An uplifting event every year, organized by a society/sanctuary that has been at the forefront of the No Kill movement for decades. Participants will learn about the latest tools and data-driven techniques to help immediately start saving more dogs and cats in their communities — everything needed to reach or sustain no-kill status. Learn leaders...
Taking Action for Animals, July 31-Aug. 3, Washington, D.C. Animal advocates from around the nation will converge in the nation’s capital for the TAFA conference to get a better understanding of animal protection issues, and to strengthen their ability to help animals in their communities through lobbying, outreach, education and other forms of citizen advocacy. Organized by Humane World for Animals. Go to https://www.humanepro.org for more info.
Poocharella, early March. A festival for dogs, with a wide variety of vendors and activities.
Poocharella, early March. A festival for dogs, the people who love them and the community that surrounds them. With a wide variety of vendors and activities, there is something for everyone. Pet specialty vendors sell items such as customized collars, dog frisbees, pet apparel, hand crafted feeders, crate covers and more. Retail vendors sell candles, candy, jewelry, home goods, novelties and clothing. Food trucks have food for both people and their pups. Activities include pet caricatures, pet paw print paintings, the Swift Paws lure course, a Photo Zone, a Best in Rescue Competition and more! Organized by A Touch of Grey. touchofgreyrescue.org/poocharella
World Wildlife Day: March 3. This international event, produced by the United Nations, celebrates wild animals and plants and recognize the unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet.
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show: The iconic, all-breed (not mutts, boo) dog show is the second-longest, continuously held sporting event in the United States, and since 1948, the longest nationally televised live dog show. Competitions in conformation, the Masters Agility Championship and Masters Obedience Championship bring nearly 3,000 dogs to the arena of Madison Square Garden.
National Puppy Day: March 23. Honors the joy puppies bring, promote adoption, and raise awareness about ending puppy mills. Founded in 2006, the day encourages celebrating with treats, walks, and sharing photos, while emphasizing responsible pet ownership.
International Orangutan Day: Aug. 19. An opportunity to raise awareness about the plight of orangutans and the urgent need to protect their habitats. These creatures, known as “people of the forest” in Malay and Indonesian, are our close relatives, sharing 97 percent of our DNA. Unfortunately, all three species of orangutans—Bornean, Sumatran and Tapanuli—are critically endangered due to deforestation, illegal hunting, and the unsustainable palm oil industry. http://bit.ly/4sbuOOt
Alpabzug (Switzerland) mid-late September. A festive, decorated parade of cows descending from mountain pastures in autumn.
Kukur Tihar, Nepal: Oct. 28, 2026: A day during the Diwali festival dedicated to worshipping dogs with garlands, red marks (tilak), and treats to honor their loyalty.
Monkey Buffet Festival, Thailand, Nov. 28-29, 2026: Held in Lopburi, locals set up massive, elaborate fruit and vegetable spreads for the local macaque population, which is believed to bring good luck.
Kattenstoet (Belgium): May 9, 2027. A “Cat Parade” in Ypres that honors local folklore and features feline-themed costumes and floats.
The XV Annual South American Bird Fair of South America is the premier annual birding event in South America, frequently hosted in Chile but this year it will be in Asunción, Paraguay, from September 17-20, 2026. The event will feature guided hikes, photo safaris, and educational activities highlighting Paraguay’s biodiversity.
World Animal Day (October 4): A global event aiming to improve animal welfare standards worldwide.
International Homeless Animal Day, Aug. 15, 2026 : Dedicated to bringing awareness to pet adoption and the plight of homeless animals.
Dog and cat holidays
JANUARY
Monthlong Observances
National Train Your Dog Month.
Walk Your Dog Month.
Adopt a Rescued Bird Month.
Unchain a Dog Month
Special Days
Jan. 2: National Pet Travel Safety Day.
Jan. 2: Happy Mew Year for Cats Day.
Jan. 8: National Labrador Retriever Day.
Jan. 14: National Dress Up Your Pet Day.
Jan. 22: National Answer Your Cat’s Question Day.
Jan. 24: Change a Pet’s Life Day.
Jan. 24: Peanut Butter Day. A day to honor the creamy creation that has helped train and treat many dogs! (See our Peanut Butter dog treat recipes)
Jan. 29: Seeing Eye Guide Dog Anniversary.
