News Calendar Of Special Pet Weeks And Months

You are probably already aware that there are several weeks and months devoted to various human illnesses and special events. However, did you know that there are week and month-long celebrations for our dogs and cats as well? Listed below, you will find the most popular, Special Pet Weeks and Months dedicated to pets.

Week and Month-Long Celebrations Devoted to Dogs and Cats

The top national pet months set aside for our furry friends:

January

National Train Your Dog Month Created by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers in 2010, January has been devoted to educating pet owners about the importance of proper training for your pet.
National Walk Your Pet Month January has also been dedicated to creating an awareness of physical health by encouraging pet owners to begin a daily practice of taking their pets for walks.
Unchain a Dog Month January is Unchain a Dog Month. Dogs are not lawn ornaments. Find all of the information that you need online to raise awareness in your community about this cruel practice.

February

Responsible Pet Owners Month The month of February is devoted to teaching people about the importance of responsible pet ownership and showing others how they can do the same.
Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week, Feb. 7-14, 2014 Beginning on February 7, 2014, children and adults across the country will make Valentine’s Day cards. These cards, along with brochures and treat coupons, will be delivered to chained and penned dogs on February 14, 2014.
National Prevent a Litter Month Created by the Humane Society of the United States, Prevent a Litter Month focuses on educating pet owners about the benefits of spaying and neutering their pets.
Pet Dental Health Month Too many pet owners neglect their pet’s dental health. However, the month of February has been dedicated to teaching people about proper dental hygiene for their dogs and cats.
National Cat Health Month Celebrated in February of each year, National Cat Health Month gives us a reason to take time to celebrate the bond we have with our feline friends. The month also reminds us to take time out to make sure our cats are healthy.
National Pet Dental Month February is also National Pet Dental Month. Remember that your cat can’t brush its own teeth and, if you don’t do it, it may very well be time for a trip to the veterinarian for an oral health screening.
Spay/Neuter Awareness Month February is a busy month for pets; it is also the month when we raise awareness of the importance of spaying and neutering. Find out how you can help spread the word.

March

First Week of March – Professional Pet Sitters Week Pet Sitters International created Pet Sitters Week to recognize pet sitters for all of their hard work when caring for dogs and cats while their owners are away. 03/01/2014 United States
Third Week of March – Pet Poison Prevention Week The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has set aside the third week of March to educate pet owners about common plants and household cleaners that can be toxic to pets.

April

National Pet ID Week The third full week of April is National Pet ID Week. Is your pet microchipped? If not, make this the week that it happens. Find here facts about microchipping pets.
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month The ASPCA has also set aside April to create awareness of the cruelty that many pets experience every day and the work that the organization does to help them.
National Heartworm Awareness Month Heartworm is a deadly disease that is spread by mosquitos, and the month of April is devoted to teaching pet owners about the importance of heartworm prevention and testing.
National Pet Month The goals of National Pet Month are to promote responsible pet ownership, celebrate working companion pets and educate people about the benefits of owning a dog or cat.
National Pet First Aid Awareness Month Developed by the American Red Cross, National Pet First Aid Awareness Month is April. Brush up on tips provided by the organization to assist your pet in an emergency.
Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month April is also Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month. If your dog has tick exposure, make sure that it is receiving routine lyme vaccinations. Learn here how to remove a tick from a pet.

May

First Week of May – National Pet Week National Pet Week is observed during the first full week in May each year. The week is celebrated by veterinarians, rescuers and owners in many different ways. Visit the petweek.org site to find out how you can participate in the fun. 05/01/2014 United States
First Week of May – Be Kind to Animals Week The American Humane Association started Be Kind to Animals Week in 1915 to encourage people to show compassion to animals. Each year, shelters across the country hold special events to promote kindness to pets.
The week of May 5 – Puppy Mill Action Week Puppy Mill Action Week is held during the week of May 5, 2014. This special week coincides with Mother’s Day in the United States. The goal is to bring awareness to all of the puppymill “mothers” that are being kept in unsanitary and unsafe conditions across the country.
Third Week of May – National Dog Bite Prevention Week The American Veterinary Medical Association has set aside the third week of May to teach people about dog bite prevention and what to do if you are bit by a dog.
Responsible Animal Guardian Month The month of May is when we celebrate the human-animal bond. Spend a few days in the month of May reflecting upon why you are thankful for the pets in your life.
Chip Your Pet Month May is National Chip Your Pet Month. If you haven’t had your pet microchipped yet, look for a kennel or clinic near you offering discounted microchipping services and get it done.
National Pet Month National Pet Month is observed annually in May. The month is spent celebrating the joy that dogs, cats and other pets bring to the lives of humans. If you don’t have a pet, May is the perfect month to welcome one into your home.
National Service Dog Eye Examination Month May is National Service Dog Eye Exam Month. If you have a service animal, visit The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) website to see if your animal qualifies to participate in a free eye exam.

