By Julia Williams
Humans have an inordinate number of days, weeks and months each year designated as holidays or tributes, or “special” days that recognize this, that and the other. Some are national holidays of a serious nature, while others are irreverent and unofficial. I recently discovered that animals have gotten in on the act too, with countless days dedicated to dogs and cats. I’ve compiled a list of them for you by month. Why not print it out and stick it on your fridge so you’ll remember to celebrate these special days with your four legged friend!
January
January 2: Happy Mew Year for Cats Day. This “holiday” was created by Thomas and Ruth Roy (wellcat.com) so cats could have a day unto themselves to celebrate the new year.
February
National Pet Dental Health Month, created to raise awareness of how important it is for dogs and cats to receive regular oral care.
February is also Responsible Pet Owners Month, created to honor those who take excellent care of their companion animals. This is a good time to spread the word on the importance of responsible pet care, and educate others on how to keep their pets healthy, happy and safe.
February 20: Love Your Pet Day
February 23: Spay Day USA, sponsored by The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International.
March
March 20-26: National Animal Poison Prevention Week. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center wants to educate pet owners and vets on the five plants with the most potential to create life-threatening problems in dogs, cats and other companion animals. According to data they compiled, these plants are the Lily, Azalea, Oleander, Sago Palm and Castor Bean.
April
Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month is sponsored by the ASPCA. Their goal is to make people aware of signs that an animal may be the victim of abuse or neglect, so they can report it to the proper authorities.
National Pet First Aid Awareness Month (PetTech.com)
April 18: Pet Owners Independence Day: another “holiday” created by Thomas and Ruth Roy at wellcat.com. Pet owners are encouraged to stay home and lie on the sofa all day while their dog or cat goes to work in their place. (If you try this, let me know how it works out).
April 28: National Hairball Awareness Day
May
May 2-8: Be Kind to Animals Week, created by the American Humane Society and celebrated every year since 1915. The purpose is to commemorate the important role animals play in people’s lives, to promote ways to treat animals humanely, and encourage others to do the same.
May 16-22: National Dog Bite Prevention Week, sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association
May 19: Hug Your Cat Day
June
Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month is sponsored by the ASPCA. Their goal is to raise awareness of the plight of millions of healthy, adoptable animals in shelters who need (and deserve) forever homes.
June 25: Take Your Dog to Work Day, sponsored by Pet Sitters International
July
Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month
August
August 19: Homeless Animals Day, sponsored by the International Society for Animal Rights
September
Senior Pet Care Month
September 21-27: National Dog Week
October
Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month, sponsored by the ASPCA
October 16: National Feral Cat Day, sponsored by Alley Cat Allies
November
Adopt a Senior Animal Month (ASPCA)
November 29 to December 5: Puppy Mill Action Week, sponsored by The Humane Society of the United States
December
December 15: Cat Herder’s Day. This is another special day created by wellcat.com, to honor people whose job or life is so out of control that it feels akin to the impossible task of herding cats.
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