Our dogs deserve to be honored and celebrated every day of the year. Dogs make life better in many ways. There is a holiday for just about every aspect of our dogs. Here is your complete guide to 109 dog holidays for you to enjoy.
Jump to month:
JANUARY
Walk Your Dog Month
There is no history available about Walk Your Dog Month. But that doesn’t make it any less important. Walking your dog not only provides physical activity for you and your dog but also very important mental activity. Dogs were never meant to live within the four walls of your home and fenced yard.
📖 Read:
National Train Your Dog Month
The National Train Your Dog Month campaign began in 2010 by the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT).
The APDT wanted to bring awareness to the importance of socialization and training our dogs in a fun way to become happy and healthy companions.
January is the perfect month because so many dogs are adopted for the holidays.
📖 Read:
January 2
National Pet Travel Safety Day
National Pet Travel Safety Day was founded by Colleen Paige, a pet and family lifestyle expert, and former paramedic.
National Pet Travel Safety Day was created to help educate pet owners about the risk of unrestrained pets in vehicles.
📖 Read:
- Traveling with dogs in the car [6 stress-free tips]
- Solve all your dog’s fears and anxiety about car rides
- The best dog ramp
January 14
National Dress Up Your Pet Day
National Dress Up Your Pet Day was founded in 2009 by Celebrity Pet Lifestyle Expert and Animal Behaviorist, Colleen Paige.
If I’m being honest, not my favorite holiday. I don’t like to dress my dogs up in fancy clothes. The most I will do is a cute bandana or winter coat to keep them warm on cold winter days.
Please remember to keep your dog safe and comfortable in the clothing you choose.
January 24
Change a Pet’s Life Day
Change a Pet’s Life Day is celebrated annually on January 24. Adoption is not the only way to change a pet’s life, although a great start. Feeding fresh food or adding probiotics to their meals, taking walks, and hiring a trainer are all ways you can change your dog’s life forever.
📖 Read:
- How to Bond with Your Dog (and Why It Matters)
- Are probiotics good for dogs?
- SpiritDog Training Review (Read before signing up – Is it worth it?)
January 24
National Peanut Butter Day
Technically not a dog holiday, but most dogs love peanut butter. There are 10 National holidays celebrating peanuts and peanut butter.
Celebrate today with a peanut butter Kong or lick mat. Or make homemade peanut butter dog treats. Make sure it’s xylitol free.
FEBRUARY
National Pet Dental Health Month
AVMA sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month each year in February. Do you brush your dog’s teeth? Did you know that your dog’s mouth makes a huge impact on its health?
Brushing your dog’s teeth every day will keep their mouths and body happy and healthy.
#PetDental
📖 Read:
Responsible Pet Owners Month
February is Responsible Pet Owners Month. You are here, so I know you are a responsible pet owner. Help spread the word by encouraging your peers to walk their dogs, take them to the vet for annual check-ups, feed them high-quality food, brush their teeth, and all the things that go into being a responsible dog parent.
📖 Read:
- The best dog toothpaste [vet recommended dental care]
- Best Place to Buy Dog Food and Supplies Online
- SpiritDog Training Review (Read before signing up – Is it worth it?)
Dog Training Education Month
February is Dog Training Education Month. Training our dogs is necessary as it is teaching our children manners and life skills. Choose a local dog training program or opt for an online training program that fits your schedule.
📖 Read:
- SpiritDog Training Review (Read before signing up – Is it worth it?)
- 29 Best Dog Training Books for Your Rescue Dog
- Best Healthy Dog Treats for Training
- Life-Changing Dog Training – The Place Command
- Your reactive dog (socialize, training, chart)
- Dunbar Dog Training Academy Review
Spay/Neuter Awareness Month
Spay/Neuter Awareness Month is recognized yearly in February.
All of my dogs are spayed and neutered. And your rescue dog most likely already came to you spayed or neutered. It’s a standard that has helped the overpopulation in shelters. But at what cost?
📖 Read: Spaying and Neutering Your Dog [everything you NEED to know]
February 3
National Golden Retriever Day
National Golden Retriever Day was founded by Kristen Shroyer of iheartgoldenretrievers. The golden retriever is one of the most loved breeds of dogs.
