girl with cat at dog on couch; pet holidays Credit: Lisa5201 / Getty
We all love to involve our pets in major holidays like Christmas and Halloween, but there’s no reason we can’t celebrate with our pets all year long. This list of all the pet holidays throughout the year range from funny celebrations like Doggy Date Night and National Meow Like a Pirate Day to awareness-raising observations such as Pet Dental Month and Wildlife Conservation Day. And while you definitely don’t need a reason to spoil your pet, these annual niche pet holidays give us all a good reason to show our pets some extra love in 2023. RELATED: What 2022 Has in Store for Your Dog, According to Their Zodiac Sign January Ring in the new year with goals and resolutions for both you and your pet in January—including celebrating tons of pet holidays. Monthlong Observations: National Train Your Dog MonthWalk Your Dog MonthUnchain a Dog Month Holidays: Jan. 2: Happy Mew Year for Cats DayJan. 2: National Pet Travel Safety DayJan. 14: National Dress Up Your Pet DayJan. 22: National Answer Your Cat’s Questions DayJan. 24: Change a Pet’s Life DayJan. 29: Seeing Eye Guide Dog Anniversary February Our pets will surely be our special someone for Valentine’s Day, but the rest of February is also jam-packed with pet-specific holidays. Month-long Observations: Dog Training Education MonthNational Cat Health MonthPet Dental Health MonthResponsible Pet Owners MonthSpay/Neuter Awareness Month Holidays: Feb. 3: National Golden Retriever DayFeb. 3: Doggy Date NightFeb. 14: Pet Theft Awareness DayFeb. 19: International Tug of War DayFeb. 20: National Love Your Pet DayFeb. 22: National Walking the Dog DayFeb. 23: International Dog Biscuit Appreciation DayFeb. 28: World Spay Day March Besides being the month of Spring Break trips and escaping the cold, it’s also the perfect month to brush up on items that are poisonous to pets. Monthlong Observations: National Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month Weeklong Events: March 5-11: National Professional Pet Sitters Week Holidays: March 1: National Peanut Butter Lovers DayMarch 3: National If Pets Had Thumbs DayMarch 13: National K9 Veterans DayMarch 23: National Puppy DayMarch 28: Respect Your Cat Day April In all seriousness, don’t subject your pet to harmful April Fool’s pranks. Celebrate one of these pet-friendly holidays in April instead. Monthlong Observations: Prevention of Cruelty to Animals MonthNational Pet First Aid Awareness MonthNational Heartworm Awareness MonthPrevent Lyme Disease in Dogs MonthActive Dog Month Weeklong Events: April 1-7: International Pooper Scooper WeekApril 4-8: National Wildlife WeekApril 11-17: Animal Care and Control Appreciation WeekApril 17-23: National Pet ID Week Holidays: April 6: National Siamese Cat DayApril 8: National Dog Fighting Awareness DayApril 10: National Farm Animals DayApril 10: National Hug Your Dog DayApril 11: National Pet DayApril 21: National Bulldogs are Beautiful DayApril 23: World Veterinary DayApril 24: National Pet Parents DayApril 27: International Guide Dog DayApril 28: National Kids and Pets DayApril 29: National Hairball Awareness DayApril 30: National Adopt A Shelter Pet DayApril 30: National Therapy Animal Day May May brings some extra love for dogs of all kinds: Chihuahuas, purebreds, mutts, specially abled, and rescues! Monthlong Observations: National Pet MonthChip Your Pet Month Weeklong Events: May 7-13: Be Kind to Animals WeekMay 7-13: Puppy Mill Action WeekMay 7-13: National Pet Week Holidays: May 1: National Purebred Dog DayMay 1: Mayday for MuttsMay 3: Specially Abled Pets DayMay 8: National Animal Disaster Preparedness DayMay 14: National Dog Mom DayMay 14: International Chihuahua Appreciation DayMay 20: National Rescue Dog Day June If your pooch is already decked out in rainbow for Pride Month, they’ll be ready to hit the town and celebrate all the other holidays June has to offer. Month-long Observations: National Adopt a Cat MonthNational Zoo and Aquarium MonthNational Pet Preparedness Month Weeklong Events: June 4-10: Pet Appreciation Week Holidays: June 4: National Hug Your Cat DayJune 4: International Corgi DayJune 14: World Pet Memorial DayJune 20: National Take Your Cat to Work DayJune 20: Ugliest Dog DayJune 24: Take Your Dog to Work Day July Many pet-themed holidays in July focus on raising awareness for lost pets scared by fireworks. So as you prepare