Importance of Celebrating Animal Holidays
There are plenty of national animal holidays to celebrate throughout the year, but have you ever stopped to think about the importance of animal holidays? Just like people, animals need time to enjoy themselves and feel loved.
That’s why it’s so important to take the time to celebrate animal holidays with your furry friends. Here are just a few of the many holidays you can mark on your calendar this year.
National Animal Holidays Per Month
January
National Train Your Dog Month!
This is a national dog month. It is the perfect time to teach your furry friend some new tricks. It is fun for both of you, but research shows that it becomes happier and healthier when you train a dog. So national train your dog month is a great time to start training your dog.
National Walk Your Dog Month
January is National Walk Your Dog Month, a time to celebrate our canine companions and their joy in our lives. During this month, dog owners across the country participate in various activities and events to show their appreciation for their furry friends.
Squirrel Appreciation Day
With January 21st marking Squirrel Appreciation Day, there are many fun and exciting activities that you can do to show your appreciation for these bushy-tailed rodents. Some ideas might include going on a squirrel-watching hike, learning more about squirrel behaviors and habitats, or setting up feeders in your backyard to attract these delightful animals.
Penguin Awareness Day
Penguin Awareness Day is a special day that raises awareness about penguins’ unique and fascinating world. Every year on January 20th, people worldwide come together to celebrate these incredible animals and participate in fun activities that help raise awareness for their conservation.
February
National Pet Dental Health Month
February is national pet day for dental health month, and it’s a great time to start thinking about your dog’s dental hygiene. Like humans, dogs need to have their teeth brushed regularly to prevent plaque build-up and keep their gums healthy.
National Cat Health Month
February is national cat health month, a time to celebrate and promote the health and wellbeing of cats across the country. This annual event raises awareness about common feline health issues, such as obesity and dental disease, and encourages responsible pet ownership practices.
National Dog Training Education Month
This is a national dog month. National dog training education month is a special time to celebrate our furry friends and everything they bring to our lives. This year, show your pup some extra love by learning more about training them effectively.
National Wildlife Day
We celebrate National Wildlife Day on February 4th each year, a day that focuses on raising awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation. It highlights the natural world and all of its amazing creatures. It was brought up in 2013 by two sisters from New York, with inspiration from their love of nature and a desire to do more to help protect our planet’s animals.
Bird Health Awareness Week
Bird Health Awareness Week is a national event every year in February and March. This event educates the public about the importance of keeping our feathered friends healthy. You can participate in this event by attending bird health fairs, participating in educational workshops, or simply spreading the word to your friends and family.
World Whale Day
World whale day is a national animal holiday that we celebrate every February 13th. This particular day raises awareness about whales and other marine animals’ plight and celebrates these incredible creatures that play an essential role in our world’s oceans.
March
National Poison Prevention Week
National Poison Prevention Week is a yearly event that aims to raise awareness about the dangers of poisoning and how to prevent it. This critical week takes place every year from March 20th to 26th, and it serves as an opportunity for people around the country to learn more about this serious issue.
National K9 Veterans Day
National K9 Veterans Day is a day we celebrate on March 13th to honor the extraordinary service and sacrifice of America’s military working dogs and their handlers. These courageous canines play a vital role in protecting our country and its citizens, both at home and abroad.
From detecting bombs and explosives to tracking down enemy soldiers, these heroic animals have helped save countless lives.
World Wildlife Day
World Wildlife Day has been in existence since October 2013 after the resolution at the 68th session of the UN General Assembly. The resolution highlights that respect for nature lies at the core of human survival and development, noting that human life depends on myriad species that have been there long before the evolution of humans.
National Pig Day
It’s National Pig Day on March 1st! National Pig Day is a special day that celebrates pigs and their many contributions to society. It was founded in 1972 by two sisters, Mary and Ellen Stanley, who were raising awareness of the intelligence and beauty of these animals.
April
International Mother Earth Day
International Mother Earth Day is a global observance day that promotes the awareness of environmental concerns like climate change, pollution, and sustainability. It is celebrated on April 22 every year, and this year marks the 10th anniversary of its official designation by the United Nations.
Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month
April is Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month. Lyme disease is a severe and potentially fatal illness that can affect dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. Fortunately, you can take steps to help prevent your dog from contracting this disease.
