Sara Nelson
2024 is shaping up to be a great year for dog owners! Several dog holidays are coming up that you don’t want to miss.
From National Walk Your Dog Day to National Dog Day, there’s something for everyone. In this blog post, we will list the top 12 dog holidays in 2024 and tell you what you need to know about them.
To make it more exciting, these 12 holidays are what we think are the best dog holidays for each month of the year. We have also included a list of other important days in each month.
So mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate with your furry friend!
Here are the top 12 dog holidays that you should know about for each month:
January 24: Change a Petβs Life Day
This holiday is dedicated to shelter and rescue dogs in recognition of the millions of canines that are abandoned in shelters each year. Whether you’ve decided to adopt a dog or simply want to volunteer or contribute to your local animal shelter, there are several options for assisting dogs in need of a good home.
Other January Dog Holidays:
- Walk Your Dog Month
- Unchain a Dog Month
- National Train Your Dog Month
- January 2nd – National Pet Travel Safety Day
- January 7th – National Alaskan Malamute Day
- January 8th – National Labrador Retriever Day
- January 9th– National Australian Shepherd Day
- January 13th- National French Bulldog Day
- January 14th – National Dress Up Your Pet Day
- January 15th- National American Eskimo Dog Day
- January 16th- National Bouvier de Flandres Day
- January 17th- National Boxer Day
- January 19th – National Conservation Dog Day
- January 22nd- National Yorkshire Terrier Day
- January 24th- Change a Petβs Life Day
- January 29th – Seeing-Eye Guide Dog Anniversary
February 20: Love Your Pet Day
Rewarding your dog with something theyβll love is something that they will appreciate, and keep them happy for a long time. On National Love Your Pet Day, we should honor the unique connection between you and your pet by offering extra chewy treats and plenty of cuddles.
Other February Dog Holidays:
- Black Dog and Cat Syndrome Awareness Month
- National Justice for Animals Week.
- February 2nd- Sled Dog Day
- February 2nd- National Brown Dog Day
- February 3rd – National Golden Retriever Day
- February 3rd – Doggy Date Night
- February 5th- World Animal Reiki Day.
- February 7th -14th – Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week
- February 12th – Safety Pup Day
- February 14th – Pet Theft Awareness Day
- February 19th – National Boston Terrier Day
- February 19th- National Whippet Day
- February 22nd – National Walking Your Dog Day
- February 23rd – International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
- February 25th – World Spay Day
March 23: National Puppy Day
“Happiness is a warm puppy,” according to cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, and we couldn’t agree more! National Puppy Day also promotes adoption for pups all around the world in addition to recognizing the love puppies provide. Celebrate by donating to your local animal shelter or rescue. If you want to go back in time, scroll down through some adorable photos of your pup!
Other March Dog Holidays:
- Poison Prevention Awareness Month
- March 3rd – If Pets Had Thumbs Day
- March 5th – 8th – Crufts. Held in Birmingham, England, this is the worldβs largest dog show
- March 13th – National K9 Veterans Day
- March 14th to 21st – Pet Theft Awareness Week
- March 17th to 23rd – National Animal Poison Prevention Week
- March 30th – Take a Walk in the Park Day
April 11: Dog Therapy Appreciation Day
Therapy dogs, like service dogs, go through a lot of training in order to comfort those who need healing and care. Support your local therapy dog organization or tell a story on social media about a therapy animal who has affected you or a loved one to honor these unique animals.
Other April Dog Holidays:
- Canine Fitness Month
- National Adopt a Greyhound Month
- National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
- Prevention of Cruelty To Animals Month
- National Pet Month
- April 4th – World Stray Animals Day
- April 8th – National Dog Fighting Awareness Day
- April 11th – National Pet Day
- April 19th – National Dog Parent Appreciation Day
- April 21st – Bulldogs are Beautiful Day
- April 23rd – National Lost Dog Awareness Day
- April 25th – International Guide Dog Day
- April 26th – National Kids and Pets Day
- April 28th – National Pet Parents Day
- April 30th – National Therapy Animal Day
- April 30th – Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
May 20: National Rescue Dog Day
The National Rescue Dog Day focuses on the millions of dogs who are given to shelters every year, pushing for animal adoption and promoting spay and neuter programs. Dedicate this day to your local animal shelter or rescue by donating, fostering a dog in need, or adopting a homeless dog. These are just some options for commemorating this holiday.
Other May Dog Holidays:
- Chip Your Pet Month
- Pet Cancer Awareness Month
- National Pet Month
- May 1st – National Purebred Dog Day
- May 3rd – National Specially-Abled Pets Day
- May 3rd – 9th – National Pet Week
- May 4th -10th – Puppy Mill Action Week (Learn about the shocking puppy mill statistics that are truly devastating)
- May 7th – National Dog Momβs Day
- May 9th – National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day
- May 14th – International Chihuahua Appreciation Day
- May 29th – National Dog-Friendly Day
June 21: Dog Party Day
This is the most exciting paw-ty occasion! Dog Party Day was created to give our adorable dogs a unique day to relax and play with other furry friends. Invite your dog’s furry pals and their pet parents for a fun-filled day of goodies, games, and romping!