for all the fun 4th of July festivities, don’t forget to make the celebrations as safe as possible for your pets! Month-long Observations: National Lost Pet Prevention MonthNational Pet Hydration MonthDog House Repair Month Weeklong Events: July 18-24: National Zoo Keeper WeekJuly 24-30: National Feed a Rescue Pet Week Holidays: July 1: American Zoo DayJuly 1: ID Your Pet DayJuly 10: National Kitten DayJuly 11: All-American Pet Photo DayJuly 15: National Pet Fire Safety DayJuly 31: National Mutt Day August While August may be a slow month for regular people holidays, it’s full of celebrations for our pets—including the Daily Paws favorite, National Dog Day. Monthlong Observations: National Immunization Awareness Month Weeklong Events: Aug. 6-12: International Assistance Dog Week Holidays: Aug. 1: Universal Birthday for Shelter DogsAug. 4: Work Like a Dog DayAug. 8: International Cat DayAug. 10: National Spoil Your Dog DayAug. 15: National Check the Chip DayAug. 17: National Black Cat Appreciation DayAug. 20: International Homeless Animals DayAug. 22: National Take Your Cat to the Vet DayAug. 26: National Dog DayAug. 28: Rainbow Bridge Remembrance DayAug. 30: National Holistic Pet Day September Squeeze every last drop out of summer’s warm nights by getting outside and celebrating these holidays with your pet. Monthlong Observations: National Pet Insurance MonthNational Guide/Service Dog MonthNational Pet Memorial MonthPet Sitter Education MonthResponsible Dog Ownership MonthAnimal Pain Awareness Month Weeklong Events: Sept. 18-24: Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet WeekSept. 24-30: Deaf Dog Awareness Week Holidays: Sept. 4: National Wildlife DaySept. 8: National Dog Walker Appreciation DaySept. 11: National Pet Memorial DaySept. 11: National Hug Your Hound DaySept. 17: National Pet Bird DaySept. 17: Puppy Mill Awareness DaySept. 17: Responsible Dog Ownership DaySept. 19: National Meow Like a Pirate DaySept. 23: National Dogs in Politics DaySept. 23: Remember Me ThursdaySept. 28: World Rabies Day October Besides getting your pet’s Halloween costume ready, October is perfect for celebrating black cats and adopting a new pooch. Monthlong Observations: Adopt A Shelter Dog MonthAdopt A Dog MonthNational Pet Wellness MonthNational Animal Safety and Protection MonthNational Pit Bull Awareness Month Weeklong Events: Oct. 1-7: National Walk Your Dog Week Holidays: Oct. 1: National Fire Pup DayOct. 1: National Black Dog DayOct. 4: World Animal DayOct. 12: National Pet Obesity Awareness DayOct. 15: National Fetch DayOct. 16: Global Cat DayOct. 16: National Feral Cat DayOct. 21: National Pets for Veterans DayOct. 22: Make a Dog’s DayOct. 27: National Black Cat DayOct. 29: National Cat DayOct. 29: National Pit Bull Awareness Day November While you prepare for Thanksgiving festivities throughout the month, remember to prioritize your pet’s safety and avoid feeding them toxic foods. Monthlong Observations: National Adopt a Senior Pet MonthNational Prevent a Litter Month Weeklong Events: Nov. 5-11: National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week Holidays: Nov. 1: National Cook For Your Pets DayNov. 7: National Canine Lymphoma Awareness DayNov. 17: National Hiking DayNov. 19: National Camp Day December There aren’t many pet-specific holidays in December, so make sure to involve your pet in all the other exciting holiday festivities throughout the month. Monthlong Observations: National Cat Lover’s Month Holidays: Dec. 2: National Mutt Day (again!)Dec. 4: Wildlife Conservation DayDec. 9: International Day of Veterinary MedicineDec. 10: International Animal Rights DayDec. 27: Visit the Zoo Day
girl with cat at dog on couch; pet holidays Credit: Lisa5201 / Getty
girl with cat at dog on couch; pet holidays Credit: Lisa5201 / Getty
girl with cat at dog on couch; pet holidays
Credit: Lisa5201 / Getty
We all love to involve our pets in major holidays like Christmas and Halloween, but there’s no reason we can’t celebrate with our pets all year long. This list of all the pet holidays throughout the year range from funny celebrations like Doggy Date Night and National Meow Like a Pirate Day to awareness-raising observations such as Pet Dental Month and Wildlife Conservation Day. And while you definitely don’t need a reason to spoil your pet, these annual niche pet holidays give us all a good reason to show our pets some extra love in 2023.