June

Pet Appreciation Week The first full week in June is dedicated to the appreciation of our furry family members. Show the love you have for your pet with great grooming supplies, cool new toys and yummy treats.
Adopt a Shelter Cat Month Every day, there are thousands of cats and kittens put to sleep in shelters all across the country. As such, the American Humane Society has dedicated the month of June to encourage shelter cat adoptions.
Adopt a Cat Month June is when we celebrate Adopt a Cat Month. The goal of this month is to get more homeless cats into welcoming homes. Whether you currently have several cats or are looking for your first, June is a fabulous month to add a new feline friend to your family.
National Pet Preparedness Month National Pet Preparedness Month is in June of each year. Do you know what you will do with your pets should you experience a natural disaster or emergency? Take this time to come up with an action plan for your pets.
Social Petworking Month Adopt-A-Pet.com established Social Petworking Month in 2009. The campaign, held during the month of June, began as a way to connect homeless pets to potential families via social networking pages. The month of June is now dedicated to this effort on an annual basis.

July

National Dog House Repairs Month July is National Dog House Repairs Month. There is no better time than July to make sure that your pet’s outdoor digs are in good repair.

August

First Week of August – International Assistance Dog Week Assistance dogs provide valuable help to many different people all over the world, and the first week of August is devoted to showing appreciation for everything they do.

September

Last week of September – National Dog Week The first National Dog Week was held in 1928. This year, the holiday will be observed the last full week of September. The week aims to create more responsible dog owners in the world.
Last week of September – Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week Another holiday in the last full week of September, the holiday is spent trying to find homes for dogs that are less adoptable. Many factors varying from disabled pets, to black cats and specific dog breeds like the Pit Bull, can make pets less adoptable.
National Deaf Pet Awareness Week The last week in September is also National Deaf Pet Awareness Week. Did you know that dogs learn best with hand signals?
National Pet Insurance Month The month of September is devoted to teaching pet owners about the many benefits of purchasing pet insurance for their pets. Your pet’s health is very important and pet insurance can help provide the care that your pet needs.
AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Month September is a month to celebrate the commitment that every dog owner undertakes when they bring a canine into their home. Find out here how to be a Responsible Pet Owner.
Happy Cat Month Highlight the month of September on your calendar; it’s Happy Cat Month. Challenge yourself to find a new way each day to make your cat happy. Maybe with some new cat toys? Check out the best toys for cats.

October

National Walk Your Dog Week Grab a leash, grab your dog, and head down the sidewalk for National Walk Your Dog Week. Held the week of October 1, it’s a great excuse to get some more exercise.
Wishbones for Pets Month From mid-October through the end of November, pet sitters around the country collect pet goods and funds for the homeless animals in their communities.
National Animal Safety and Protection Month If you aren’t doing all that you can to keep your pets safe and healthy, October is the month to change your habits.
Adopt a Shelter Dog Month October is Adopt a Dog Month. The best way to show your love for dogs is to adopt one from a local shelter, and the ASPCA has devoted the month of October to encouraging people to do just that. Use the occasion to give a shelter or rescue dog a fantastic new place in your home.
National Animal Pet Wellness Month Your pet’s health is important, and the Humane Society of the United States has set aside the month of October to remind pet owners of the importance of preventative care and regular checkups.
National Service Dog Month During October, we honor all of the dogs that make living so much easier for us humans. Service dogs provide a great deal of help to disabled children and adults all over the world. Without the help of these wonderful canines, many of these people would have a difficult time doing even the simplest tasks. As such, October has been set aside to honor these dedicated dogs and all of the fabulous things they do for their humans.
National Pit Bull Awareness Month October is the month when we take time out to realize that it’s not the breed, it’s the owner. Find a pittie and make it your friend. Find here useful tips on how to raise a well-adjusted Pit Bull.

November

National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week Spend the first full week of November showing your appreciation to your local shelter and rescue workers. These people do more for animals than they are given credit for.
Adopt a Senior Pet Month November is National Senior Pet Month. Welcome an older pet into your home this year. All too often, when people go to shelters to adopt a pet, they choose puppies or kittens. However, there are many great senior pets that need loving homes as well. As such, November has been devoted to encouraging the adoption of older pets. Senior pets are actually terrific choices as they are usually already trained. If you are looking for a pet, adopt a senior dog or cat in November during Adopt a Senior Pet Month.
Pet Cancer Awareness Month and Pet Diabetes Awareness Month Just as with humans, pets can develop cancer and diabetes. To raise awareness of these serious diseases, the month of November has been dedicated to educating people about how to handle pets with cancer or diabetes.

These are the top week and month-long celebrations devoted to our furry friends. The year is packed with Special Holidays that are devoted to pets: Calendar of Special Pet Days