FEBRUARY
Monthlong observances
Dog Training Education Month.
National Cat Health Month.
Spay/Neuter Awareness Month (aka Beat the Heat Month).
Pet Dental Health Month.
Responsible Pet Owners Month.
National Prevent a Litter Month
Weeklong Observances
Feb. 7-14: Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week.
Feb. 23-29: National Justice for Animals Week.
Special Days
Feb. 2: Sled Dog Day.
Feb. 3: Doggy Date Night.
Feb. 3: National Golden Retriever Day.
Feb. 14: Pet Theft Awareness Day.
Feb. 19: National Boston Terrier Day.
Feb. 20: Love Your Pet Day.
Feb. 22: Walking the Dog Day.
Feb. 23: International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day.
Feb. 23: National Dog Biscuit Day.
Feb. 25: World Spay Day. Annual campaign by Humane World for Animals; held the last Tuesday of February. Created to combat the crisis of pet overpopulation in every corner of the globe, animal lovers are encouraged to spread the word through social media and help to raise funds for the paws cause.
MARCH
Monthlong Observances
Poison Prevention Awareness Month.
Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month.
Weeklong observances
March 7-13: Professional Pet Sitters Week.
March 11-14: Crufts. Held in Birmingham, England, this is the world’s largest dog show, featuring nearly 28,000 canines in its four days.
Special days
March 3: If Pets Had Thumbs Day.
March 13: K-9 Veterans Day.
March 17: Saint Gertrude of Nivelles Day— patron saint of cats.
March 23: National Puppy Day.
March 23. Cuddly Kitten Day.
March 28: Respect Your Cat Day.
March 30: Take a Walk in the Park Day. Although not exclusively a pet holiday, this day makes a great time to explore a new park with your dog!
APRIL
Canine Fitness Month.
Active Dog Month.
National Adopt a Greyhound Month.
National Heartworm Awareness Month.
National Pet First Aid Awareness Month. This event is an effort by the American Red Cross to draw attention to the need to know specialized pet first aid.
Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs Month.
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. (ASPCA)
National Pet Month. (UK)
Week-Long Observances
April 1-7: International Pooper Scooper Week.
April 1-7: National Raw Feeding Week.
April 11-17: Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week. Second full week in April.
April 11-17: National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Second full week in April.
April 18-24: Animal Cruelty/Human Violence Awareness Week. An effort by Humane World for Animals. Third week in April.
April 18-24: National Pet ID Week. Third week in April.
April 26-May 2: National Scoop the Poop Week. Starting the day after “National Sense of Smell Day” (the last Saturday of April), this week recognizes the importance of scooping that poop.
April 3: Every Day is Tag Day. Always the first Saturday in April.
April 4: World Stray Animals Day.
April 6: National Siamese Cat Day.
April 8: National Dog Fighting Awareness Day.
April 8: National Catahoula Day.
April 10: National Hug Your Dog Day.
April 11: National Pet Day.
April 11: Dog Therapy Appreciation Day.
April 19: National Cat Lady 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: World Veterinary Day. This event from the World Veterinary Association is always celebrated on the last Saturday in April.
April 26: National Kids and Pets Day.
April 26: National Pet Parents Day. Always the last Sunday in April.
April 27: National Little Pampered Dog Day.
Last Wednesday in April: International Guide Dog Day. Always the last Wednesday in April.
April 30: Adopt a Shelter Pet Day.
April 30: National Therapy Animal Day.
April 30: National Tabby Day.
Last Friday in April: Hairball Awareness Day.
MAY
Monthlong observances
National Pet Month.
National Foster Care Month.
Responsible Animal Guardian Month.
Lyme Disease Prevention Month.
Pet Cancer Awareness Month
Chip Your Pet Month.
National Service Animal Eye Exam. The American College of Veterinary Optholmologists hosts this annual event when over 300 veterinary ophthalmologists donate their services to provide eye exams to service dogs in the US and Canada during the month of May.
Weeklong Observances
First full week in May: American Humane’s Be Kind to Animals Week. This event has been celebrated since 1915.
First full week in May: National Pet Week. Always held the first full week of May by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
May 2-8: Dog Anxiety Awareness Week. Founded by Assisi Animal Health.
