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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.

Sunday

2–8

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEFirst Full Week in May (Sunday to Saturday)

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAnimals

SUBCATEGORYPets

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

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!

TIMELINE

National Pet Week Timeline

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.

Pet Education Programs

Educational programs about responsible pet ownership start to become a significant part of the National Pet Week celebrations.

Growing Pet Popularity

National Pet Week gains more recognition and popularity, reflected in the growing number of pet owners in the USA.

Spreading Internationally

National Pet Week starts being observed outside the USA, turning into an international celebration.

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.

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.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Pet Week

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.

PLAN

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.

HOST

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.

BAKE

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.

CREATE

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 THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Pet Week

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!

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.

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.

Related holidays

Pet Appreciation Week

Give your furball extra love during Pet Appreciation Week! It's time to spoil them more and show just how much they mean to you.

National Pet Month

A month-long observance throughout May in the United States that celebrates pets and promotes responsible ownership, veterinary care, and adoption.

National Pet Parents Day

Embrace the paw-some journey of pet parenting on National Pet Parents Day – it's all about love, companionship and furry cuddles!

National Love Your Pet Day

On National Love Your Pet Day, give your furry friend some extra love and treats to show them how much they mean to you! 🐾❤️

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