2024 Pet Holidays & Observances List for Animal Lovers

When you have a pet at home, all days are special. But just the way we like celebrations, our pets also appreciate the care and attention they receive on special occasions. Besides, dedicating a day, a week, or a month to a particular cause also helps in spreading awareness about the topics that affect our adorable pets, or just to fill their routine life with some fun.

Here is a list of holidays and observances dedicated to animals celebrated in South Africa and different parts of the world throughout the year. Though not exhaustive, and not all of them are official days, this list will not let you miss any important pet holiday when kept handy:

JANUARY 2024

Month-long observances

• Walk your dog month

Days of observance/ holidays

• 16th Jan: Appreciate a Dragon Day
• 20th Jan: Penguin Awareness Day
• 21st Jan: Squirrel Appreciation Day
• 2nd Saturday in Jan: Eagle Day

FEBRUARY 2024

Month-long observances

• Cat health month
• Humpback Whale Awareness Month
• International Hoof-Care Month
• Pet Dental Health Month

Week-long observances

• 7th to 14th Feb: Have A Heart For Chained Dogs Week

Days of observance/ holidays

• 2nd Feb: World Wetlands Day
• 2nd Feb: Hedgehog Day
• 3rd Feb: Feed The Birds Day
• 15th Feb: Hippo Day
• 20th Feb: Love Your Pet Day
• 23rd Feb: World Spay Day
• 23rd Feb: International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
• 27th Feb: International Polar Bear Day
• 3rd Saturday in Feb: World Pangolin Day
• 3rd Saturday in Feb: World Whale Day

MARCH 2024

Month-long observances

• Adopt A Rescue Guinea Pig Month

Days of observance

• 1st Mar: Horse Protection Day
• 1st Mar: Pig Day
• 2nd Mar: International Rescue Cat Day
• 3rd Mar: World Wildlife Day
• 3rd Mar: Family Day
• 14th Mar: Save a spider Day
• 16th Mar: Panda Day
• 20th Mar: World Frog Day
• 20th Mar: World Sparrow Day
• 21st Mar: International Day of Forests
• 23rd Mar: Puppy Day
• 23rd Mar: Cuddly Kitten Day
• 28th Mar: Respect Your Cat Day
• 30th Mar: Take A Walk In The Park Day
• 3rd Thursday in March: Farm Rescuer Day

APRIL 2024

Month-long observances

• Canine Fitness Month
• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
• Dog Appreciation Month

Days of observance/ holidays

• 4th Apr: World Rat Day
• 11th Apr: Pet Day
• 14th Apr: Save the Dolphin Day
• 24th Apr: World Day for Animals In Laboratories
• 25th Apr: World Penguin Day
• 27th Apr: Marine Mammal Rescue Day
• Last Sunday in Apr: World Veterinary Day

MAY 2024

Month-long observances

• Pet Month
• Responsible Animal Guardian Month
• Be Kind to Animals Month

Days of observance/holidays

• 1st May: Save the Rhino Day
• 2nd May: World Tuna Day
• 4th May: International Respect for Chickens Day
• 5th May: International Dawn Chorus Day
• 8th May: World Migratory Bird Day
• 15th May: International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day
• 20th May: World Bee Day
• 20th May: Rescue Dog day
• 22nd May: International Day for Biological Diversity
• 23rd May: International Turtle Day
• 31st May: World Parrot Day
• Last Wednesday in May: World Otter Day
• 2nd Sunday in May: Mother’s Day
• 3rd Friday in May: Endangered Species Day

JUNE 2024

Month-long observances

• Pet Preparedness Month
• Microchipping Month
• Adopt a Shelter Cat Month
• Foster A Pet Month

Week-long observances

• First Week in June: Pet Appreciation Week

Days of observance/ holidays

• 4th June: International Hug Your Cat Day
• 5th June: World Environment Day
• 5th June: World Day Against Speciesism
• 8th June: World Oceans Day
• 8th June: International Day of Action for Elephants in Zoos
• 16th June: World Sea Turtle Day /  Fathers Day
• 20th June: Take Your Cat to Work Day
• 21st June: World Giraffe Day
• 21st June: Bring Your Dog to Work Day
• 25th June: World Sand Dune Day
• 2nd Tuesday in June: World Pet Memorial Day

JULY 2024

Month-long observances

• SPANA’s World Tea Party
• Pet Hydration Awareness Month

Days of observance/holidays

• 14th July: Shark Awareness Day
• 16th July: World Snake Day
• 29th July: International Tiger Day
• 30th July: International Friendship Day

AUGUST 2024

Month-long observances

• Itchy Pet Awareness Month

Days of observance/holidays

• 8th Aug: World Cat Day
• 10th Aug: World Lion Day
• 12th Aug: World Elephant Day
• 14th Aug: World Lizard Day
• 19th Aug: World Orangutan Day
• 20th Aug: World Honey Bee Day
• 20th Aug: World Mosquito Day
• 26th Aug: International Dog Day
• 30th Aug: International Whale Shark Day

SEPTEMBER 2024

Month-long observances

• Happy Cat Month
• Pet Memorial Month
• Responsible Dog Ownership Month

Days of observance/holidays

• 8th Sept: Pet Memorial Day
• 17th Sept: Pet Bird Day
• 22nd Sept: World Rhino Day
• 24th Sept: International Rabbit Day
• 28th Sept: World Rabies Day
• 1st Saturday of Sept: International Vulture Awareness Day

OCTOBER 2024

Month-long observances

• Animal Safety and Protection Month
• Adopt A Shelter Dog Month

Week-long observances

• 1st to 7th Oct: Walk Your Dog Week

Days of observance/holidays

• 2nd Oct: World Farm Animals Day
• 4th Oct: World Habitat Day
• 4th Oct: World Animal Day
• 6th Oct: Badger Day
• 7th Oct: World Habitat Day
• 9th Oct: Pet Obesity Awareness Day
• 9th Oct: African Penguin Awareness Day
• 10th Oct: Animal Road Accident Awareness Day
• 20th Oct: International Sloth Day
• 21st Oct: Reptile Awareness Day
• 29th Oct: Cat Day

NOVEMBER 2024

Month-long observances

• Adopt a Turkey Month
• National Senior Pet Month

Days of observance/holidays

• 1st Nov: Cook for Your Pets Day
• 7th Nov: Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day
• 8th Nov: International Human-Animal Bond Day
• 17th Nov: Black Cat Day
• 23rd Nov: Thankful for My Dog Day

DECEMBER 2024

Month-long observances

• Cat Lovers Month

Days of observance/holidays

• 4th Dec: International Cheetah day
• 4th Dec: World Wildlife Conservation Day
• 9th Dec: International Day of Veterinary Medicine
• 10th Dec: International Animal Rights Day
• 11th Dec: Holiday Food Drive for Needy Animals Day
• 14th Dec: Monkey Day

In the end
Pet holidays and observances are celebrated in order to promote a cause or just to add joy to our beloved pets' lives. Participate in the celebration this year and contribute in filling happiness in your pets' lives.

As we celebrate our pets, let's remember the unique bond we share and the countless adventures we can embark on together. This year, consider a truly extraordinary experience – exploring the wonders of South Africa with your pet! From encountering majestic wildlife on a safari to relaxing on pet-friendly beaches, South Africa offers a treasure trove of memories waiting to be made. Turn this pet holiday into an unforgettable journey for both of you.