2023 National Dog Day and 60+ Other Pet Holidays & Observances

Easy Busy Pets

January 1, 2023

Prepare for the year ahead with our comprehensive list of pet-related celebrations to promote on your company's social media pages each month. From National Love Your Pet Day to National Dog Day, this guide has got you covered for all the important furry friend holidays. Please note that there may be occasional disputes over the exact date of some celebrations, so don't be alarmed if you see others posting about these holidays on a different day than what's listed below.

January

Welcome the New Year by setting goals and making resolutions not only for yourself but also for your beloved furry companion. January is an ideal time to commemorate numerous pet holidays and cherish the special bond between you and your pet.

January 2: National Pet Travel Safety Day (USA)
January 14: National Dress Up Your Pet Day (USA)
January 21: Squirrel Appreciation Day (USA)

January 24: Change a Pet's Life Day (USA)

January 29: Seeing Eye Dog Day (USA)

February

While our pets undoubtedly hold a special place in our hearts on Valentine's Day, February is also brimming with a plethora of holidays dedicated to our furry friends.

February 14: Pet Theft Awareness Day (USA)
February 20: Love Your Pet Day (USA, Canada, Europe, UK, Australia)
February 22: Walking the Dog Day (USA)

February 23: International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day (USA)

February 27: World Spay Day (USA, Canada, Europe, UK, Australia)

March

In addition to being a time for Spring Break getaways and escaping chilly weather, this month provides an excellent opportunity to educate oneself on substances that may be toxic to pets: March is the National Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month.

March 1: National Pig Day (USA)
March 3: If Pets Had Thumbs Day (USA)
March 13: K9 Veterans Day (USA)

March 20: International Day of Happiness (Worldwide)

March 23: National Puppy Day (USA)

April

Whether it's National Pet Day on April 11th, Adopt a Shelter Pet Day on April 30th, or any of the other holidays throughout the month, there are plenty of ways to show your furry friend how much you appreciate them without resorting to risky pranks. Always prioritize your pet's well-being and make April a month of joy and positivity for you and your furry companion.

April 2: Ferret Day (USA)
April 10: National Hug Your Dog Day (USA)
April 11: National Pet Day (USA)

April 16: National Pet Owners Independence Day (USA)

April 29: International Guide Dog Day (USA, Canada, Europe, UK, Australia)

May

In May, dogs of all breeds, sizes, and backgrounds receive an extra dose of love and appreciation. This includes Chihuahuas, purebreds, mixed breeds, specially-abled dogs, and rescue pups.

May 1: National Purebred Dog Day (USA)
May 3: National Specially-Abled Pets Day (USA)
May 7: National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day (USA)

May 8: National Dog Mom's Day (USA)

May 14: International Chihuahua Appreciation Day (Worldwide)

June

June 4: National Hug Your Cat Day (USA)
June 8: Best Friends Day (USA, Canada, Europe, UK, Australia)
June 17: Take Your Cat to Work Day (USA)

June 21: Take Your Dog to Work Day (USA, Canada, Europe, UK, Australia)

June 24: Cat World Domination Day (USA)

July

July is a month that highlights several pet-themed holidays, with a special focus on raising awareness about pets that may become lost or frightened by fireworks. As you gear up for the exciting Fourth of July festivities, remember to take extra precautions to ensure your pets stay safe and comfortable. Keep in mind the potential risks of loud noises and bright lights, and take steps to minimize any potential harm to your furry friends. By prioritizing their safety, you can fully enjoy the holiday while also showing your pets how much you care for them.

July 1: ID Your Pet Day (USA)

July 4: Independence Day (USA)
July 15: National Pet Fire Safety Day (USA)

July 21: National Craft for Your Local Shelters Day (USA)

July 31: Mutt's Day (USA)

August

This month is packed with numerous pet-centered celebrations, including the much-beloved National Dog Day, a favorite of the Daily Paws community. So even if there aren't many holidays on the human calendar, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate with your four-legged companions during the month of August.

August 8: International Cat Day (Worldwide)
August 15: National Check the Chip Day (USA)
August 17: Black Cat Appreciation Day (USA)

August 26: National Dog Day (USA)

August 30: National Holistic Pet Day (USA)

September

Make the most of summer's balmy evenings by stepping out and commemorating these pet-centric holidays with your furry companion.

September 4: National Wildlife Day (USA)
September 9: National Pet Memorial Day (USA, Canada, Europe, UK, Australia)
September 13: National Hug Your Hound Day (USA)

September 19: International Talk Like a Pirate Day (Worldwide)

September 28: World Rabies Day (Worldwide)

October

In addition to preparing your pet's Halloween attire, October presents an ideal opportunity to celebrate black cats and consider adopting a new furry friend.

October 1: National Black Dog Day (USA)
October 4: World Animal Day (Worldwide)
October 16: National Feral Cat Day (USA)

October 29: National Cat Day (USA)

October 31: Halloween (USA, Canada, Europe, UK, Australia)

November

As you gear up for the many Thanksgiving festivities ahead, it's essential to keep your pet's safety in mind and steer clear of feeding them any potentially harmful foods.

November 1: National Cook for Your Pets Day (USA)

November 7-13: National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week (USA)
November 17: National Take a Hike Day (USA, Canada, Europe, UK, Australia)

November 22: National Go for a Ride Day (USA)

November 28: Red Planet Day (USA) - not strictly a pet holiday, but a great opportunity to celebrate your pet's otherworldly cuteness

December

December may not have a lot of pet-centric holidays, but that doesn't mean you can't include your furry friend in all the other festive activities taking place throughout the month.

December 2: National Mutt Day (USA)
December 4: World Wildlife Conservation Day (Worldwide)
December 5: International Volunteer Day (Worldwide) - a great day to volunteer at your local animal shelter or rescue organization

December 21: National Homeless Animals' Day (USA)

December 31: New Year's Eve (USA, Canada, Europe, UK, Australia) - a great opportunity to celebrate the end of the year with your furry friends

In addition to the monthly pet celebrations listed above, there are also many other opportunities to celebrate our furry friends throughout the year. While we often involve our pets in major holidays like Christmas and Halloween, why not make every day a celebration with your pet? The annual niche pet holidays range from the lighthearted, such as Doggy Date Night and National Meow Like a Pirate Day, to the awareness-raising, such as Pet Dental Month and Wildlife Conservation Day. These special days give us all a great reason to show our pets some extra love in 2023, though let's be honest - we don't really need an excuse to spoil our pets!

At Easy Busy Pets, we firmly believe that expressing appreciation for your furry friend shouldn't be limited to special occasions. Every day is an opportunity to celebrate the joy they bring into your life!

If you're passionate about honoring pets on a regular basis, why not consider starting your own pet care company?

Our Easy Busy Pets Blog offers a wealth of resources to help you get started, including fantastic articles on launching a pet sitting, dog walking, doggy daycare, or dog grooming business.

Explore our blog today to discover even more valuable insights!

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