Pet First Aid Awareness Month
It’s Pet First Aid Awareness Month! This April, take some time to learn about pet first aid and how you can help your furry friends in emergencies. Pet first aid is a vital skill to know, especially if you’re a pet owner.
Whether your cat gets into something poisonous or starts having a seizure, knowing what to do can mean the difference between life and death for your furry friend.
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month is observed every April in the United States, and it serves as a reminder of our duty to take care of animals. Animal cruelty comes in many forms, including physical abuse, neglect, abandonment, and exploitation for profit. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of signs that an animal may be being abused or neglected.
International Guide Dogs Day
Today is international guide dog appreciation day to celebrate the fantastic work that guide dogs do worldwide. These special dogs provide independence and mobility for people with visual impairments, and their skills are truly life-changing.
National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
We celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day on April 30th each year. Americans celebrate this particular day in the United States to encourage people to adopt pets from animal shelters rather than buying them from breeders or pet stores. Adopting a shelter pet offers many benefits over buying one from a breeder or pet store.
National Pet Month
April and May are traditionally National Pet Month, a time to celebrate all of the beautiful animals in our lives. From dogs and cats to birds and lizards, there’s no better way to show your love for your pets than by spending some quality time bonding with them during this special month.
April Heartworm Awareness Month
April Heartworm Awareness Month is an annual campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of heartworm disease in dogs and cats. This year’s theme is “Be Aware, Get Tested.” Heartworm disease is a severe and potentially fatal condition that parasitic worms cause.
National Dolphin Day
Dolphins are some of the most amazing creatures in the world. They are intelligent, social, and playful animals that have captivated people’s hearts for centuries. April 14th is National Dolphin Day, a day to celebrate these amazing animals and learn more about them.
World Penguin Day
People around the world celebrate World Penguin Day on April 25th every year. Penguins are fascinating creatures that live in the Southern Hemisphere. There are 17 species of penguins, including the famous emperor and king penguins.
World Health Day
We celebrate World Health Day on April 7th each year to raise awareness about important health issues and to encourage people around the world to take action in support of improvement.
National Frog Month
Did you know that April is National Frog Month? This year, take some time to learn about these amazing amphibians and why they are crucial to our ecosystems. There are more than 6,000 species of frogs in the world, and new species are still coming up. Scientists believe there may be as many as 10,000 species of frogs in total.
APHA National Public Health Week
APHA National Public Health Week (NPHW) is an annual event that celebrates the contributions of public health and highlights the importance of prevention in improving our nation’s health. This year’s theme is “Creating the Healthiest Nation: Forging Partnerships for Change.” NPHW will take place April 4th -10th, 2022.
World Penguin Day
We celebrate World Penguin Day every year on April 25th to raise awareness about these amazing birds and the threats they face. You can find penguins in the southern hemisphere, and there are 18 different species of penguins. They range in size from the little blue penguin to the emperor penguin.
World Malaria Day
World Malaria Day is every year on April 25th to raise awareness and promote efforts to prevent, diagnose, and treat malaria worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there was an estimated 219 million malaria cases in 2017, with nearly half of the global population at risk of contracting the disease.
World Animal Vaccination Day
World Animal Vaccination Day is an annual event that celebrates the life-saving power of vaccines. This day also raises awareness about the importance of vaccinating animals to protect their health and prevent the spread of disease.
National Wildlife Week
During National Wildlife Week, we encourage people to get outside and appreciate all of the beautiful wildlife surrounding us. There are plenty of ways to do this, whether you choose to go on a nature hike, visit a local zoo or nature center, or simply spend some time in your backyard.
World Veterinary Day
We celebrate World Veterinary Day every year on April 30th. The day highlights the vital role of veterinarians in preserving animal health and welfare and human health.
May
National Purebred Dog Day
National Purebred Dog Day is a unique national dog day to celebrate purebred dogs and raise awareness about their importance. Contrary to some, purebred dogs are not necessarily unhealthy or poorly bred.
Many breed clubs work hard to maintain the health and well-being of specific dog breeds by screening breeding stock for genetic diseases, maintaining breed standards, and promoting responsible breeding practices.
