- Categories:
- Animal
- Tags:
- AwarenessPet Health
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every June 22
- Holiday emoji:
- 🐾
National Pet Choking Prevention Day on June 22 is a critical mission to educate pet parents worldwide about everyday choking hazards. Learn vital first aid techniques, identify common risks around your home, and discover simple ways to eliminate dangers for your beloved companions. Join the ‘Target: Zero’ initiative to prevent tragic pet choking incidents.
Want to sponsor National Pet Choking Prevention Day? Learn how
History of National Pet Choking Prevention Day
Tragically, over 200,000 pet choking incidents occur annually in the United States, costing pet parents millions of dollars in veterinarian fees, more importantly, costing them an immeasurable and irreversible physical and emotional toll. These pet choking tragedies cause panic, fear, and anxiety to pet-parents and the veterinary professionals that try to save their lives.
Inspired by one simple goal of creating more awareness and education for pet-parents towards eliminating all pet choking incidents in the U.S. and around the world, National Pet Choking Prevention Day was created to build a global community of people that share their dedication to keep pets safe, healthy and happy.
National Pet Choking Prevention Day timeline
Various animal welfare organizations, including the ASPCA, initiate campaigns to inform pet owners about choking risks, focusing on safe food choices and appropriate toys.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) publishes guidelines on pet safety, including choking hazards, to raise awareness.
Growing awareness leads to initiatives for clearer labeling and safety standards for pet products, aiming to reduce choking hazards in toys and food items.
Bow Wow Labs sponsors National Pet Choking Prevention Day, and the first observation takes place. Want to be a sponsor: learn how.
Top 5 Choking Hazards for Dogs & Cats
CATS:
- String
- Window Blind Cords
- Fishing Pole/Wand Type Toys
- Plastic
- Rubber Bands & Hair Ties
DOGS:
- Balls
- Sticks
- Chew Toys
- Bully Sticks, Treats & Long Term Chews
- Food Packaging & Trash
National Pet Choking Prevention Day FAQs
When is National Pet Choking Prevention Day?
National Pet Choking Prevention Day 2026 falls on Monday, June 22. This observance is dedicated to raising awareness and educating pet owners about preventing choking hazards.
What are the most common pet choking hazards?
Common pet choking hazards include small toys, bones (cooked or raw), rawhide chews, human food items like grapes or popcorn, and household objects such as rubber bands or bottle caps. Many incidents in 2026 are expected to involve items easily found around the home.
How many pets are affected by choking annually?
While exact national statistics are difficult to pinpoint, emergency veterinary clinics across the U.S. report numerous choking incidents involving pets each year. In 2026, thousands of pets are expected to require emergency care due to choking, highlighting the preventable nature of many such events.
What should I do if my pet is choking?
If your pet is choking in 2026, remain calm and check their mouth for visible obstructions. If you can safely remove it, do so. Otherwise, perform the Heimlich maneuver adapted for pets and immediately seek veterinary attention. Early intervention is crucial.
How to Observe National Pet Choking Prevention Day
Identify the everyday choking hazards in your home and safeguard
Choking hazards are NOT just items that are top of mind when you think of choking hazards for your pets, such as pet toys, treats, and chews. It is the common everyday items that you might not think about that can pose significant risks as well.
Size matters
Select proper-sized toys and treats for your pets. Toys and treats smaller than your pet’s windpipe or large enough to block the airway can create a choking hazard.
Educate others on the dangers
Target: Zero is simple. Let’s work together to help get pet choking incidents down from 200,000 to ZERO. Pet choking incidents are preventable and with your help, we can eliminate these incidents that not only cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in avoidable veterinary or emergency care, but also huge emotional and physical tolls on pets, pet-parents, and veterinary professionals.
Why National Pet Choking Prevention Day is Important
It helps spread the word
National Pet Choking Prevention Day raises awareness of the everyday dangers of pet choking. This day provides education for preventing choking, and the best part is that these may be shared both online and offline.
Encourages safeguarding and supervising pets against everyday choking hazards
If you know the most common choking hazards in pets, you can get your pet the help they need and be aware of the dangers behind pet choking.
It's preventative
Let’s work together to help get pet choking incidents down from 200,000 to ZERO. Pet choking incidents are preventable and with your help, we can eliminate these incidents that not only cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in avoidable veterinary or emergency care, but also huge emotional and physical tolls on pets, pet-parents, and veterinary professionals.
