What Is National Pet Month?
A month-long campaign promoting the benefits of pet ownership, responsible pet care, and animal welfare. It’s also a great time to celebrate pets of all kinds – dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs, chickens and everything in between! Find out more here: https://www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk/
When is it celebrated?
National Pet Month is celebrated annually to promote responsible pet ownership and the benefits of pets in our lives. The dates vary by country:
- United Kingdom: April 1 to May 1
- United States: Typically observed in May
What are the main goals of National Pet Month?
The main goals of National Pet Month are to promote responsible pet ownership and celebrate the unique bond between humans and animals. It aims to raise awareness of the wide range of pet-related services and charities, encourage pet adoption, and recognise the positive impact that pets have on our lives, both emotionally and physically.
Why is it important?
It’s a chance to reflect on the joy and companionship animals bring into our lives – and to consider how we can return that kindness by ensuring their needs are met with love, respect, and care. It also encourages us to support adoption and the work of rescues and shelters.
How can I get involved?
You can support the cause by sharing your pet’s story, volunteering at a local rescue, fostering an animal in need, or making a donation to an animal welfare organisation. Most importantly, you can spread awareness by encouraging compassion and responsible care within your community.
Why should I adopt instead of shop for a pet?
Adopting saves lives. Millions of animals wait in shelters for a second chance, while breeders continue to bring more into a world already full of abandoned pets. By adopting, you’re not just giving an animal a home – you’re making a powerful ethical choice.
Can National Pet Month help us rethink how we treat animals more broadly?
Absolutely. While it’s about celebrating the animals in our homes, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on how we treat all animals. Expanding our circle of compassion means recognising that all animals – whether pets, farmed, or wild – deserve to live free from suffering.
What about the food we give our pets – can that be compassionate too?
Yes, it can. With the right guidance and a nutritionally complete formula, many dogs and cats can thrive on a plant-based diet. Choosing food that doesn’t rely on the suffering of other animals is a powerful way to live more compassionately and align your values with your everyday choices. You can find a list of vegan pet food suppliers here: https://sustainablepetfood.info/suppliers/
As National Pet Month reminds us, our pets enrich our lives in countless ways – and it’s up to us to return that love through care, respect, and compassion. Whether it’s adopting instead of shopping, supporting animal welfare causes, or making more ethical choices in how we care for all animals, even small actions can make a big difference.