Looking for a curated list of social media calendar holidays and awareness-focused dates to incorporate into your social media posts for your veterinary practice?
This list of curated dates will help spark some ideas! Bookmark this page so you can easily return to it later.
If you plan to use this list of social media holidays as your main guide for what to post, I encourage you to read this note before proceeding, as I think it will help boost your overall engagement.
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January
Months
One Health Awareness Month
Walk Your Pet Month
National Train Your Dog Month
Adopt a Rescued Bird Month
Unchain a Dog Month
National CBD Month
National Glaucoma Awareness Month
Eye Care Month
Get A Balanced Life Month
Get Organized Month
Days
January 2:
National Pet Travel Safety Day
Happy Mew Year for Cats Day
January 4:Â
World Braille Day
National Spaghetti Day
National Trivia Day
January 5:
National Bird Day
Golden Globes AwardsÂ
January 6:
National Cuddle Up Day
National Standard Poodle Day
National Screenwriter’s Day
January 7:
National Alaskan Malamute Day
National Bobble Head Day
January 8:
National Labrador Retriever Day
Bubble Bath Day
January 9:
National Australian Shepherd Day
Appreciation Day
Law Enforcement Day
January 11:Â National Milk Day
January 12: Kiss a Ginger Day
January 13: National French Bulldog Day
January 14:
National Dress Up Your Pet Day
Orthodox New Year
January 15:
National American Eskimo Dog Day
National Hat Day
January 17: National Boxer Day
January 19:Â National Popcorn Day
January 20:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Penguin Awareness Day
January 21:
Squirrel Appreciation Day
National Hug Day
January 22:
National Yorkshire Terrier Day
National Answer Your Cat’s Question Day
January 23:Â National Pie Day
January 24:
Change a Pet’s Life Day
National Peanut Butter Day
International Day of Education
National Compliment Day
January 28: Data Privacy Day
January 29:
Seeing-Eye Guide Dog Anniversary
Lunar New Year
January 30:Â National Croissant Day
January 31:Â National Hot Chocolate Day
Grab January focused post ideas here.
February
Months
Pet Dental Health Month
Dog Training Education Month
National Cat Health Month
Responsible Pet Owners Month
Spay/Neuter Awareness Month (AKA Beat the Heat Month)
Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month
American Heart Month
Weeks
February 7–14: Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week
February 8–11: Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show
February 16–22: National Justice for Animals Week
February 16–22: Bird Health Awareness Week
Days
February 2:
National Hedgehog Day
Groundhog Day
February 3:
Doggie Date Night
National Golden Retriever Day
World Cancer Day
February 9:Â Superbowl (USA)
February 11:Â International Day of Women and Girls in Science
February 13:Â Internet Friends Day
February 14:
Valentine’s Day
Pet Theft Awareness Day
February 17:Â
Presidents’ Day (USA)
Random Acts of Kindness Day
February 18:Â National Drink Wine Day
February 19: National Boston Terrier Day
February 20:
National Love Your Pet Day
World Day of Social JusticeÂ
February 22:
Walking the Dog Day
National Wildlife Day
National Margarita DayÂ
February 23: National Dog Biscuit Day
February 25: World Spay Day (last Tuesday in February)
February 28:Â
Rare Disease DayÂ
First Day of Ramadan
Grab February focused post ideas here.
March
Months
Poison Prevention Awareness Month
Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month
Social Work Month
Weeks
March 2–8: Professional Pet Sitters Week (first full week in March)
March 16–22: National Poison Prevention Week
Days
March 1:
National Pig Day
National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day
March 2:Â Oscars
March 3:
World Wildlife Day
If Pets Had Thumbs Day
Tripawd Awareness Day
March 4:
Mardi Gras
National Grammar Day
March 5:Â Ash WednesdayÂ
March 6:Â National Oreo Day
March 7:Â Employee Appreciation DayÂ
March 8:
International Women’s Day Â
International Akita Day
March 9: Daylight Saving Time (USA)
March 10:Â National Napping Day
March 12:Â National Plant a Flower Day
March 13: K-9 Veterans Day
March 14:
UK Dog Theft Awareness Day
Pi Day
Holi
March 15:Â World Consumer Rights Day
March 17:
St. Patrick’s Day
Saint Gertrude of Nivelles Day (patron saint of cats)
March 20:
Start of SpringÂ
World Sparrow Day
International Day of HappinessÂ
March 21:
World Down Syndrome Day
World Poetry Day
March 22:Â World Water Day
March 23:
National Puppy Day
Cuddly Kitten Day
March 25:
National Newfoundland Dog Day
International Wildlife Day
March 27:
National Terrier Day
World Theatre Day
March 28:
Respect Your Cat Day
Take a Walk in the Park Day
Doctor’s Day
Grab March-focused post ideas here.