Celebrate National Pet Week
National Pet Week is a time to celebrate the special bond between people and their pets. This year, National Pet Week falls on May 2-8. During National Pet Week, take some time to show your pet extra love and attention.
Mental Health Awareness Month
During May, also known as Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage all Americans to learn about the signs of mental illness and the importance of recovery treatment.
National Pet Month
National Pet Month is an annual international pet day celebration for bonding with them. This year, it’s happening in April and May. During this month-long campaign, pet owners and animal lovers across the country are coming together to raise awareness about pet adoption, proper nutrition, responsible pet care, etc.
World Bee Day
People worldwide celebrate World Bee Day on May 20th each year to raise awareness of the importance of bees and other pollinators in our environment. The day also serves as a reminder of bees’ vital role in our food system, as they pollinate crops that make up a significant portion of our diets.
National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day
The second Saturday in May is the national animal day for disaster preparedness. This day raises awareness about the importance of being prepared for potential disasters or emergencies that could affect your pets.
Be Kind to Animals Week
Every May, animal lovers worldwide celebrate Be Kind to Animals Week. This event began in 1915 when a girl named Bertha Wheatley wrote an article in her local newspaper urging readers to be kinder towards animals and wildlife. Almost 100 years later, that same message still rings true.
Endangered Species Day
Endangered Species Day is an international observance that the United States celebrates to raise awareness about wildlife under threat, endangered wildlife, plants, and habitats.
World Migratory Bird Day
On May 14, World Migratory Bird Day celebrates birds’ fantastic journey each year migrating between their breeding and wintering grounds. This day also highlights the importance of protecting these birds and their habitats along the way.
Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, and this year’s focus is on education and prevention. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects millions of Americans, and allergies are among the most common chronic conditions in the U.S. You can effectively manage both with proper treatment and avoidance of triggers.
National Service Dog Eye Examination Month
We celebrate National Service Dog Eye Examination Month annually in May. National Service Dog Eye Examination Month honors the service dogs that assist individuals with disabilities and reminds people to take care of their own eyes by getting regular examinations from a doctor or optometrist.
June
Pet Appreciation Week
Pet Appreciation Week is a great time to show your pet how much you care. This year, this international pet day falls on June 5-11. Here are some ways you can make the most of this special week: Spend extra time with your pet. Play with them, take them for walks or runs, and just enjoy their company
Take Your Dog to Work Day
Take Your Dog to Work Day has been in existence since 1999. Pet Sitters International set it up to celebrate the great companions dogs make and to promote their adoptions. Every year on the last Friday in June, businesses across the country open their doors to employees’ furry friends. This year, Take Your Dog to Work Day falls on Friday, June 24.
National Pollinator Week
National Pollinator Week is a time to celebrate pollinators and the work they do for us. They are responsible for helping flowers and plants reproduce, allowing ecosystems to thrive. Pollinators include bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, moths, bats, beetles, and flies.
World Environment Day
World Environment Day is a day that the United Nations General Assembly set aside to raise awareness of environmental issues. This year, it will take place on June 5th, and its theme is air pollution. World Environment Day was put in place in 1972 to encourage worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment.
World Oceans Day – June
We celebrate World Oceans Day every year on June 8th to raise awareness about the importance of the world’s oceans. The day also serves as a call to action for people to do their part in protecting and conserving our oceans.
National Zoo and Aquarium Month – June
National Zoo and Aquarium Month occurs in June every year. It is a time for citizens worldwide to recognize zoos and aquariums, large or small, for their contributions to conservation and education and their dedication to preserving rare species.
National Dairy Month – From 1 June
National Dairy Month is that we celebrate every year in June to appreciate the dairy industry. President Lyndon B. Johnson set this month aside as National Dairy Month back in July of 1963, and since then, many people have been observing it with enthusiasm every year!
The Final Bark
ILV National Animal Holidays are a great way to celebrate the animals we love and appreciate. They also offer an opportunity for people who may not ordinarily interact with nature or animals to do so in a fun, festive way.
If you’re an animal lover, nature lover, or dog owner, mark these holidays on your calendar and celebrate accordingly. And if you know someone who falls into one of those categories, why not surprise them with something special in honor of their favorite animal?
That’s it for our list of ILV national animal holidays. We hope you enjoy celebrating these holidays with your friends, family, and furry companions.
