National Pet Week 2026: All You Need to Know
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There are estimated to be over 1 billion pets worldwide, with pet ownership rising annually. However, there is a downside to this story. In the US alone, approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter shelters every year, with 92,000 euthanized annually. This National Pet Week is the perfect time to educate ourselves on our pets’ needs and ensure they live their best lives. So, we had to ask: What is the most important information you need to know about this year’s National Pet Week?
👉 Official Name: National Pet Week
💚 Cause: To celebrate the pets that enrich our lives and promote responsible pet care
📅 Next Date: May 3–9, 2026
🌐 Event Website: https://www.avma.org/events/national-pet-week
Keep on reading to find out all the important information about National Pet Week at a glance, including its big picture, why it’s important, and how you can get involved. We’ll then share its brief history, three interesting facts about it, its future dates, and how you’ll never miss any important awareness event again.
The Most Important Information About National Pet Week at a Glance
1️⃣ The big picture: National Pet Week has been celebrated during the first full week of May every year since 1981. Originally founded by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the event was set up to celebrate the bonds we develop with our beloved pets and promote responsible pet care through education and awareness.
2️⃣ Why is this important: 66% of people in the US own a pet, equating to 86.9 million homes. However, not all owners fully understand the unique needs of their beloved companions, potentially leading to unnecessary suffering. For example, 75% of reptiles die within their first year of being a pet, and 6.5 million pet animals enter US shelters every year. Even more concerning, 1,920 animal abuse cases are reported annually in the US alone, with 60% of those involving dogs.
3️⃣ How can you get involved: There are many ways you can get involved in National Pet Week. Perhaps the simplest way is to dote on your own pet and ensure all their needs are catered for. You can also get involved by setting up a fundraising event, either in person or virtually, to raise money for your local animal shelter. You can even consider volunteering.
Below are our favorite charities that are especially relevant this awareness month:
- 9 Best Animal Rescue Charities
- 9 Best Charities for Domestic Cats
- 9 Best Charities for Helping Dogs in Need
- 9 Best Charities to Adopt a Pet Animal
- 18 Best Charities That Fight to End Animal Cruelty
A Brief History of National Pet Week
When was this event established: National Pet Week was founded in 1981 by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and supported by the Auxiliary to the AVMA to encourage pet owners to provide their companion animals with everything they need to live happy, healthy lives.
How has it developed since then: Today, veterinarians, vet technicians, communities, animal shelters, and school groups host a wide variety of fun, informative events throughout National Pet Week, with each year having a different theme. For example, past themes have included “The lives in our hands”, recognizing the role of pets in war, and “Celebrating our pets”, where vets visited their local schools.
3 Interesting Facts About National Pet Week
- Dispelling Myths: Despite our obvious love of animals, there are still many popular myths that can hinder their well-being. Fortunately, National Pet Week is a time when professionals in the veterinary field work to dispel these myths with accurate information and guidance to protect the welfare of pets around the world.
- Positive Legislative Change: The promotion of animal welfare during National Pet Week has led to the implementation and improvement of numerous animal welfare laws. For example, in 2021, Senator Michelle Hinchey launched a bill to protect abandoned animals in vacant properties in recognition of National Pet Week. The S4081A Bill requires all abandoned properties to be inspected for the presence of animals within 3 days of the resident’s departure.
- International Growth: What started as a small awareness event to celebrate the lives of our pets became an international movement in 2000 with responsible pet ownership at its heart. Furthermore, with the rise of social media, thousands of pet owners and professionals around the world now post their favorite pet pictures in honor of this event, as well as to raise awareness of animal welfare on a global scale.
Upcoming Dates of National Pet Week
National Pet Week is observed every year on the first full week of May.
| Year | Date | Day(s) |
| 2025 | May 4–10 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2026 | May 3–9 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2027 | May 2–8 | Sunday–Saturday |
Never Miss an Important Awareness Event Again
Sources
- Health for Animals: Global State of Pet Care
- ASPCA: Pet Statistics
- AVMA: National Pet Week
- AVMA: Home page
- Forbes: Pet Ownership Statistics 2024
- Animal Car Donation: 25 Animal Abuse Facts
- Gitnux: Must-Know Dog Abuse Statistics
- Impactful Ninja: 9 Best Animal Rescue Charities
- Impactful Ninja: 9 Best Charities for Domestic Cats
- Impactful Ninja: 9 Best Charities for Helping Dogs in Need
- Impactful Ninja: 9 Best Charities to Adopt a Pet Animal
- Impactful Ninja: 18 Best Charities That Fight to End Animal Cruelty
- AVMAAUX: Home page
- The New York State Senate: Senator Michelle Hinchey’s Bill to Protect Abandoned Animals in Vacant Properties Passes Senate During National Pet Week
- The New York State Senate: Senate Bill S4081A
- Holiday Calendar: National Pet Week