April
Months
National Heartworm Awareness Month
National Pet First Aid Awareness Month (Red Cross)
Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
Canine Fitness Month (AKA Active Dog Month)
National Adopt a Greyhound Month
Celebrate Diversity Month
National Frog Month
Weeks
April 1–7: International Pooper Scooper Week
April 7–13: National Public Health Week
April 13–19:
Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week (second full week in April)
National Dog Bite Prevention Week (second full week in April)
April 20–26: Veterinary Receptionist Week
April 21–26:
Animal Cruelty/Human Violence Awareness Week (third week in April)
National Pet ID Week (third week in April)
April 23–29: National Scoop the Poop Week
Days
April 1:Â
April Fool’s Day
International Bull Terrier Day
National Sourdough Bread Day
April 2:Â
National Ferret Day
Autism Awareness Day
National Walking Day
April 3:Â National Burrito Day
April 4:
World Stray Animal Day
World Rat Day
National Beer Day
April 5:Â Every Day is Tag Day (first Saturday in April)
April 6:Â National Siamese Cat Day
April 7:
World Health Day
National Pet Health Insurance Day
April 8:Â National Dog Fighting Awareness Day
April 9:Â
National Unicorn Day
International Pink Day
April 10:
National Hug Your Dog Day
National Siblings Day
April 11:
National Pet Day
Celebrate Shelter Pets Day
Dog Therapy Appreciation Day
April 12:Â
World Hamster Day
National Grilled Cheese Day
April 14:Â National Gardening Day
April 15:Â
Tax Day (USA)
World Art Day
April 17:Â
National Bat Appreciation Day
National High Five Day
April 18:Â Pet Owners Day
April 19:
National Cat Lady Day
Dog Parent Appreciation Day
April 20:
Easter
Biomedical Research Awareness Day
April 21:Â
Bulldogs are Beautiful Day
World Creativity and Innovation Day
April 22:
Earth Day
National Beagle Day
April 23:Â National Lost Dog Awareness Day
April 25:Â
National Kids and Pets Day
World Penguin Day
April 26:Â
World Veterinary Day (last Saturday in April)
National Pretzel Day
April 27:
National Little Pampered Dog Day
National Pet Parents Day (last Sunday in April)
April 28:Â
Hairball Awareness Day
National Superhero Day
April 29:Â International Dance Day
April 30:
Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
National Therapy Animal Day
National Tabby Day
International Guide Dog Day (last Wednesday in April)
International Jazz Day
May
Months
National Pet Month
National Foster Care Month
Responsible Animal Guardian Month
Pet Cancer Awareness Month
Chip Your Pet Month
Arthritis Awareness Month
National Service Animal Eye Exam Month
Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
Healthy Vision Month
Asian American Pacific Islander
Weeks
May 5-11:Â Dog Anxiety Awareness Week
May 4-10:
Puppy Mill Action Week (starts the Monday before Mother’s Day)
National Pet Week (first full week of May starting on a Sunday)
American Humane’s Be Kind to Animals Week (first full week of May starting on a Sunday)
Days
May 1:
May Day
National Purebred Dog Day
International Samoyed Day
National College Decision DayÂ
National Day of PrayerÂ
May 3:
National Specially-Abled Pets Day
Kentucky Derby
May 4:
Bird Day
Star Wars Day
Wildfire Preparedness Day
Mayday for Mutts (first Sunday in May)
World Laughter Day
International Fighters Day
May 5:Â Cinco de Mayo
May 6:Â National Nurses Day
May 10:
German Shepherd Day
National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day (second Saturday in May)
Migratory Bird Day (second Saturday in May)
National Dog Mom’s Day (second Saturday in May)
May 11:
National Technology Day
Mother’s Day
May 14:Â International Chihuahua Appreciation Day
May 15:Â National Chocolate Chip DayÂ
May 16:Â
International Day of LightÂ
Endangered Species Day
May 17:Â
Armed Forces Day
May 18:Â International Museum Day
May 20:
National Rescue Dog Day
World Dog Day
World Bee Day
May 23:Â World Turtle Day
May 24: National Brother’s Day
May 25:Â National Wine Day
May 26:Â Memorial Day
May 28:Â National Burger Day
May 29:Â National Biscuit Day
May 30:Â World MS Day
May 31:Â National Smile Day
June
Months
National Pet Preparedness Month