#GoldenRetrieverDay
📖 Read: Mutt vs Purebred – Which is better?
February 3
Doggy Date Night
Do you ever feel dogs are better than humans? A date night with your dog may be more fun than a date with any human being, LOL. Celebrate Doggy Date Night by taking your pup out for a hike and a picnic or find a pet-friendly restaurant.
📖 Read:
- Solve all your dog’s fears and anxiety about car rides
- Complete Gift Guide for Luxury Designer Dog Accessories
February 7-14
Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week
Dogs Deserve Better started the promotion of Have a Heart for Chained Dogs to raise awareness of the plight of neglected dogs.
Tammy Grimes founded the Virginia non-profit group, Dogs Deserve Better, in 2002. She started the group after she was arrested for rescuing a dying dog that was chained.
February 14
National Pet Theft Awareness Day
National Pet Theft Awareness Day was created in 1988 to raise awareness of the importance of protecting pets from animal trafficking.
It’s hard to believe, but pets get stolen every single day.
All it takes is a few seconds for your beloved pet to be stolen, dragged off your front porch, or snatched from your yard.
Why would anyone want to steal your dog? For money. Dog flipping is when someone steals a dog and then sells it to unsuspecting new owners, puppy mills, or backyard breeders to become breeding machines. Dognappers also target dogs so that they can be used as bait or as fighters in illegal dogfighting rings.
February 19-25
National Justice for Animals Week
The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s National Justice for Animals Week is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about crimes committed against animals.
February 20
National Love Your Pet Day
Do we need a national day to love our dogs? This is one of those holidays that make you wonder who is creating these national days. You and I both know we love our dogs every single day of their short lives.
📖 Read:
- 101 Interesting Facts About Dogs
- Cool dog stuff every dog needs
- Big Barker Review – Will your dog love it or hate it?
February 22
National Walking the Dog Day
If you need a national holiday to walk your dog, then please read How Often Should I Walk My Dog and Why?
📖 Read:
- How Often Should I Walk My Dog and Why?
- Dog walking etiquette [5 rules you must follow]
- How to Choose the Best Dog Leash
- 10 Tips & Tools for Walking at Night with Your Dog
February 23
National Dog Biscuit Day
Celebrate National Dog Biscuit Day on February 23 every year.
It’s important to ensure you are feeding your dog healthy treats. Learn to read the ingredients and stay clear of rawhides or colored bones.
We reserve dog biscuits or dog treats for training time. Each time the dogs come inside when I call them, they get a treat. It makes coming inside much easier when I need them to come in.
#NationalDogBiscuitDay
📖 Read:
- Best Healthy Dog Treats for Training
- Top 20 Hypoallergenic Treats, Food, and Bones for Dogs with Allergies
- Easy Homemade Frozen Dog Treats for Summer
February 28
World Spay Day
Initiated by Doris Day and her Animal League as Spay Day USA in 1995, when the estimated euthanasia rate in overcrowded shelters was between 14 and 17 million dogs and cats each year.
📖 Read Spaying and Neutering Your Dog [everything you NEED to know]
MARCH
Pet Poison Prevention Month
The Pet Poison Helpline® has released a new version of Toxin Trends, identifying the top 20 toxins in each state and province. It’s no surprise that the top three toxins are chocolate, grapes/raisins and xylitol:
📖 Read:
- What to do if your dog ate chocolate
- Snow Globe Warning – Contains Antifreeze
- Antifreeze poisoning symptoms in dogs
- Which Plants are Toxic to Dogs?
March 5-11
Professional Pet Sitters Week™
First introduced by Pet Sitters International (PSI) in 1995, Professional Pet Sitters Week™ takes place annually the first full week of March. 2023 marks the 29th annual celebration.
This annual observance honors professional pet-care providers seeks to educate the pet-owning public about the advantages of professional in-home pet care and encourages pet-loving entrepreneurs to explore professional pet sitting as a viable career.
March 13
National K9 Veterans Day
National K9 Veterans Day is meant to honor all military and working dogs for their service and sacrifice for our nation.
