Pet Holidays 2026: A Month-by-Month Guide for Pet Parents
Table of Contents
Every year brings meaningful opportunities to celebrate, protect, and advocate for animals. Whether you’re a devoted pet parent, an animal welfare supporter, or a professional in the pet industry, pet holidays 2026 offer countless ways to raise awareness, show love, and take action.
Below is the complete pet holiday calendar for 2026, organized month by month.
January 2026 – New Year, New Paw-sibilities
Month-Long Celebrations
- Walk Your Pet Month
- Adopt a Rescued Bird Month
- National Train Your Dog Month
Key Dates
- Jan 2 – National Pet Travel Safety Day
- Jan 2 – Happy Mew Year for Cats Day
- Jan 5 – National Bird Day
- Jan 8 – Bubble Bath Day (pets included!)
- Jan 14 – National Dress Up Your Pet Day
- Jan 21 – Squirrel Appreciation Day
- Jan 22 – National Answer Your Cat’s Question Day
- Jan 24 – Change a Pet’s Life Day
- Jan 29 – Seeing Eye Guide Dog Day
February 2026 – Love, Health & Responsibility
Month-Long Celebrations
- Pet Dental Health Month
- Dog Training Education Month
- Cat Health Month
- Bird Feeding Month
- Responsible Pet Owners Month
- Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month
- Spay/Neuter Awareness Month
Weeks & Days
- Feb 7–14 – Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week
- Feb 22–28 – Justice for Animals Week
Key Dates
- Feb 2 – Groundhog Day
- Feb 4 – World Cancer Day
- Feb 14 – Valentine’s Day
- Feb 17 – Random Acts of Kindness Day
- Feb 20 – Love Your Pet Day
- Feb 23 – International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
- Feb 24 – World Spay Day
- Feb 27 – Polar Bear Day
March 2026 – Awareness & Compassion
Month-Long Celebrations
- Poison Prevention Month
- Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month
Key Dates
- Mar 1 – National Pig Day
- Mar 3 – If Pets Had Thumbs Day
- Mar 8 – International Women’s Day
- Mar 17 – St. Patrick’s Day ☘️
- Mar 20 – International Day of Happiness
- Mar 23 – National Puppy & Cuddly Kitten Day
April 2026 – Health, Safety & Advocacy
Month-Long Celebrations
- Heartworm Awareness Month
- Lyme Disease Prevention Month
- Pet First Aid Awareness
- Animal Cruelty Prevention Month
Key Dates
- Apr 2 – National Ferret Day
- Apr 4 – World Stray Animals Day
- Apr 7 – World Health Day
- Apr 10 – Hug Your Dog Day
- Apr 11 – National Pet Day (Canada)
- Apr 19 – National Cat Lady Day
- Apr 22 – Earth Day
- Apr 23 – Lost Dog Awareness Day
- Apr 25 – World Veterinary Day
- Apr 30 – Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
May 2026 – Celebrate Pets Everywhere
Month-Long Celebrations
- Pet Month
- Pet Cancer Awareness Month
- Chip Your Pet Month
- Lyme Disease Prevention Month
Key Dates
- May 2 – Save the Rhino Day
- May 3 – Specially-Abled Pets Day
- May 4 – Respect for Chickens Day
- May 8 – World Donkey Day
- May 9 – Animal Disaster Preparedness Day
- May 20 – National Rescue Dog Day
- May 23 – World Turtle Day
June 2026 – Pride, Preparedness & Memory
Month-Long Celebrations
- Pride Month
- Pet Preparedness Month
- Shelter Cat Adoption Month
- Microchipping Awareness Month
Key Dates
- Jun 4 – Hug Your Cat Day
- Jun 9 – World Pet Memorial Day
- Jun 24 – Cat World Domination Day
July 2026 – Summer Safety & Fun
Month-Long Celebrations
- Pet Hydration Month
- Lost Pet Prevention Month
Key Dates
- Jul 10 – National Kitten Day
- Jul 15 – Pet Fire Safety Day
- Jul 26 – Dog Photography Day
- Jul 31 – Mutt’s Day
August 2026 – Health & Appreciation
Month-Long Celebrations
- Immunization Awareness Month
- Itchy Pet Awareness Month
Key Dates
- Aug 1 – Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs 🎉
- Aug 8 – International Cat Day
- Aug 15 – Check the Chip Day
- Aug 17 – Black Cat Appreciation Day
- Aug 26 – International Dog Day
September 2026 – Protection & Responsibility
Month-Long Celebrations
- Pet Insurance Awareness Month
- Animal Pain Awareness Month
- Disaster Preparedness Month
Key Dates
- Sep 13 – National Pet Memorial Day
- Sep 18 – Responsible Dog Ownership Day
- Sep 28 – World Rabies Day
October 2026 – Adoption & Awareness
Month-Long Celebrations
- Adopt a Pet Month
- Pet Wellness Month
- Animal Safety & Protection Month
Key Dates
- Oct 4 – World Animal Day
- Oct 14 – Pet Obesity Awareness Day
- Oct 17 – National Fetch Day
- Oct 29 – National Cat Day
- Oct 31 – Halloween
November 2026 – Senior Pets & Gratitude
Month-Long Celebrations
- Senior Pet Month
- Pet Cancer Awareness Month
- Adopt a Senior Pet Month
Key Dates
- Nov 1 – Cook for Your Pet Day
- Nov 5 – Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day
- Nov 13 – World Kindness Day
December 2026 – Safety & Celebration
Month-Long Celebrations
- Cat Lovers’ Month
- Holiday Pet Safety Month
Key Dates
- Dec 9 – International Day of Veterinary Medicine
- Dec 10 – Animal Rights Day
- Dec 14 – Monkey Day
- Dec 25 – Christmas Day
- Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pet Holidays 2026
Is there a National Pet Month?
Yes! May is National Pet Month, dedicated to celebrating pets and the positive impact they have on our lives. Organizations like America’s Charities also highlight animal-focused nonprofits and agents of change during this month.
Is it National Pet Day in Canada?
Yes. National Pet Day is celebrated in Canada on April 11. It’s a day to recognize the joy, companionship, and responsibility that come with pet ownership.
Why are pet holidays important?
Pet holidays raise awareness about animal welfare, health, safety, and adoption while encouraging responsible pet ownership and community involvement.
Contact Relopet International
For seamless and stress-free pet transportation services, rely on Relopet International. We understand the importance of your pet’s safety and comfort, and our expertise ensures a smooth travel experience for both you and your furry companion. Contact us today to learn more about our services.