Other June Dog Holidays:
- National Pet Preparedness Month
- National Foster a Pet Month
- June 2nd to 8th – National Dog Bite Awareness Week
- June 7th – 13th – Pet Appreciation Week
- June 9th – World Pet Memorial Day
- June 22nd – 26th – Take Your Pet to Work Week
- June 26th – Take Your Dog to Work Day
July 11: All-American Pet Photo Day
Snap a few social-worthy selfies of your dog enjoying the summer or participating in an Independence Day photo session. Here are some cool suggestions for how to take pet photos!
Other July Dog Holidays:
- National Lost Pet Prevention Month
- National Pet Hydration Awareness Month
- Dog House Repair Month
- July 5th – Pet Remembrance Day
- July 15th – National Pet Fire Safety Day
- July 21st – No Pet Store Puppies Day
- July 26th – National Dog Photography Day – UK
- July 27th – Aug 3rd National Feed a Rescue Pet Week
- July 31st – National Mutt Day
August 26: National Dog Day
This day is dedicated to dogs, regardless of their breed, background, and personality. The purpose of the holiday is to draw attention to the many dogs who need to be saved annually and to appreciate the ways all pups bring comfort and security. There are lots of ways to show your gratitude, whether it’s giving your dog a unique massage or helping at the local animal shelter.
Other August Dog Holidays:
- August 4th – 10th – International Assistance Dog Week
- August 5th – Work Like a Dog Day
- August 10th – Spoil Your Dog Day
- August 15th – National Check the Chip Day
- August 16th – International Homeless Animalsβ Day
- August 23rd – International Blind Dog Day
- August 28th – Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day
September 28: World Rabies Day
More than 59,000 people die from rabies each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. World Rabies Day is dedicated to raising public awareness about this preventable disease and educating pet owners on what vaccines their dogs require. Make sure your dog is up to date on their shots.
Other September Dog Holidays:
- National Service Dog Month
- National Pet Insurance Month
- Responsible Dog Ownership Month
- Pet Sitter Education Month
- September 9th – Happy Dog Day
- September 13th – National Hug Your Dog Day
- September 13th – National Pet Memorial Day
- September 18th – Love Your Dog Groomer Day
- September 20th – 26th – National Dog Week
- September 22nd – 28th – National Deaf Dog Awareness Week
- September 23rd – Dogs in Politics Day
- September 28th – Worldβs Largest Pet Walk
October 1: National Black Dog Day
Unfortunately, many dogs go unadopted because of their color. National Black Dog Day is a day to recognize both black and dark-colored dogs and the importance of finding them homes. Consider adopting a black dog if you’re considering adding a four-legged companion to your household.
Other October Dog Holidays:
- Adopt-A-Dog Month
- Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
- National Animal Safety and Protection Month
- National Pet Wellness Month
- National Pit Bull Awareness Month
- Small Dog Awareness Month
- October 1st – 7th – National Walk Your Dog Week
- October 1st – National Fire Pup Day
- October 4th – World Animal Day
- October 10th – National Pet Obesity Awareness Day
- October 24th – National Pit Bull Awareness Day
November 7: National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day
Lymphoma is a relatively common cancer in dogs, and it kills many pets each year. Learn the symptoms of canine lymphoma and raise awareness about this disease.
Other November Dog Holidays:
- National Senior Pet Month/ Adopt a Senior Pet Month
- Pet Diabetes Month
- November 1st – National Cook for Your Pets Day
- November 3rd – 9th – National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
- November 12th – World Animal Enrichment Day
- November 14th – National Dog Show (check our cool blog post about the winners of the National Dog Show in previous years)
- November 30th – World Pet Day
December 2: National Twin With Your Dog Day
National Twin With Your Dog Day is a joyful celebration held annually where pet owners dress in matching outfits with their dogs. This unique day, celebrated on December 1, 2024, underscores the bond between humans and their beloved pets.
This year’s theme, “Unity in Uniqueness”, expresses the distinct relationship each owner shares with their pet. Festivities on this day include outfit contests, photo challenges, and charity events promoting animal welfare.
So mark your calendars and get ready to “twin” with your canine companion in style!
Other December Dog Holidays:
- December 2nd – National Mutt Day
- December 5th – Celebrate Shelter Pets Day
- December 10th – International Animal Rights Day
- December 11th – Holiday Food Drive for Needy Animals Day
There you have it β the 12 dog holidays that every pet owner should know about. Mark your calendars, and be sure to spoil your furry friend this year!
And if youβre looking for more ways to show your pup some love, be sure to check out our blog for tons of great tips and tricks.
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