March 19-25
National Poison Prevention Week
The third full week in March each year is National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW), a week dedicated to raising awareness of poison control centers and the Poison Help line.
📖 Read:
- Dog first aid and how to make a dog first-aid survival kit
- Snow Globe Warning – Contains Antifreeze – Top Story 2022
- Antifreeze poisoning symptoms in dogs
- Beautiful Flowers and Cute Puppies… Are Plants Toxic to Dogs?
March 23
National Puppy Day
National Puppy Day was founded in 2006 by Celebrity Pet and Home Lifestyle Expert and Author, Colleen Paige.
National Puppy Day is a special day to celebrate the magic and unconditional love that puppies bring to our lives. But more importantly, it’s a day to help save orphaned puppies across the globe and educate the public about the horrors of puppy mills.
APRIL
National Pet Month
National Pet Month (NPM) celebrates and raises awareness of responsible pet ownership through our educational campaigns and resources across our various platforms.
National Pet Month brings together animal welfare charities, professional bodies, pet businesses, schools, youth groups, and pet lovers.
National Pet Month is coordinated by the National Office Of Animal Health (NOAH) and the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA)
#NationalPetMonth
Pet First Aid Awareness Month
April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, a month dedicated to teaching pet parents about providing emergency care to their animals when necessary.
The American Red Cross has developed a FREE Pet First Aid app to provide information about pet safety in the event of evacuations and in situations where you may need to provide emergency care until veterinary assistance is available. With videos, interactive quizzes, and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know pet first aid.
📖 Read: Dog first aid and how to make a dog first-aid survival kit
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
In 2006, The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) started the observance of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month campaign, and has become a nationwide celebration of the protection of animals.
Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month
Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs Month was created by the Lyme Disease Foundation. It runs through April and aims to spread awareness on how to prevent, identify and treat Lyme disease in dogs.
📖 Read: What You Need to Know About Lyme Disease and Your Dog
National Heartworm Awareness Month
Heartworm disease is caused by foot-long worms (heartworms) that live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of affected pets, causing severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage to other organs in the body. It is a serious and potentially fatal disease in pets.
More information here: https://www.heartwormsociety.org/
National Canine Fitness Month
FitPAWS® founded Canine Fitness Month to bring awareness to the growing and preventable issue of canine obesity and sedentarism.
We like to use FitPAWS products when conditioning our dogs for agility.
April 2-8
International Pooper Scooper Week
In 2008, the Association of Professional Animal Waste Specialists (aPaws) created a week to educate pet parents about the dangers of letting dog poop decompose in public spaces.
📖 Read: Dog walking etiquette [5 rules you must follow]
April 8
National Dog Fight Awareness Day
As part of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month in April, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) designates April 8 National Dog Fighting Awareness Day to raise awareness of the prevalence of dog fighting in the U.S.
*WARNING THIS VIDEO IS VERY DISTURBING*
All I can say is WOW, it is sickening to me that dog fighting is still so prevalent. This is one very necessary awareness day.
April 9-15
National Dog Bite Prevention Week
During the second full week of April each year, National Dog Bite Prevention Week® focuses on educating people about preventing dog bites.
With an estimated population of nearly 85 million dogs living in U.S. households, millions of people—most of them children—are bitten by dogs every year. The majority of these bites, if not all, are preventable.
📖 Read: Why Do Family Dogs Bite Kids?
April 10
National Hug Your Dog Day
Not all dogs enjoy being hugged so celebrate National Hug Your Dog Day sparingly.
📖 Read: How to speak to dogs
April 11
National Pet Day
National Pet Day was founded in 2006 by Animal Welfare Advocate Colleen Paige, to celebrate the joy pets bring to our lives and to create public awareness about the plight of many different kinds of animals awaiting a forever home in shelters and rescues all around the globe.
April 16-22
National Pet ID Week
This national week gives pet owners a great opportunity to make sure their pet’s identification is up to date. ID tags and microchips give lost pets the best chance possible to be reunited with their owners.