One week starting the Monday before Mother’s Day: Puppy Mill Action Week. An initiative of Humane World for Animals.
Special Days
May 1: National Purebred Dog Day.
First Sunday in May: Mayday for Mutts.
May 3: National Specially-Abled Pets Day.
May 8: National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day.
Second Saturday in May: National Dog Mom’s Day.
May 10: German Shepherd Day.
May 14: International Chihuahua Appreciation Day.
May 20: National Rescue Dog Day.
May 23: World Turtle Day. Founded by American Tortoise Rescue in 1990 with a mission to rescue, rehabilitate and protect turtles and tortoises. WTD helps educate millions about turtle conservation, provides resources for new owners and advocates for habitat protection worldwide. Worldturtleday.org
May 28: Feast Day of St. Bernard of Montjoux. The patron of hospices at two Alpine passes, later to be named Great and Little St. Bernard passes. The hospices were home to–you guessed it–St. Bernard dogs who were trained to find lost travelers.
May 30: International Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Day.
National Lost Pet Prevention Month Learn how to keep your pets from becoming lost in this month-long observance launched by PetHub.
JUNE
Dog House Repair Month.
National Adopt a Cat Month.
National Pet Preparedness Month.
National Microchipping Month.
National Foster a Pet Month.
Weeklong Observances
First full week of June: Pet Appreciation Week.
June 16-20: Take Your Pet to Work Week.
Third week of June: Animal Rights Awareness Week.
Special Days
June 4: Hug Your Cat Day.
June 4: International Corgi Day.
June 8: National Best Friends Day.
Second Tuesday in June: World Pet Memorial Day.
June 16: Take Your Cat to Work Day.
June 20: Take Your Dog to Work Day.
June 21: Dog Party Day.
June 24: Cat World Domination Day.
Last Saturday in June: World Day against the abandonment of domestic animals.
JULY
Monthlong Observances
National Lost Pet Prevention Month.
National Pet Hydration Awareness Month.
Weeklong Observances
Late July: National Feed a Rescue Pet Week: Launched in 2017, this holiday by GreaterGood.org and The Animal Rescue Site aims to feed shelter pets.
Special Days
July 1: ID Your Pet Day.
July 4: Independence Day. This US holiday is no holiday for dogs; the sounds of fireworks causes many dogs to panic and run, resulting in many lost dogs every year.
July 11: All-American Pet Photo Day.
July 15: National Pet Fire Safety Day. Sponsored by the The National Volunteer Fire Council, ADT Security Services and the American Kennel Club.
July 16: World Snake Day.
July 21: National Craft for your Local Shelters Day.
July 21: No Pet Store Puppies Day.
July 26: National Dog Photography Day. UK holiday.
July 31: National Mutt Day. Also see Dec. 2.
AUGUST
Monthlong Observances
Rawgust. Celebration of raw feeding for pets.
Weeklong Observances
Aug. 1-7: International Assistance Dog Week.
Aug. 10-16: Give a Dog a Bone Week. Hosted by Pets of the Homeless, the event features more than 400 Pets of the Homeless donation sites nationwide asking their community to bring donations of pet food and supplies to assist the pets of the homeless.
Special Days
Aug. 1: DOGust Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs. The North Shore Animal League America, declared this day as a birthday for all the shelter animals whose birthdays are unknown.
Aug. 4: Assistance Dog Day. Part of International Assistance Dog Week, this observation honors the many types of assistance dogs.
Aug. 5: Work Like a Dog Day.
Aug. 8: International Cat Day.
Aug. 10: Snoopy’s Birthday. Peanuts Worldwide celebrates the birthday of the world’s favorite beagle.
Aug. 10: Spoil Your Dog Day.
Aug. 15: National Check the Chip Day. AVMA and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) joined together to create “Check the Chip Day.”
Aug. 16: Saint Roch’s Day. Patron saint of dogs.
Aug. 17: National Black Cat Appreciation Day.
Aug. 17: National Nonprofit Day.
Aug. 21: International Homeless Animals’ Day. Third Saturday in August.
Aug. 22: National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day.
Aug. 23: International Blind Dog Day.
Aug. 26: National Dog Day. One of the most popular pet holidays of the year, a day to celebrate with activities for you and your dog. Visit instagram.com/nationaldogday for the latest.
