Are you looking for inspiration for your website and social media content?
Use our vets and pets focused marketing calendar to find key dates for your 2025 content.
We’ve listed everything from awards and awareness days for pet-related brands to conferences and exhibitions for veterinary professionals.
January
National Obesity Awareness Week raises awareness of obesity and provides education. Did you know that in the UK 50% of dogs, 43% of cats, 31% of small mammals and 9% of birds* are overweight or obese?
*According to data from UK Pet Food
People aren’t the only ones who get the blues. Research suggests that up to three quarters of dogs have mental health issues, including anxiety.
The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey, taking an annual snapshot of the wild birds that land in UK gardens.
The Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons’ (SPVS) annual congress takes place at Hilton Birmingham Metropole. The event provides support, expertise, coaching and networking to provide empowerment and development.
February
The UK’s fifth most popular dog breed, which achieved 10,447 registrations in 2023 alone, celebrates its own special day.
Research from pet brand Jollyes suggests that 30.4% of pet owners in the UK buy their pets a gift for Valentine’s Day!
Research from UK Pet Food has found that 60% of households – 17.2 million – have at least one of the UK’s 36 million (non aquatic) pets, including 13.5 million dogs and 12.5 million cats.
All dogs should be walked at least once a day, but their age, breed and health will influence how long and how often your dog needs a walk. Try the Rover exercise calculator to find out how often you are your four-legged friend should spend on walkies.
A day to raise awareness of the importance of spaying and neutering to help reduce the number of unwanted and stray animals.
March
This day highlights the number of cats in shelters and encourages adopting. In 2024, Cats Protection helped 184,000 abandoned cats – that’s roughly 500 per day!
A day that highlights the importance of wildlife to the planet and our impact on it – figures from WWF suggest that the UK has already lost 70% of its ancient woodlands.
Did you know that reading to dogs can help to improve a child’s literacy skills? Bark and Read, an initiative funded by The Kennel Club Educational Trust, takes specially trained dogs into schools to help children improve their reading.
Crufts – the greatest dog show in the world – sees breeders compete for the ultimate Best in Show trophy, alongside agility competitions and display teams.
The VMA Awards take place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. Read about our VMA award-winning PR campaign.
Pet theft is on the rise in the UK, with data from Direct Line Pet Insurance showing a 6 per cent increase in 2023, compared to 2022.
It became a criminal offence in England and Northern Ireland in 2024, recognising that pets are more than property.
The annual congress of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) is fully geared towards professional CPD. Featuring exhibitions, workshops and presentations, alongside providing an opportunity for vet professionals to engage with industry experts.
April
This day focuses on the joy and love pets can bring into our lives, and encourages people to consider adopting an animal from their local shelter. From cats and dogs to bunnies and chickens, there’s plenty of animals out there looking for their fur-ever home!
This two-day congress is all about inspiring the next generation of veterinary leaders. Expect discussions aimed at cultivating team leadership, growing practice performance and prioritising well-being.
This day celebrates the work by vet teams and the broader veterinary community in promoting animal health, welfare and public safety.
Showing some love for Guide Dogs, who help provide greater independence for those with impaired vision. The most common guide dog breeds are Labradors, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds due to their calm temperament and trainability, but some crossbreeds can be Guide Dogs too!
May
The British Veterinary Nursing Association began the Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month 21 years ago. Vet nurses say they often feel overlooked and underappreciated, so it was created to celebrate their diverse talents.
Did you know humans’ survival depends on pollinators such as bees? But they are severely under-threat from the likes of pesticides, climate change, and intensive farming.
The United Nations created World Bee Day in 2018 to raise awareness of the importance of bees and other pollinators.
We love an excuse to celebrate our four-legged-friends, and this day recognises the resilience of rescue dogs and the many dogs currently in shelters looking for homes.
This day aims to make people across the globe more aware of the difficulties turtles face from climate change and fishing.
The worldwide campaign hopes to inspire humans to help protect turtles and tortoises and increase their survival rates in the wild.
From heatstroke to burns and poisonous foods, bbqs are great family fun but can be a big risk to our pets. If you’re celebrating National BBQ Week then make sure you’re taking precautions to keep them safe.
Read this story written by our PR team about Cocker Spaniel Arthur who underwent emergency surgery after swallowing a kebab skewer.
The World Parrot Trust created this day to raise awareness about the difficulties parrots in captivity and the wild face. Many species are endangered and threatened, and since 2004 this has been recognised through a day of action.
June
This week is all about celebrating volunteers and the impact they make.
It is widely celebrated by UK charities, which use the week to highlight those who give their time for free.
There’s always reason for showing our pets some extra love – but only if your cat likes a cuddle!
This day is designed to show your cat how much you love them, and if a cuddle isn’t on the cards why not get them some delicious treats or a new toy?
One of the cuddliest cats we’ve written about is Moses, the lazy cat from Banbury. Check out Moses trying hydrotherapy to help him lose weight.
You may know about these pint-sized pups from the late Queen Elizabeth ll, but they’re a much-loved breed all over the world.
This day celebrates corgis, while raising money for breed-specific rescues.
Whether it’s an extra walk, some special treats or a new toy, this week is all about showing your pet how much they mean to you and the happiness they bring.
Never been to a farm before? Now’s your chance! Find a farm near you to discover more about our food and how farming affects daily life.
There’s also heaps of activities like tractor rides and nature trails to keep the whole family entertained.
Organised by the brains behind the London Vet Show and the British Veterinary Association brings the chance to learn and connect from Birmingham.
Think discussions, keynote sessions, workshops and networking at The Vet Show.
If you miss your pet when you go to work, then this is the day for you! Take your feline friend into work for some extra fuss (just check your co-workers aren’t allergic first!).
This one is celebrating the pups with a face only a mother could love.
Each year on June 20 there’s a competition in California to determine the official ugliest dog, but we’re going to say there’s no pooch that isn’t adorable!
A study by Mars pet foods brand Cesar found nearly all people who had taken their dog to work found it improved their happiness and made them want to go into the office.
Take Your Dog to Work Day is the perfect time to trial taking your pet to work, if you work in an animal-friendly environment.
This day raises awareness of the preventable risks of choking hazards.
Read this story by our veterinary PR team about Doberman Hiro who nearly died after choking on a tennis ball.
This day is held to recognise and thank those who have served in the military. Animals are also part of the celebrations, with ceremonies for those who have helped in war.
July
It’s our favourite sweet treat, but did you know chocolate is extremely poisonous to dogs? It contains theobromine which is a lethal chemical and can be fatal. Instead let your pooch celebrate with some dog-friendly chocolate.
The first World Emoji Day was celebrated 11 years ago to promote the use of emojis. There’s emojis for everything from lions and pandas, to caterpillars, cats and dogs.
This day was created to raise awareness of tiger conservation. