May 7 | Mayday for Mutts (first Sunday in May)
  • May 10 | German Shepherd Day
  • May 13 | National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day (second Saturday in May)
  • May 13 | National Dog Mom’s Day (second Saturday in May)
  • May 13 | Migratory Bird Day (second Saturday in May)
  • May 14 | Mother’s Day
  • May 14 | International Chihuahua Appreciation Day
  • May 19 | Endangered Species Day
  • May 20 | National Rescue Dog Day
  • May 20 | World Dog Day
  • May 23 | World Turtle Day
  • May 29 | Memorial Day

June Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

  • National Pet Preparedness Month
  • National Microchipping Month
  • Adopt-a-Cat Month® from the American Humane Association
  • Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month
  • National Foster a Pet Month
  • National Zoo and Aquarium Month
  • Pride Month
  • Social PETworking Month

Awareness Weeks

  • June 4–10 | Pet Appreciation Week (first week in June)
  • June 18-22 | Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show
  • June 19–23 | Take Your Pet to Work Week®
  • June 19–25 | Animal Rights Awareness Week (third week in June)

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • June 1 | International Sheltie Day
  • June 3 | National Egg Day
  • June 4 | International Corgi Day
  • June 4 | Hug Your Cat Day
  • June 7 | World Food Safety Day
  • June 8 | Best Friends Day
  • June 8 | World Oceans Day
  • June 13 | World Pet Memorial Day (second Tuesday in June)
  • June 18 | Father’s Day
  • June 19 | Juneteenth
  • June 19 | National Garfield the Cat Day
  • June 19 | Take Your Cat to Work Day®
  • June 20 | Ugliest Dog Day
  • June 21 | National Dog Party Day
  • June 21 | National Dachshund Day
  • June 23 | Take Your Dog to Work Day®
  • June 24 | Cat World Domination Day
  • June 24 | World Day Against the Abandonment of Domestic Animals (last Saturday in June)
  • June 28 | National Insurance Awareness Day

July Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

  • National Lost Pet Prevention Month™
  • National Pet Hydration Awareness Month
  • Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month

Awareness Weeks

  • July 9–15 | National Farriers Week
  • July 16–July 22 | National Feed a Rescue Pet Week

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • July 1 | ID Your Pet Day
  • July 4 | Independence Day
  • July 6 | World Zoonoses Day
  • July 10 | National Kitten Day
  • July 11 | All-American Pet Photo Day
  • July 15 | National Pet Fire Safety Day
  • July 16 | World Snake Day
  • July 21 | National Craft for your Local Shelters Day
  • July 22 | AAHA-Accredited Hospital Day
  • July 23 | National Parents Day
  • July 26 | National Dog Photography Day
  • July 30 | International Friendship Day
  • July 31 | Mutt’s Day

August Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

  • National Immunization Awareness Month
  • Itchy Pet Awareness Month

Awareness Weeks

  • August 6–12 | International Assistance Dog Week (first full week of August)
  • August 6–12 | Give a Dog a Bone Week (first full week of August)

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • August 1 | DOGust Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs
  • August 4 | Assistance Dog Day
  • August 6 | Fresh Breath Day
  • August 8 | International Cat Day
  • August 10 | Spoil Your Dog Day
  • August 14 | World Lizard Day
  • August 15 | National Check the Chip Day
  • August 16 | Saint Roch’s Day (patron saint of dogs)
  • August 17 | National Black Cat Appreciation Day
  • August 17 | International Non-Profit Day
  • August 19 | International Homeless Animals’ Day
  • August 22 | National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day
  • August 23 | Blind Dog Day
  • August 26 | National Dog Day
  • August 28 | Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day
  • August 30 | National Holistic Pet Day

September Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

  • Animal Pain Awareness Month
  • Happy Cat Month
  • National Service Dog Month
  • National Pet Insurance Month
  • Responsible Dog Ownership Month
  • Pet Sitter Education Month
  • National Disaster Preparedness Month
  • National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Awareness Weeks