📖 Read: Dog Microchips: Everything you need to know
April 23
National Lost Dog Awareness Day
Lost Dogs of America created and launched the first National Lost Dog Awareness Day (NLDAD) on April 23, 2014. Aimed to bring attention to all dogs that are lost each year, while also celebrating the thousands of lost dogs successfully reunited with their families.
#LostDogAwarenessDay
📖 Read My Dog Ran Away! What Should I Do?
April 26
National Kids and Pets Day
National Kids & Pets Day was created in 2005 by Colleen Paige. It is dedicated to furthering the magical bond between children and animals, helping bring awareness to the plight of pets in shelters awaiting new homes, and educating the public about safety between children and pets.
📖 Read:
April 29 (the last Saturday of April)
World Veterinary Day
World Veterinary Association created World Veterinary Day
in 2000 to be celebrated annually on the last Saturday of April.
April 30 (the last Sunday in April)
National Pet Parents Day
Founded by Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) in 2007, National Pet Parents Day was created to celebrate responsible pet parents and their furry children. VPI was inspired by the fact the majority of their policyholders consider their pets as part of their family.
April 30
National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
In 1981 The American Humane Society created Adopt A Dog Month to raise awareness for the millions of animals waiting for their forever homes in shelters across the country.
📖 Read:
- How To Adopt A Rescue Dog – Your Step-by-Step Guide
- 53 Questions You MUST Ask a Rescue BEFORE Adopting a Dog
- The 4 Best Adoption Websites for Dogs
April 30
National Therapy Animal Day
National Therapy Animal Day was created by Pet Partners to recognize all of the exceptional therapy animals who partner with their human companions to bring comfort and healing to those in need.
#NationalTherapyAnimalDay
MAY
PSI’s Pet Sitter Safety Month™
May 2023 marks the 7th annual Pet Sitter Safety Month™, and Pet Sitters International (PSI) is encouraging pet sitters to review their procedures and PSI’s safety tips to ensure they are taking precautions to keep themselves and the pets in their care safe.
Chip Your Pet Month
Chip Your Pet Month is celebrated annually in May. About 10 million pets are lost in America every year, with millions ending up in animal shelters.
The goal of Chip Your Pet Month is to encourage pet owners to microchip their animals so that they can be quickly found and brought back to their owners if they go missing.
📖 Read Dog Microchips: Everything you need to know
Responsible Animal Guardian Month
Responsible Animal Guardian Month was created by the In Defense of Animals (I.D.A.) organization to promote the safeguarding of animals.
This campaign aims to change the way we think and speak about animals; they are not here for us to exploit and are not our property. We are not animal owners, but their guardians.
Lyme Disease Prevention Month
May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month, a chance for Lyme patients, activists, and educators to spread information on how to prevent Lyme and tick-borne diseases.
📖 Read What You Need to Know About Lyme Disease and Your Dog
National Service Dog Eye Examination Month
National Service Dog Eye Examination Month started in May 2008, initiated by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (A.C.V.O.).
Service dogs help enhance the well-being of individuals with physical impairments, and screening eye exams can help detect ocular diseases at the earliest stage in these dedicated dogs.
This philanthropic program is performed by certified members of the A.C.V.O., providing free eye exams.
May 1
National Purebred Dog Day
On May 1st, National Purebred Dog Day® celebrates the heritage, diversity, and predictability of the purebred dog.
Created in 2013 by Susi Szeremy, National Purebred Dog Day® brings the opportunity to have a conversation about responsible dog ownership by including the voice of purebred dog owners.
All dogs should be valued, whatever their ancestry, but the purpose-bred dog and the predictability of its breed are to be cherished and preserved.
📖 Read:
May 3
National Specially-Abled Pets Day
Founded in 2006 by Colleen Paige, Specially-abled Pets Day celebrates these amazing and heroic animals, helps to educate the public about caring for disabled pets, and finds homes for orphaned, specially-abled pets.
May 7
Mayday for Mutts (first Sunday of May)
Mayday for Mutts is an awareness day to spread how awesome our mutts are.
📖 Read:
May 7-13 (the first full week of May)
National Pet Week®
Created by the AVMA and the Auxiliary to the AVMA in 1981, National Pet Week® celebrates the pets that enrich our lives and encourages responsible pet care every day of the year.
