National Pet Week celebrates the profound bond we share with our animal companions every first full week of May. From loyal dogs and curious cats to exotic birds and serene fish, pets enrich our lives in countless ways. Show your appreciation by spoiling your pet with extra cuddles, a new toy, or a special treat, and consider supporting local animal shelters.
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National Pet Week timeline
Heinrich Zimmermann, a German writer and publisher, organized the first World Animal Day at the Sport Palace in Berlin, Germany. Over 5,000 people attended this first event.
The first dog to actually have a major role in a film was Blair, a collie who starred in “Rescued by Rover”. Naturally, Blair played the role of Rover.
A 2017 study confirmed that findings of leopard cats were undergoing domestication independently in China around 5,500 B.C.
Analysis of dog and wolf genomes, along with numerous discoveries of ancient bone, suggests that humans domesticated our canine friends somewhere between 13,000 and 36,000 years ago.
National Pet Week FAQs
When is National Pet Week?
National Pet Week 2026 runs Sunday, May 3 through Saturday, May 9. It’s the perfect time to acknowledge the joy and companionship our pets bring into our lives.
How many households own pets?
According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), approximately 66% of U.S. households, or 86.9 million families, owned a pet in 2023-2024. This highlights the widespread love for animals across the nation.
What are the most popular pets in the US?
Dogs remain the most popular pets in the U.S., with an estimated 65.1 million households owning at least one. Cats follow closely, with 46.5 million households. Fish, birds, and small animals are also popular choices.
Why is National Pet Week celebrated?
National Pet Week was established in 1981 by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to foster responsible pet ownership and celebrate the human-animal bond. It emphasizes the importance of veterinary care, nutrition, and companionship.
National Pet Week Activities
Get outside
One of the greatest treats pets hope for is simply to get “out and about.” Take some time out of your busy schedule and enjoy the outdoors with your close friend who will be more than happy to lead the way.
Give a gift
Our pets may differ from us in many ways, but this is one thing we can all agree on – everyone loves presents. So treat your “hard working” friend with a little surprise for always being there for you.
Party with friends
Who doesn’t like a good party? Get together with your two-legged friends, invite them to bring along their four-legged counterparts, and enjoy a beautiful spring day as you all toss your cares aside.
What's The Symbolism Behind Your Childhood Friend?
Dogs: Man's best friend
Dogs have been with humankind for thousands of years as allies and protectors. They represent loyalty, nobility, service, and trustworthiness.
Cats: Four legged deities
From the Egyptian cat goddess Bastet, cats symbolize mystery, intuition, cleverness, and independence.
Goldfish: The true four leaf clovers
Kept in domestic households by the ancient Greeks, goldfish were viewed as good luck, harbingers of abundance, harmony, and strong relationships.
Lizards: The original Mr. Sandman
Aboriginal culture sees lizards as the guardians of the Dreamtime, the place where the future is formed through dreaming. They are often symbolic of analysis, purposeful change, and rest.
Horses: Graceful dancers
Horses have been imbued with meaning and power for centuries, from Celtic culture to modern indigenous peoples. They symbolize unbridled energy, freedom, grace, and strength.
Why We Love National Pet Week
It reminds us of the “ones we’ve raised”
On the surface, the success of our pets is based entirely on how we care for them. In the end, how they behave, interact, and thrive is dependant on how we raise them, and it makes us proud.
They’re the best listeners in the world
It’s human nature, when told something, to respond and ask questions. Really though, sometimes we don’t want the answers to our most difficult questions right then and there. Sometimes, we just want someone to listen.
They don’t judge, about anything, ever
While they may live among us, pets don’t truly live in the same world. They don’t care about wealth, social status, job titles, or even looks. Pets are the most accepting beings on Earth.
National Pet Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 4–10 | Sunday–Saturday |
