Your pet brings you so much joy and happiness. Of course, these benefits are a two-way street with them getting just as much from you as well.
Below are a few holidays throughout the year that can provide inspiration for you to celebrate, create memories, and just have a good time together.
January 2 - National Pet Travel Safety Day
Before heading out on the road with your pet, it's essential to be prepared for anything they might need. Make sure you are both up for the adventure, and that you, as the pet parent, know how to keep your pet safe during travel.
January 2 - Happy Mew Year for Cats Day
January 14 - National Dress Up Your Pet Day
January 14th marks National Dress Up Your Pet Day. One idea is to look for matching outfits for you and your pet which creates a really fun experience. Not all pets like to be dressed up though. If yours isn't into playing dress-up, perhaps you could play with your pet with some of their new holiday toys instead.
January 21 - National Hug Day
Show your four-legged friends your appreciation with a hug.
January 22 - National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day
January 24 - Change a Pet’s Life Day
February 3 - Doggy Date Night
The actual day of Doggy Date Night changes every year with the date falling on February 3rd. There are many ways that you can celebrate this annual event this year. Make sure you take your cues from your doggy date, you could treat them to a romp in the park before heading to a local restaurant for some outdoor dining.
February 3 - National Golden Retriever Day
If you are the proud parent of a golden retriever, this is the day to really treat and spoil your fur baby. Along with Doggy Date Night, which is also celebrated on February 3rd, you could plan a spa day with lots of grooming, cuddling, and special gourmet treats.
February 14 - Pet Theft Awareness Day and Valentine’s Day
We know how much your pets mean to you. Do what you can to ensure your pets are kept safe and feel all of your love on this day.
February 20 - National Love Your Pet Day
February is the month of L-O-V-E! National Love Your Pet Day is on February 20th. Use this special day to spend some quality, one-on-one time with your pet. Be sure to take lots of pictures so you and your pet can look back on the good times you've shared.
February 22 - Walking the Dog Day
February 23 - National Dog Biscuit Day
Baking and making homemade treats for your dog is a good way to show them you appreciate them. Treat your furry friend with some dog biscuits on this day.
February 28 - World Spay Day
March 1 - National Pig Day
Make sure to show your favorite pig some extra love on March first. Why? Because it's National Pig Day! Don't have a pig? That's ok! There are plenty of ways to show some love to the pigs. Did you know that there are pig sanctuaries and they are always grateful for donations? We have Ironwood Pig Sanctuary that is just north of Tucson. They are home to over 600 pigs! Go to their website www.ironwoodpigs.org to learn how you can help.
March 5-11 - Professional Pet Sitters Week
Taking place annually on the first full week of March, Pet Sitters Week honors professional pet-care providers. It's important to educate pet owners about the benefits of pet care and pet sitting. Contact Central Pet to learn more about the advantages of pet care and the services available for Tucson pet parents, like doggy daycare and boarding.
March 23 - National Puppy Day and Cuddly Kitten Day
March 23rd is the day to celebrate all of the cute puppies and kitties out there. Take your puppy out for a walk to a new place or spoil your kitty with a fun new toy. If your "fur baby" is grown now, consider making a donation in their name to a charity that helps dogs and cats celebrate the day.
April 2 - National Ferret Day
Attention ferret owners! April 2nd is a day devoted to the ferret with the celebration of National Ferret Day. (We just love those sneaky guys!)
April 10 - National Hug Your Dog Day
Remind your doggo how much you mean to them with a hug... and maybe a belly rub.
April 9 - 15 - National Dog Bite Prevention Week
During the second full week of April each year, National Dog Bite Prevention Week focuses on helping people understand how to prevent dog bites.
April 11 - National Pet Day
April 23 - National Lost Dogs Awareness Day
April 23rd is National Lost Dogs Awareness Day. Take the time to appreciate your dog -- and other pets -- that day. It's also a great time to make sure your pet's tags and microchips are up-to-date in case they find themselves lost.
April 28 - Hairball Awareness Day
Although this might be the least favorite thing about our feline friends, we still love them regardless!
April 30 - National Pet Parents Day
Celebrate you, as a pet parent, today! Don't forget to include the ones you made you a parent.
April 30 - National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
Shelters and animal rescues are temporary homes that are overflowing with companions for soon-to-be pet owners. There are many reasons why pets end up in shelters, but whatever the reason, there are plenty of pets ready to find a forever home with someone who has a lot of love to share. Consider adopting a pet on this day.
May 1 - National Loyalty Day
May is the perfect month to really celebrate your dog. National Loyalty Day is celebrated on May 1st every year. Who is more loyal than your dog? Known for their loyalty and devotion to those they love, it's the perfect time to demonstrate the feelings you have for your canine with special treats and attention.
May 3 - National Specially-Abled Pets Day
May 13 - National Dog Mom’s Day
May 14 - International Chihuahua Appreciation Day
If you are the proud parent of a chihuahua, this is the day to really treat and spoil your fiesty fur baby.