May 7-13 (first week of May)
Be Kind to Animals Week®
On the first week of May every year, millions of Americans come together to voice their concern for and improve the wellness, welfare, and well-being of the nation’s animals by celebrating American Humane’s “Be Kind to Animals Week®,” the oldest commemorative week in American history.
Be Kind to Animals Week was first celebrated in 1915 by the American Humane Association.
Go to the American Humane website for more information and loads of resources to help celebrate this week.
May 8
National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day
National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day was established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in 2010 to raise awareness of disaster preparedness for animals.
Your pets need to be included in your disaster emergency plans. On this day, learn many ways to keep your dog safe in the event of a disaster.
May 13 (the second Saturday in May)
National Dog Mom’s Day
In 2018, Dig-The Dog Person’s Dating Ap launched National Dog Mom’s Day for dog-loving women to thank dog moms, foster dog moms, and future dog moms for all of the love they give to dogs.
📖 Read 30 Dog Mom gift ideas she will love!
May 14
International Chihuahua Appreciation Day
International Chihuahua Appreciation Day was created in 2020 by blogger, Nadia Alterio.
The Chihuahua breed was named after the Mexican State of Chihuahua.
May 20
National Rescue Dog Day
National Rescue Dog Day is observed annually on May 20 to bring awareness to all of the amazing dogs in shelters around the country who deserve a second chance at a forever home.
National Rescue Dog Day was created in 2018 by Lisa Wiehebrink, children’s book author and Executive Director of Tails That Teach, an organization that helps children learn the kind and proper treatment of their pets.
JUNE
National Pet Preparedness Month
National Pet Preparedness Month takes place in June and reminds pet owners to always prepare emergency plans for pets.
#PetPreparedness
📖 Read:
National Foster a Pet Month
National Foster a Pet Month is observed every year in June to raise awareness about the benefits of fostering animals.
Fostering is to temporarily take care of pets until they’re ready to be adopted.
📖 Read:
- 9 pros and 5 cons of fostering a dog
- How To Foster A Dog
- Fostering a dog – foster fail?
- Why You Should Adopt a Dog from a Foster-Based Rescue
National Microchipping Month
National Microchip Month in June is all about pets — and ensuring they are safely implanted with a microchip so they can be traced if they go missing.
📖 Read: Dog Microchips: Everything you need to know
June 4-10 (beginning on the first Sunday of June)
Pet Appreciation Week
#NationalPetWeek
Pet Appreciation Week was initiated by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 1981 to raise awareness about pet care and pet-related health issues.
The American Veterinary Medical Association aims to provide helpful tips and techniques throughout the week to help pet owners improve the quality of life for their pets.
June 19
National Pets in Film Day
National Pets in Film Day began in 2011. What’s your favorite movie with a dog star?
📖 Read: 313 Dog names from movies and television (Disney included)
June 21
National Dog Party Day
The last Facebook post is from 2016, so not certain this holiday is still celebrated, but if you want to throw a dog party, have fun!
📖 Read 18 Happy Gotcha Day Dog Ideas that your dog will do zoomies for!
June 23
Take Your Dog To Work Day®
Pet Sitters International (PSI) created Take Your Dog To Work Day® to celebrate the great companions dogs make and promote their adoptions.
Take Your Dog To Work Day® is part of the week-long celebration for pets, PSI’s Take Your Pet To Work Week®
JULY
Lost Pet Prevention Month
PetHub started National Lost Pet Prevention Month in 2014 to raise awareness and provide pet owners with the information they need to keep their pets safe, and share lost pet prevention and recovery tips.
📖 Read: My Dog Ran Away! What Should I Do?
National Pet Hydration Awareness Month
Created by PetSafe, National Pet Hydration Awareness Month is observed in July to help raise awareness about the importance of pet hydration.
📖 Read 11 Easy ways to get your dog to drink more water
July 1
ID Your Pet Day
July 1 is National ID Your Pet Day, which serves as an annual check-in to make sure your pets’ identification information is up to date.