RELATED: What 2022 Has in Store for Your Dog, According to Their Zodiac Sign
January
Ring in the new year with goals and resolutions for both you and your pet in January—including celebrating tons of pet holidays.
Monthlong Observations:
National Train Your Dog MonthWalk Your Dog MonthUnchain a Dog Month
Holidays:
Jan. 2: Happy Mew Year for Cats DayJan. 2: National Pet Travel Safety DayJan. 14: National Dress Up Your Pet DayJan. 22: National Answer Your Cat’s Questions DayJan. 24: Change a Pet’s Life DayJan. 29: Seeing Eye Guide Dog Anniversary
February
Our pets will surely be our special someone for Valentine’s Day, but the rest of February is also jam-packed with pet-specific holidays.
Month-long Observations:
Dog Training Education MonthNational Cat Health MonthPet Dental Health MonthResponsible Pet Owners MonthSpay/Neuter Awareness Month
Feb. 3: National Golden Retriever DayFeb. 3: Doggy Date NightFeb. 14: Pet Theft Awareness DayFeb. 19: International Tug of War DayFeb. 20: National Love Your Pet DayFeb. 22: National Walking the Dog DayFeb. 23: International Dog Biscuit Appreciation DayFeb. 28: World Spay Day
March
Besides being the month of Spring Break trips and escaping the cold, it’s also the perfect month to brush up on items that are poisonous to pets.
National Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month
Weeklong Events:
March 5-11: National Professional Pet Sitters Week
March 1: National Peanut Butter Lovers DayMarch 3: National If Pets Had Thumbs DayMarch 13: National K9 Veterans DayMarch 23: National Puppy DayMarch 28: Respect Your Cat Day
April
In all seriousness, don’t subject your pet to harmful April Fool’s pranks. Celebrate one of these pet-friendly holidays in April instead.
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals MonthNational Pet First Aid Awareness MonthNational Heartworm Awareness MonthPrevent Lyme Disease in Dogs MonthActive Dog Month
April 1-7: International Pooper Scooper WeekApril 4-8: National Wildlife WeekApril 11-17: Animal Care and Control Appreciation WeekApril 17-23: National Pet ID Week
April 6: National Siamese Cat DayApril 8: National Dog Fighting Awareness DayApril 10: National Farm Animals DayApril 10: National Hug Your Dog DayApril 11: National Pet DayApril 21: National Bulldogs are Beautiful DayApril 23: World Veterinary DayApril 24: National Pet Parents DayApril 27: International Guide Dog DayApril 28: National Kids and Pets DayApril 29: National Hairball Awareness DayApril 30: National Adopt A Shelter Pet DayApril 30: National Therapy Animal Day
May
May brings some extra love for dogs of all kinds: Chihuahuas, purebreds, mutts, specially abled, and rescues!
National Pet MonthChip Your Pet Month
May 7-13: Be Kind to Animals WeekMay 7-13: Puppy Mill Action WeekMay 7-13: National Pet Week
May 1: National Purebred Dog DayMay 1: Mayday for MuttsMay 3: Specially Abled Pets DayMay 8: National Animal Disaster Preparedness DayMay 14: National Dog Mom DayMay 14: International Chihuahua Appreciation DayMay 20: National Rescue Dog Day
June
If your pooch is already decked out in rainbow for Pride Month, they’ll be ready to hit the town and celebrate all the other holidays June has to offer.