Aug. 28: Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day.
Aug. 30: National Holistic Pet Day.
SEPTEMBER
Monthlong Observances
Happy Cat Month. Established by the CATalyst Council.
National Service Dog Month.
National Pet Insurance Month.
Responsible Dog Ownership Month.
Pet Sitter Education Month.
Animal Pain Awareness Month.
National Disaster Preparedness Month. Led by FEMA’s Ready Campaign, Citizen Corps and The Advertising Council, this effort encourages individuals, families, businesses and communities to work together and take action to prepare for emergencies. Visit Ready.gov.
Weeklong Observances
Sept. 20-26: Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week.
Sept. 20-26: National Deaf Dog Awareness Week. Last full week in September.
Sept. 20-26: National Dog Week. Last full week in September.
Special Days
Sept. 1: Ginger Cat Appreciation Day.
Sept. 1: Boykin Spaniel Day. A South Carolina observance honoring the South Carolina state dog.
Sept. 8: National Dog Walker Appreciation Day. Founded in 2016 by Wag!, this day recognizes the work of professional dog walkers.
Second Sunday in September. National Pet Memorial Day. Established by the International Association of Pet Cemeteries & Crematories.
Second Sunday in September. National Hug Your Hound Day.
Sept. 13: Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day. A day dedicated to the issue of pet birth defects including information on identification, prevention and treatment.
Sept. 13: Scooby-Doo Day. The dog detective made his debut on this date in 1969.
Third Saturday in September: Puppy Mill Awareness Day.
Third Saturday in September: Responsible Dog Ownership Day.
Sept. 19: National Meow Like a Pirate Day.
Sept. 22: National Walk ‘n’ Roll Dog Day. Honoring dogs in wheelchairs and with mobility challenges.
Sept. 23: Dogs in Politics Day (also known as Checkers Day). Recognizing the dogs of politicians.
Sept. 23: 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.
Sept. 25: World’s Largest Pet Walk. Sponsored by Pet Partners.
Sept. 28: World Rabies Day. Sponsored by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control.
Last Saturday of September: Old Yeller Day. Author Fred Gipson’s hometown of Mason, Texas, celebrates the famous tale.
OCTOBER
Monthlong Observances
Adopt-A-Dog Month. By American Humane Association.
Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month. By ASPCA.
National Animal Safety and Protection Month.
National Pet Wellness Month.
National Pit Bull Awareness Month.
Weeklong Observances
1st Week of October. National Walk Your Dog Week.
Third week in October: National Veterinary Technician Week. Sponsored by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America.
Special Days
Oct. 1: National Fire Pup Day.
Oct. 1: National Black Dog Day.
Oct. 2: Poodle Day.
Oct. 4: World Animal Day.
Oct. 13: National Pet Obesity Awareness Day.
Oct. 16: Global Cat Day.
Oct. 16: National Feral Cat Day.
Oct. 17: National Fetch Day.
Oct. 21: National Pets for Veterans Day.
Oct. 27: National Black Cat Day in the UK.
Oct. 28: Plush Animal Lovers Day. A day that most dogs will be happy to celebrate…as they unstuff those plush toys…
Oct. 29: National Cat Day.
Last Saturday in October (unless Halloween falls on the last Saturday, then another date is chosen): National Pit Bull Awareness Day.
NOVEMBER
Adopt a Senior Pet Month. By ASPCA.
National Senior Pet Month.
Pet Cancer Awareness Month. Sponsored by Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) and the Animal Cancer Foundation. (Also see May events.)
Pet Diabetes Month.
Weeklong Observances
First full week of November: National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, by Humane Society International.
Special Days
Nov. 1: National Cook for Your Pets Day.
Nov. 1: International Pet Groomer Appreciation Day.
Nov. 7: National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day.
Nov. 16: National Slobber Appreciation Day.
Nov. 17: National Black Cat Day. Also celebrated on October 27.
Nov. 17: National Take a Hike Day.
National Dog Show. Always broadcast in the US on Thanksgiving, this event is held at The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania and is hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia.
DECEMBER
Monthlong Observances
National Cat Lover’s Month.
Special Days
Dec. 2: National Mutt Day. Also see July 31.
Dec. 5: Celebrate Shelter Pets Day. Humane Society of the United States.