National Microchipping Month
Adopt-a-Cat Month® from the American Humane Association
Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month
National Foster a Pet Month
National Zoo and Aquarium Month
Pride Month
Social PETworking Month
LGBTQ+ Pride Month
Weeks
June 1–7: Pet Appreciation Week (first week in June)
June 16–22: Animal Rights Awareness Week (third week in June)
June 16–20: Take Your Pet to Work Week®
Days
June 1:
Global Day of Parents
International Sheltie Day
National Skincare Day
June 3: National Egg Day
June 4:
International Corgi Day
Hug Your Cat Day
National Cheese Day
Global Running Day
June 5:Â World Environment Day
June 6:Â World Donut Day
June 7:
World Food Safety Day
National Chocolate Ice CreamÂ
June 8:
World Best Friends Day
World Oceans Day
June 10:Â World Pet Memorial Day (second Tuesday in June)
June 14:Â
Flag Day (USA)
National Bourbon Day
June 15: National Dog Dad Day
June 16: Father’s Day
June 17:Â Mascot DayÂ
June 18:Â International Picnic DayÂ
June 19:
National Garfield the Cat Day
Take Your Cat to Work Day®
Juneteenth
June 20:
Summer Solstice
Ugliest Dog Day
June 21:
National Dog Party Day
National Dachshund Day
World Music Day
International Yoga Day
National Selfie Day
June 23: Take Your Dog to Work Day®
June 24: Cat World Domination Day
June 26: National Handshake Day  Â
June 27:Â
PTSD Awareness Day
National Ice Cream Cake Day
National Sunglasses Day
June 28:
National Insurance Awareness Day
World Day Against the Abandonment of Domestic Animals (last Saturday in June)
June 29:Â National Camera Day
June 30:Â World Social Media Day
Grab June-focused post ideas here.
Looking to get your team on board with social media? This video may help!
July
Months
National Lost Pet Prevention Monthâ„¢
National Pet Hydration Awareness Month
Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month
Weeks
July 7–13: National Farriers Week
July 14–20: National Feed a Rescue Pet Week
July 20-26:Â Veterinary Assistant Appreciation Week
Days
July 1: ID Your Pet Day
July 2:Â World UFO DayÂ
July 4: Independence Day (USA)
July 5:Â National Bikini Day
July 6:
World Zoonoses Day
International Kissing DayÂ
July 7: World Chocolate DayÂ
July 8:Â National Video Game Day
July 9:Â National Sugar Cookie DayÂ
July 10:
National Kitten Day
National Piña Colada DayÂ
July 11:
All-American Pet Photo Day (USA)
World Population DayÂ
Seven Eleven Day
July 13:Â National French Fry Day
July 14: National Mac & Cheese DayÂ
July 15: National Pet Fire Safety Day
July 16:
World Snake Day
National Hot Dog Day
July 17:Â
World Emoji Day
National Tattoo DayÂ
July 20:Â National Ice Cream DayÂ
July 21: National Craft for Your Local Shelters Day
July 22: AAHA-Accredited Hospital Day
July 24:Â
International Self-Care Day
National Tequila DayÂ
July 23: National Parents Day
July 26: National Dog Photography Day
July 27: Parents’ DayÂ
July 29:Â National Lasagna Day
July 30:
International Friendship Day
National Cheesecake DayÂ
July 31:
Mutt’s Day
National Avocado Day
National Intern Day
August
Months
National Immunization Awareness Month
Itchy Pet Awareness Month
Weeks
August 3–9:
International Assistance Dog Week (first full week of August)
Give a Dog a Bone Week (first full week of August)
Days
August 1:
DOGust Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs
National Girlfriend DayÂ
August 2:Â Ice Cream Sandwich DayÂ
August 3:Â
National Sister Day
National Friendship Day
National Watermelon DayÂ
August 4:
Assistance Dog Day
Civic Holiday (first Monday in August)
August 6:
Fresh Breath Day
National Rootbeer Float Day
April 7:Â Purple Heart Day
August 8: International Cat Day
August 9:
World Indigenous People Day
National Book Lovers DayÂ
August 10:
Spoil Your Dog Day
National Lazy DayÂ
National Smores Day
August 12:Â World Elephant DayÂ
August 13:Â International Left-Handers DayÂ
August 14: World Lizard Day
August 15:
National Check the Chip Day
National Relaxation DayÂ
August 16:
Saint Roch’s Day (patron saint of dogs)
National Tell a Joke Day
August 17:
National Black Cat Appreciation Day
International Non-Profit Day
August 19:
International Homeless Animals’ Day