  • September 10–16 | Suicide Prevention Week
  • September 17–23 | National Farm Health and Safety Week
  • September 17–23 | National Deaf Dog Awareness Week (last full week in September)
  • September 17–23 | National Dog Week (last full week in September)
  • September 17–23 | Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week (third week in September)

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • September 1 | Ginger Cat Appreciation Day
  • September 8 | National Dog Walker Appreciation Day
  • September 8 | National Iguana Awareness Day
  • September 10 | World Suicide Prevention Day
  • September 10| National Hug Your Hound Day (second Sunday in September)
  • September 10 | National Pet Memorial Day (second Sunday in September)
  • September 13 | Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day
  • September 16 | Puppy Mill Awareness Day (third Saturday in September)
  • September 16 | Responsible Dog Ownership Day (third Saturday in September)
  • September 17 | National Pet Bird Day
  • September 19 | National Meow Like a Pirate Day
  • September 22 | Remember Me Thursday® (an international social media awareness day that brings attention to the millions of adoptable pets waiting in shelters and remembers those pets who never got a second chance. Share your rescue pet using #RememberMeThursday)
  • September 23 | Dogs in Politics Day
  • September 23 | International Rabbit Day
  • September 28 | World Rabies Day

October Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

  • Adopt-A-Dog Month®
  • Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month
  • National Animal Safety and Protection Month
  • National Pet Wellness Month
  • National Pitbull Awareness Month

Awareness Weeks

  • October 1–7 | National Walk Your Dog Week (first week of October)
  • October 1–7 | Animal Welfare Week (first week of October, starting on a Sunday)
  • October 2–6 | Customer Service Week
  • October 15–21 | National Veterinary Technician Week

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • October 1 | National Walk Your Dog Day
  • October 1 | National Fire Pup Day
  • October 1 | National Black Dog Day
  • October 4 | World Animal Day
  • October 10 | World Mental Health Day
  • October 12 | National Pet Obesity Awareness Day
  • October 15 | National Fetch Day
  • October 16 | National Feral Cat Day
  • October 16 | Global Cat Day
  • October 21 | National Pets for Veterans Day
  • October 21 | Reptile Awareness Day
  • October 27 | National Black Cat Day
  • October 28 | Plush Animal Lovers Day
  • October 28 | National Pitbull Awareness Day (last Saturday in October—unless Halloween falls on the last Saturday, then another date is chosen)
  • October 29 | National Cat Day
  • October 31 | Halloween

November Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

  • Adopt a Senior Pet Month
  • National Senior Pet Month
  • Pet Cancer Awareness Month
  • Pet Diabetes Month
  • National Pet Awareness Month
  • Peanut Butter Lovers Month

Awareness Weeks

  • November 5–11 | National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week (first full week of November)
  • November 18–24 | Antibiotics Awareness Week

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • November 1 | National Cook for Your Pets Day
  • November 3 | One Health Day
  • November 7 | National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day
  • November 8 | International Day of Radiology
  • November 11 | Veterans Day
  • November 15 | National Philanthropy Day
  • November 17 | National Take a Hike Day
  • November 23 | Wolfenoot
  • November 23 | Thanksgiving
  • November 23 | National Dog Show (always broadcast in the US on Thanksgiving)
  • November 28 | Giving Tuesday

December Pet Holidays and Veterinary Awareness Days

Awareness Months

  • National Cat Lovers’ Month
  • Safe Toys and Gifts Month

Awareness Weeks

  • December 7–December 15 | Hanukkah
  • December 26–January 1 | Kwanzaa

Holidays and Awareness Days

  • December 2 | National Mutt Day
  • December 4 | World Wildlife Conservation Day
  • December 9 | International Day of Veterinary Medicine
  • December 13 | National Day of the Horse
  • December 25 | Christmas Day
  • December 27 | Visit the Zoo Day
  • December 31 | New Year’s Eve