Date
Monday
May

May 5-11

National Pet Week

Get ready to show extra love to your furry friends! National Pet Week is here, the perfect time to celebrate the joy they bring into our lives.

Type
Week
Category
Animal

Introduction

Clear your calendars and get ready to sprinkle extra love and affection, because May 5 marks the beginning of National Pet Week! Established in 1981 by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Auxiliary to the AVMA, National Pet Week is dedicated to celebrating the special bond between pets and their human friends. It's a paw-some week filled with appreciation and education about responsible pet ownership, and the important role pets play in our lives. So, hold your furry, feathery, or scaly friends close and brace yourself for a week filled with fun activities, cuddles, and lots of treats. Let's make this National Pet Week the best one yet!

National Pet Week Timeline

1981
National Pet Week Inception
National Pet Week is established by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Auxiliary to the AVMA to celebrate the special bond between pets and humans.
1995
Pet Education Programs
Educational programs about responsible pet ownership start to become a significant part of the National Pet Week celebrations.
2000
Growing Pet Popularity
National Pet Week gains more recognition and popularity, reflected in the growing number of pet owners in the USA.
2010
Spreading Internationally
National Pet Week starts being observed outside the USA, turning into an international celebration.
2015
Digital Celebration
With the rise of social media, National Pet Week goes digital, pet owners start sharing their pet pictures and stories online to commemorate this event.
2020
Pet Adoption Increase
During the Covid-19 pandemic, pet adoption rates surge and National Pet Week puts a renewed focus on the joy pets can bring in challenging times.

How to Celebrate National Pet Week

1

Organize a Pet Parade

Get your neighbors involved and organize a local pet parade. This provides a great chance to meet other pet lovers in your community, and it's also a fun way to show off your pets' newest outfits or tricks.

2

Plan a special pet-friendly outing

Plan an outing to a nearby pet-friendly park or beach. Pack up some special treats, toys, and maybe even set up a mini photoshoot with your pet to capture the delightful memories.

3

Host a virtual pet party

In this era of social distancing, virtual meetings are the new norm. Invite all your friends with pets to join an online party where everyone gets to show off their furry friends and share fun pet stories.

4

Bake pet-friendly treats

Try baking some homemade treats for your pets. Dog-friendly peanut butter cookies, catnip-infused feast for your cat, or bird cakes for your feathered buddy can be great way to pamper them.

5

Create a pets corner at home

Designate a small portion of your home specially for your pet. You could set up their favorite toys, bedding, and even put up some pictures of them. This will make them feel extra loved and appreciated during their special week.

Why We Love National Pet Week

A

Celebrating the joy that pets bring to our lives

National Pet Week is a time to recognize the happiness and comfort our furry, feathery, or scaly friends provide us every day. From their unconditional love to their playful antics, pets truly enrich our lives in many ways.

B

Promoting responsible pet ownership

National Pet Week is not only about cuddles and treats, but it also serves as an important reminder of the lifelong commitment of pet ownership. It is a chance to educate oneself about responsible pet care, including proper nutrition, regular veterinary check-ups, and providing a safe environment.

C

A week filled with fun activities for you and your pet

From organizing a pet parade, planning a special outing, hosting a virtual pet party, to baking pet-friendly treats, National Pet Week offers a plethora of enjoyable activities. It allows you to deepen your bond with your pet, create lasting memories, and have tons of fun!