July 11
All-American Pet Photo Day
Created by Colleen Paige, All American Pet Photo Day is celebrated annually on July 11.
Not sure we need a day for this because I know I have more photos of my dogs than my kids at this point, doesn’t everybody?
July 15
National Pet Fire Safety Day
Started by The American Kennel Club and ADT Security in 2009, National Pet Fire Safety Day takes place every year on July 15.
This nationwide awareness day educates pet owners about potential risks when pets are left home alone and provides them with proven prevention measures to ensure their safety.
An estimated 500,000 pets are affected by home fires each year.
July 31
National Mutt Day
National Mutt Day, also known as National Mixed Breed Dog Day, was created in 2005 by Colleen Paige and is celebrated on both July 31st and December 2nd.
Check out the story behind the official song for National Mutt Day called “Second Shadow” sung and written by Matthew Thomas and co-written by National Mutt Day founder, Colleen Paige
AUGUST
August 1
DOGust Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs
In 2008, North Shore Animal League America declared the first day of August as DOGust 1st®, the official birthday of all shelter dogs. This “birthday” applies to dogs who don’t have an official birth record in place.
#DOGust1st
📖 Read:
- 3 Big Clues to How Old is My Dog?
- 18 Happy Gotcha Day Dog Ideas that your dog will do zoomies for!
- Top 11 Reasons Why Adopting a Senior Dog is the Perfect Choice
August 6-12
International Assistance Dog Week
International Assistance Dog Week (IADW) was created to recognize all the devoted, hardworking assistance dogs helping individuals mitigate their disability-related limitations.
The goals of IADW are to:
- Recognize and honor assistance dogs
- Raise awareness and educate the public about assistance dogs
- Honor puppy raisers and trainers
- Recognize heroic deeds performed by assistance dogs in our communities
August 10
Spoil Your Dog Day
I don’t think a day is needed to spoil your dog, but today is Spoil Your Dog Day. So go ahead and give them a special toy, take an extra long walk, or back them a doggy cake. Have fun today together.
📖 Read:
- 41 Indestructible Durable Dog Toys for Heavy, Aggressive, Destructive Chewers
- Is Your Dog Bored with Her Toys?
- Top 20 Hypoallergenic Treats, Food, and Bones for Dogs with Allergies
August 15
Check the Chip Day
AVMA and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) joined together to create Check the Chip Day to remind pet owners to have their pets microchipped and to keep the registration information up-to-date.
August 19 (the third Saturday in August)
International Homeless Animals’ Day®
In 1992, The International Society for Animal Rights (ISAR) introduced International Homeless Animals Day (IHAD) to spread awareness about pet overpopulation and has done meaningful work since, including saving the lives of millions of animals.
ISAR offers events from dog walks to adopt-a-thons to animal blessings on IHAD.
August 23
International Blind Dog Day
International Blind Dog Day is a day to appreciate blind dogs. For more information about how you can help, visit Blind Dog Rescue Alliance.
#InternationalBlindDogDay
August 26
National Dog Day
National Dog Day was founded in 2004 by Animal Welfare Advocate, Colleen Paige. National Dog Day celebrates all dogs.
August 28
Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day
In 2015, Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day was founded by author Deborah Barnes as a way for people to share their memories of the pets that they have lost.
📖 Read The Whirlpool of Grief – Stages of Grief After Losing a Pet
August 30
National Holistic Pet Day
National Holistic Pet Day was started by Animal advocate Colleen Paige to raise awareness of this integrative approach which can lead to a longer and healthier life span.
With so many chemicals all around us, I will do anything to help my dogs stay healthy naturally and organically.
📖 Read Natural Remedies for your dog that work!
SEPTEMBER
PSI’s Pet-Sitter Education Month™
Pet Sitters International (PSI) established Pet-Sitter Education Month™ in 2016 to shine a spotlight on professional pet sitters’ commitment to continuing education and the growing number of educational resources available to today’s professional pet sitters and dog walkers.
Responsible Dog Ownership Month
Each year the AKC invites its more than 5,000 affiliated dog clubs, along with other pet-related organizations to host Responsible Dog Ownership Day to help educate the public in their communities about the responsibilities of dog ownership and help current owners enhance their relationships with their pets.