World Photo Day
National Aviation DayÂ
August 20:Â National Radio Day
August 21:Â Senior Citizens DayÂ
August 22:
National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day
National Tooth Fairy DayÂ
August 23: Blind Dog Day
August 26: National Dog Day
August 28: Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day
August 30:
National Holistic Pet Day
International Bacon Day
College Colors DayÂ
National Beach Day
Grab August-focused post ideas here.Â
September
Months
Animal Pain Awareness Month
Happy Cat Month
National Service Dog Month
National Pet Insurance Month
Responsible Dog Ownership Month
Pet Sitter Education Month
National Disaster Preparedness Month
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Weeks
September 7–13: Suicide Prevention Week
September 15–21:
Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week (third week in September)
National Farm Health and Safety Week
September 21-27
National Deaf Dog Awareness Week (last full week in September)
National Dog Week (last full week in September)
Days
September 1:
Ginger Cat Appreciation Day
Labor Day
September 5:Â
International Day of Charity
National Cheese Pizza Day
September 6:Â Read a Book Day
September 7:Â
Grandparents DayÂ
National Beer Lovers Day
September 8:
National Dog Walker Appreciation Day
National Iguana Awareness Day
International Literacy DayÂ
September 10: World Suicide Prevention Day
September 11:Â Patriot Day
September 13:
Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day
International Chocolate Day
Positive Thinking Day
September 14:
National Hug Your Hound Day (second Sunday in September)
National Pet Memorial Day (second Sunday in September)
September 17: National Pet Bird Day
September 18:Â National Cheese Burger DayÂ
September 19:
National Talk Like a Pirate Day
National Dance Day
September 20:
Puppy Mill Awareness Day (third Saturday in September)
Responsible Dog Ownership Day (third Saturday in September)
Oktoberfest Begins
September 21:Â
International Day of Peace
World Gratitude Day
September 22:
Start of Fall
Rosh Hashana StartsÂ
September 23:
Dogs in Politics Day
International Rabbit Day
International Day of Sign Languages
September 24:Â Rosh Hashana ends
September 25:Â
National Cooking Day
National Daughter’s Day
Remember Me Thursday®
September 26: National Pancake Day
September 27:Â World Tourism Day
September 28:
World Rabies Day
National Sons Day
September 29:
World Heart Day
National Coffee Day
September 30:Â International Podcast Day
Grab September-focused post ideas here.
October
Months
Adopt-A-Dog Month®
Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month
National Animal Safety and Protection Month
National Pet Wellness Month
National Pitbull Awareness Month
Weeks
October 1–7:
National Walk Your Dog Week (first week of October)
Animal Welfare Week (first week of October, starting on a Sunday)
October 6–10: Customer Service Week
October 12–18: National Veterinary Technician Week
Days
October 1:
National Walk Your Dog Day
National Fire Pup Day
National Black Dog Day
International Coffee Day
October 2:Â Yom Kippur Starts
October 3:Â
World Smile DayÂ
National Boyfriend Day
October 4:
World Animal Day
National Taco Day
October 5: World Teachers’ Day
October 6:Â National Coaches Day
October 9: World Post Day
October 10: World Mental Health Day
October 12:
National Pet Obesity Awareness Day
National Farmers Day
October 13:Â
Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day (USA)
October 14:Â National Dessert Day
October 15: National Fetch Day
October 16:
National Feral Cat Day
Global Cat Day
National Boss Day
World Food Day
October 21:
National Pets for Veterans Day
Reptile Awareness Day
October 25:
National Pitbull Awareness Day (last Saturday in October—unless Halloween falls on the last Saturday, then another date is chosen)
International Artist Day
October 26: National Pumpkin DayÂ
October 27: National Black Cat Day
October 28:
Plush Animal Lovers Day
National Chocolate Day
October 29: National Cat Day
October 30: National Candy Corn Day
October 31: Halloween
Grab October-focused post ideas here.
