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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.

Sunday

7–13

June 2026

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

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YEARLY DATEPet Appreciation Week (1st Sun Jun, 7-day)

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAnimals

SUBCATEGORYPets

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Mark your calendars pet lovers! Pet Appreciation Week begins on May 5! This special week is all about appreciating the joy, love, and undeniable companionship our pets provide us every single day. First started in 1981 by the American Veterinary Medical Association, this week aims to celebrate the special bond between pets and their owners. Our furry (and not-so-furry) friends enrich and, in many ways, complete our lives. This is the ideal time to shower them with extra affection, pamper them with their favorite treats, and most importantly, express our deepest gratitude for their unconditional love. Let's get ready for a week of furry cuddles and endless pet playtime!

TIMELINE

Pet Appreciation Week Timeline

Inception of Pet Appreciation Week

The American Veterinary Medical Association started celebrating Pet Appreciation Week to celebrate the bond between pets and their owners.

Theme-Based Celebrations Initiated

Themes started being incorporated into the celebrations to bring variety and deepen the understanding of different pet species.

Rise in Shelter Adoption Rates

Early 2000s saw a boost in pet adoption from shelters, aided by awareness initiatives during Pet Appreciation Week.

Digital Participation Grows

Social Media started playing a big role in the celebration, with pet owners sharing images and experiences, amplifying participation.

Virtual Celebrations

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pet Appreciation Week observed increased online celebrations with virtual events and activities.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Pet Appreciation Week

Create a pet photo album

Select your favorite images of your pet and make a photo album. You’ll have a great keepsake to remember all their best moments and cutest poses.

ARRANGE

Arrange a play date

Arrange a play date with other pets in your neighborhood. This gives your pet an opportunity to make new friends while also giving you a chance to bond with other pet owners.

COOK

Cook a special meal

Create a fancy feast for your pet. Tailor the meal to their dietary needs and preferences. This could become a new tradition!

GIFT

Gift them a new toy or accessory

Choose something special, like a customized tag, a fun new toy, or even a cozy bed. It's the purrfect way to show them some extra love!

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a pet shelter

Take some time to give back during Pet Appreciation Week by volunteering at a local animal shelter. It’s the perfect way to show love to pets who haven’t found their forever homes yet.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Pet Appreciation Week

It highlights the importance of pet care

Pet Appreciation Week also serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. It reminds us to take care of our pets' health and wellbeing, and to provide them with a safe, comfortable and loving environment. This week can also help raise awareness about the many pets in shelters who are still waiting for their forever homes.

Pet Appreciation Week allows us to celebrate our pets

This special week is dedicated to showering our pets with extra love and attention. It's a chance to spoil them even more and show just how much they mean to us. From dogs and cats to birds and hamsters, all pets deserve to be celebrated!

It encourages bonding with our pets

During Pet Appreciation Week, we can spend more quality time with our pets, strengthening the bond we share. Whether it's going for long walks, playing games, or simply relaxing together, it's the perfect opportunity to connect with our furry friends on a deeper level.

Related holidays

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.

National Pet Month

Awareness month in May to promote responsible pet ownership, celebrate human-animal bonds, and encourage pet adoption and animal welfare.

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! 🐾❤️

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!

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