These events typically consist of educational booths, demonstrations, activities to try out with your dog, microchipping, health clinics, and more.
Animal Pain Awareness Month
The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) has proclaimed September as Animal Pain Awareness Month, which coincides with human Pain Awareness Month.
Animals suffer from pain just like people do. During this annual campaign, IVAPM encourages various veterinary organizations to raise public awareness about pain and pain management as it pertains to veterinary patients.
📖 Read:
- How to give a dog a pill [tips & tricks]
- How long can a dog go without eating?
- Big Barker Review – Will your dog love it or hate it?
National Service Dog Month
Dick Van Patten created National Service Dog Month to honor service dogs. Every September we celebrate the working dogs who help people gain greater independence.
National Pet Health Insurance Month
In September, veterinarians, shelters, rescues, pet owners, and insurance companies across the nation celebrate National Pet Health Insurance Month.
With three dogs, each in various life stages, I have researched pet insurance and have opted to create a savings account instead. There are resources if you can not afford your vet bills.
September 10 (the second Sunday in September)
National Pet Memorial Day
On National Pet Memorial Day pet owners across the country remember their beloved pets who have passed on.
📖 Read The Whirlpool of Grief – Stages of Grief After Losing a Pet
September 13
Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day
Pet Birth Defect Awareness was established in 2014 by David Rogers as part of MBJungle Foundation’s effort to bring awareness to the interactive role humans play in our pets’ physical birth defects as well as their mental health.
September 16 (the third Saturday of September)
Puppy Mill Awareness Day
Puppy Mill Awareness Day aims to encourage dog lovers to adopt dogs instead of shopping for them. This is done by giving an insight into the cruel conditions faced by dogs in puppy mills.
📖 Read Adopting a shelter dog – your complete step-by-step guide
September 16
Responsible Dog Ownership Day
Each year the AKC invites its more than 5,000 affiliated dog clubs, along with other pet-related organizations to host Responsible Dog Ownership Day to help educate the public in their communities about the responsibilities of dog ownership and help current owners enhance their relationships with their pets.
These events typically consist of educational booths, demonstrations, activities to try out with your dog, microchipping, health clinics, and more.
September 18-24 (the third week of September)
Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week
Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week is honored by shelters, rescues, and veterinary clinics to raise awareness about the less adoptable pets that also deserve a loving home.
📖 Read What is black dog syndrome?
September 20
National Dog Week
National Dog Week was launched by Captain William Lewis Judy in 1928, established to create more responsible dog owners.
September 23
Dogs in Politics Day
National Dogs in Politics Day we celebrate The First Dog of the United States. Dogs and other pets have a long history of living in the White House; only a handful of presidents did NOT have a dog while in office.
📖 Read our list of United States President dog names
September 24-30 (last full week of September)
Deaf Dog Awareness Week
Deaf Dog Awareness Week is a time to educate dog lovers that just because a dog can not hear, doesn’t mean it can’t live a full and enriched life with you.
September 28
Remember Me Thursday®
Remember Me Thursday® aims to unite individuals and pet adoption organizations around the world to be an unstoppable, integrated voice for orphan pets in need of forever homes.
#RememberMeThursday
#SeeTheLight.
📖 Read Remember Me Thursday
September 28
World Rabies Day
Started in 2007 World Rabies Day is a global health observance to raise awareness about the world’s deadliest infectious disease and bring together partners to enhance prevention and control efforts worldwide.
OCTOBER
Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
Since 1981, American Humane has celebrated “Adopt-a-Dog Month®” each October to help the millions of animals waiting to find them forever home.
📖 Read Adopting a shelter dog – your complete step-by-step guide
National Pet Wellness Month
National Pet Wellness Month, which is co-sponsored by the AVMA and Fort Dodge Animal Health, is designed to promote pet wellness year-round.
October 1-7
National Walk Your Dog Week
National Walk Your Dog Week was founded in 2010 by Colleen Paige, to improve the health and well-being of dogs.
📖 Read:
- How Often Should I Walk My Dog and Why?