National Adopt a Cat MonthNational Zoo and Aquarium MonthNational Pet Preparedness Month
June 4-10: Pet Appreciation Week
June 4: National Hug Your Cat DayJune 4: International Corgi DayJune 14: World Pet Memorial DayJune 20: National Take Your Cat to Work DayJune 20: Ugliest Dog DayJune 24: Take Your Dog to Work Day
July
Many pet-themed holidays in July focus on raising awareness for lost pets scared by fireworks. So as you prepare for all the fun 4th of July festivities, don’t forget to make the celebrations as safe as possible for your pets!
National Lost Pet Prevention MonthNational Pet Hydration MonthDog House Repair Month
July 18-24: National Zoo Keeper WeekJuly 24-30: National Feed a Rescue Pet Week
July 1: American Zoo DayJuly 1: ID Your Pet DayJuly 10: National Kitten DayJuly 11: All-American Pet Photo DayJuly 15: National Pet Fire Safety DayJuly 31: National Mutt Day
August
While August may be a slow month for regular people holidays, it’s full of celebrations for our pets—including the Daily Paws favorite, National Dog Day.
National Immunization Awareness Month
Aug. 6-12: International Assistance Dog Week
Aug. 1: Universal Birthday for Shelter DogsAug. 4: Work Like a Dog DayAug. 8: International Cat DayAug. 10: National Spoil Your Dog DayAug. 15: National Check the Chip DayAug. 17: National Black Cat Appreciation DayAug. 20: International Homeless Animals DayAug. 22: National Take Your Cat to the Vet DayAug. 26: National Dog DayAug. 28: Rainbow Bridge Remembrance DayAug. 30: National Holistic Pet Day
September
Squeeze every last drop out of summer’s warm nights by getting outside and celebrating these holidays with your pet.
National Pet Insurance MonthNational Guide/Service Dog MonthNational Pet Memorial MonthPet Sitter Education MonthResponsible Dog Ownership MonthAnimal Pain Awareness Month
Sept. 18-24: Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet WeekSept. 24-30: Deaf Dog Awareness Week
Sept. 4: National Wildlife DaySept. 8: National Dog Walker Appreciation DaySept. 11: National Pet Memorial DaySept. 11: National Hug Your Hound DaySept. 17: National Pet Bird DaySept. 17: Puppy Mill Awareness DaySept. 17: Responsible Dog Ownership DaySept. 19: National Meow Like a Pirate DaySept. 23: National Dogs in Politics DaySept. 23: Remember Me ThursdaySept. 28: World Rabies Day
October
Besides getting your pet’s Halloween costume ready, October is perfect for celebrating black cats and adopting a new pooch.
Adopt A Shelter Dog MonthAdopt A Dog MonthNational Pet Wellness MonthNational Animal Safety and Protection MonthNational Pit Bull Awareness Month
Oct. 1-7: National Walk Your Dog Week
Oct. 1: National Fire Pup DayOct. 1: National Black Dog DayOct. 4: World Animal DayOct. 12: National Pet Obesity Awareness DayOct. 15: National Fetch DayOct. 16: Global Cat DayOct. 16: National Feral Cat DayOct. 21: National Pets for Veterans DayOct. 22: Make a Dog’s DayOct. 27: National Black Cat DayOct. 29: National Cat DayOct. 29: National Pit Bull Awareness Day
November
While you prepare for Thanksgiving festivities throughout the month, remember to prioritize your pet’s safety and avoid feeding them toxic foods.
National Adopt a Senior Pet MonthNational Prevent a Litter Month
Nov. 5-11: National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
Nov. 1: National Cook For Your Pets DayNov. 7: National Canine Lymphoma Awareness DayNov. 17: National Hiking DayNov. 19: National Camp Day
December
There aren’t many pet-specific holidays in December, so make sure to involve your pet in all the other exciting holiday festivities throughout the month.
National Cat Lover’s Month
Dec. 2: National Mutt Day (again!)Dec. 4: Wildlife Conservation DayDec. 9: International Day of Veterinary MedicineDec. 10: International Animal Rights DayDec. 27: Visit the Zoo Day