May 20 - National Rescue Dog Day
On May 20th, National Rescue Dog Day is celebrated. Whether your dog is a genuine rescue dog or not, it's the ideal day to spend a little extra time on letting your pooch know just how much you love and appreciate them. If you are local to Southern Arizona and find yourself inspired to rescue a dog, we recommend speaking to someone at Pima Animal Care Center (520-724-5900) or The Animal League of Green Valley (520-625-3170) for assistance in finding your newest addition.
June 4 - National Hug Your Cat Day
On June 4th, celebrate National Hug Your Cat Day. Even if your cat isn't usually the demonstrative type, they'll probably appreciate some special kitty treats or catnip.
June 7 - 13 - Pet Appreciation Week
A whole week dedicated to loving and appreciating your pet! Take some time this week to do something new and enjoyable with your pet. Take them on a long walk, spoil them with new toys and treats or pamper them with a day at the spa.
June 8 - National Best Friends Day
Not all best friends are human! Celebrate the day with your best companion.
June 13 - World Pet Memorial Day
June 23 - Take Your Dog to Work Day
To many people, their pets are part of the family so embracing Take Your Dog to Work Day feels only natural. Each year, it's celebrated on the Friday after Father's Day. For 2021, that's June 25th.
July 1 - ID Your Pet Day
Take some time today to double-check that your dog's identification tags are up-to-date and secure on your fur baby's collar.
July 1 - Hop-a-Park Day
Get into the holiday spirit by celebrating Hop-a-Park Day which occurs on the first Saturday in July. For 2021, that happens to be on July 3rd. It's a good day to take your dog park hopping to see if you can find any hidden gems in your area. Just make sure that you are choosing state parks and trails that are dog-friendly. (And, try to avoid the dog parks altogether.)
July 10th is National Kitten Day. Even if your cat is no longer a kitten, that doesn't mean you can't celebrate! Buy some fresh catnip, clear out a new spot in the sunshine, and prepare to make memories with your kitty today.
July 31 - National Mutt Day
August 8 - National Happiness Happens Day
August is the happiest month all year because that's when National Happiness Happens Day is celebrated. On August 8th, be sure to embrace every cute or funny thing your pet does that brings a smile to your face.
August 8 - International Cat Day
August 10 - Spoil Your Dog Day
August 15 - Check the Chip Day
If your pet is microchipped, ensure that it is functioning and up-to-date in case your pet does turn up missing.
August 17 - National Black Cat Appreciation Day
August 22 - National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day
Has your cat had their check-up recently? This day serves as a reminder to call your cat's vet and make an appointment to make sure your cat's health is in tip-top condition.
August 23 - International Blind Dog Day
August 26 - National Dog Day
August 28 - Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day
Take a walk down memory lane and recollect the wonderful memories you have created with past furry companions.
September 1 - Ginger Cat Appreciation Day
September 10 - National Hug Your Hound Day
September 24 - 30 - Deaf Dog Awareness Week
September 23 - Dogs in Politics Day
September 23rd is recognized as Dogs in Politics Day. It celebrates the canines who have lived in the White House. And, no matter your political affiliations, who doesn't love a cute dog? From the Obama family's Portuguese water dogs, Bo and Sunny, to President Johnson's stray, Yuki, that was found at a Texas gas station - we think all of the past dogs who graced the White House are worthy of swoon. Visit the White House Historical Association website to learn more about all of the Top Dogs in the White House.
September 28 - World Rabies Day
October 1 - National Black Dog Day
Did you know that black dogs are often left at the shelter for much longer than dogs of a different color? It's true! They are less likely to be adopted and left to sit in the shelter longer; therefore, we take a day to recognize there is a stigma against black dogs. And to let you know... they are good boys and girls too! Go find yourself one to love on. Even though it's called National Black Dog Day, you can still celebrate with your pet on October 1st -- even if your dog isn't black or you have a cat. Take advantage of the day by snuggling with your pet.
October 4 - World Animal Day
October 11 - National Pet Obesity Awareness Day
Pet Obesity Awareness Day focuses on reminding pet parents to monitor their pet's weight continuously to ensure their overall health.
October 28 - National Pit Bull Awareness Day
October 29 - National Cat Day
November 1 - National Cook for Your Pets Day
November 17 - National Take a Hike Day
Take your dog on a hike on November 17. Hiking can be a great form of exercise that is beneficial for you and your dog.
December 2 - National Mutt Day
December 2nd is recognized as National Mutt Day. (There are technically two National Mutt Days, the other was on July 31st.) This day reminds us to embrace our mixed-breed dogs. Just because we may not know their lineage doesn't mean that they aren't easily trained or just as cute as that purebred.
Spending quality time with your pet is important in a number of ways. Doing so helps you get to know your pet better, deepens the bond between the two of you, reduces stress, and much more. We hope this list of pet holidays for the year inspires you to celebrate and spend more time with your best companions!
Originally published in January 2021. Revised January 2023.