- Dog walking etiquette [5 rules you must follow]
- How to Choose the Best Dog Leash
- 10 Tips & Tools for Walking at Night with Your Dog
October 1
National Black Dog Day
Founded in 2012, National Black Dog Day is celebrated to honor all the black dogs that don’t get adopted just because of their color.
Get more information and follow the official Facebook page for National Black Dog Day.
📖 Read:
October 1
National Fire Pup Day
National Fire Pup Day honors canine members of America’s fire departments. Dogs have historically worked, lived, and slept alongside members of local fire departments.
October 4
World Animal Day
The mission of World Animal Day is to raise the status of animals to improve welfare standards around the globe, dogs included.
October 11
National Pet Obesity Awareness Day
National Pet Obesity Day was created to remind people to keep their pets healthy. An overweight dog can take years off their life, a life that is too short as it is.
October 15-21
National Veterinary Technician Week
National Veterinary Technician Week (NVTW) is a time to celebrate, recognize, and promote veterinary technicians.
Future Dates:
- October 13-19, 2024
- October 12-18, 2025
October 28
National Pit Bull Awareness Day
National Pit Bull Awareness Day (NPBAD) is a day of appreciation and education designed to change perceptions and stereotypes about bully breed dogs, commonly referred to as “pit bulls” and their responsible owners.
NPBAD was started in 2007 by Jodi Preis of Bless the Bullys, a pit bull rescue and education group in Middle Tennessee.
NOVEMBER
Adopt a Senior Pet Month and National Senior Pet Month
The ASPCA and petfinder.com founded Adopt a Senior Pet Month to help improve the perception surrounding senior pets.
📖 Read Top 11 Reasons Why Adopting a Senior Dog is the Perfect Choice
National Pet Cancer Awareness Month
Started in 2005 by Nationwide, National Pet Cancer Awareness Month, observed each November, is a way to honor pets battling cancer, raise money and increase awareness to combat the leading cause of death in pets.
To help spread pet cancer awareness and raise money for a good cause join in on the Nationwide® Pet Cancer Awareness Walk challenge.
#PetCancerAwarenessMonth
#PetCancerAwareness
Pet Diabetes Month
Pet Diabetes Month helps raise awareness that pets with diabetes can live healthy and happy lives. It is estimated that 1 in 300 adult dogs and 1 in 230 cats in the US have diabetes.
#PetDiabetesMonth
November 1
National Cook for Your Pets Day
National Cook For Your Pets Day is celebrated on November 1. Feeding fresh and healthy foods for your dog can be very beneficial to their health.
📖 Read
- Can my dog eat that?
- What Should I Feed My Dog?
- Dog Thanksgiving (dinner, treats, outfits)
- My dog eats once every 2 or 3 days
- Easy Homemade Frozen Dog Treats
November 5-11
National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week
The Humane Society of the United States founded National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week in 1996 to acknowledge and appreciate the role of animal shelters in communities all over the country.
The annual event acknowledges the hard-working people who support the shelters and help in keeping the pets healthy.
November 7
National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day
National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day was founded in 2015 by Terry Simons to raise awareness for one of the most common types of cancer in dogs. He founded the Canine Lymphoma Education and Research (CLEAR) Foundation to provide education and guidance to pet owners whose dogs have lymphoma.
DECEMBER
December 2
National Mutt Day
National Mutt Day, also known as National Mixed Breed Dog Day, was created in 2005 by Colleen Paige and is celebrated on both July 31st and December 2nd.
Check out the story behind the official song for National Mutt Day called “Second Shadow” sung and written by Matthew Thomas and co-written by National Mutt Day founder, Colleen Paige.
December 9
International Day of Veterinary Medicine
International Day of Veterinary Medicine recognizes the important work done by organizations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) whose vision and mission is to promote a strong and unified veterinary sector that can protect animal as well as human health and welfare.
A year of dog and pet holidays concluded
Some holidays have more meaning than others. There is a holiday for just about everything nowadays.
Have an idea for a dog holiday? National Today is open to suggestions.
Want to create your own holiday for dogs? Check out National Today for more information.
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