November
Months
Adopt a Senior Pet Month
National Senior Pet Month
Pet Cancer Awareness Month
Pet Diabetes Month
National Pet Awareness Month
Peanut Butter Lovers Month
Weeks
November 2–8: National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week (first full week of November)
November 10-16:Â VHMA's Practice Manager Recognition Week
November 18–24: Antibiotics Awareness Week
Days
November 1:
National Cook for Your Pets Day
DÃa De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
National Authors Day
November 2: Daylight Savings Time ends
November 3:
One Health Day
National Sandwich Day
November 4:Â Election Day (USA)
November 5:Â National Redhead Day
November 7: National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day
November 8:
International Day of Radiology
International Human-Animal Bond Day
November 11: Veterans Day (USA)
November 12: World Animal Enrichment Day
Novemebr 13:Â World Kindness DayÂ
November 14:Â World Diabetes Day
November 15: National Philanthropy Day
November 16: National Slobber Appreciation Day
November 17: National Take a Hike Day
November 19: International Men’s Day
November 21:
World Television DayÂ
World Hello Day
November 23:
Thankful for My Dog Day
National Espresso Day
November 24: National Border Collie Day
November 26:Â National Cake Day
November 27:
Thanksgiving
National Dog Show (always broadcast in the US on Thanksgiving)
November 28:Â Black Friday
November 29:Â Small Business Saturday
Grab November-focused post ideas here.
December
Months
National Cat Lovers’ Month
Safe Toys and Gifts Month
Operation Santa Paws (1-24)
Weeks
December 14-22:Â Hanukkah
December 26–January 1: Kwanzaa
Days
December 1:Â
National Pie Day
Cyber Monday
National Christmas Lights Day
December 2:Â
National Mutt Day
Giving Tuesday
December 4:
National Cookie Day
World Wildlife Conservation Day
National Sock Day
December 5:Â International Volunteer Day
December 6:Â St. Nicholas Day
December 9:Â International Day of Veterinary Medicine
December 11:
National App Day
Poinsettia Day
December 12:Â Gingerbread House Day
December 13:Â National Day of the Horse
December 14: Hannukah Begins
December 17:Â National Maple Syrup Day
December 19:Â National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
December 21:Â Day of Winter Solstice
December 22: Hanukkah Ends
December 24:Â Christmas Eve
December 25:Â Christmas Day
December 26:
National Candy Cane Day
National Thank-you Note Day
Boxing Day (Canada)
Kwanzaa Starts
December 27:Â Visit the Zoo Day
December 31: New Year’s Eve
Grab December-focused post ideas here.
Looking for a community of other social media managers to brainstorm and share ideas with? Join my FREE Facebook group, Veterinary Social Media Managers, and become a member of our 2,000+ community today!
How to use these holidays in your social media strategy wisely
I get how easy and appealing it is to look at this list, pick and choose which holidays and awareness days to follow, and then base your next social post on that prompt. I did this for years until I noticed every hospital in my area (we had 8 other practices in the area) was doing the exact same thing, and even though our designs were slightly different, it was basically the same thing.
My practice didn’t stand out from others; hardly anyone commented, and I’d spend hours looking up the calendar and racking my brain on how I could make this year different. But all my hard work would go to waste, it seemed, and my practice manager and owner weren’t too impressed with the results either.
I see SO many of my colleagues falling into the same trap, and I want to share that this doesn’t have to be the case! This list of calendar dates wasn’t meant for us to use as our main strategy or guiding force to craft, but rather a marketing tool for many other companies to bring awareness to their companies or have a silly day of fun.
However, we can use this list as a tool to sprinkle in some fun and raise awareness of a select few health conditions and diseases that align with what our practices treat and offer services for.
So don’t feel like you HAVE to make these calendar dates work or even recognize them.
Instead, do the following:
Do some research:
See what will actually connect with your audience and followers
See what the day is promoting and that is endorsing something you and your practice actually supports (a simple Google search can help you learn more about each day)
Assess what days would actually benefit your practice and entice people to want to do business with your veterinary practice.
So what now?!
So, if this isn’t what we should base our strategy on for social media, what do we post about?
What you post for your practice will differ from what another practice should post about, so we need to figure out what will work for YOUR veterinary practice.
Check out these resources to help:
This article, "Why Is Your Veterinary Hospital Using Social Media?" will help you determine what your practice should focus on.
This list of 60 FREE post ideas will also help you take action TODAY to improve your social media approach no matter the time of year.
Seek help from a veterinary marketing consultant, whether that is from me or someone else. Getting an expert’s perspective will help you cut out the guesswork and get results fast! I offer 1:1 consultations if you want to Learn how we can work together here.
Thank you for reading the blog this far; I hope it boosts your creativity! What other post ideas would you add? Tell me in the comments below.
If you found this article helpful, you’ll like FREE my post idea cheat sheet with 60 post ideas you can use year-round. Sign up below to snag it!
About The Author
Cheyanne Flerx is the owner and founder of Hey Cheyanne, LLC. Â
​
She is a former Veterinary Assistant turned Veterinary Social Media Coach & Educator on a mission to use her experience and knowledge to help veterinary teams genuinely understand and use social media for marketing their practices.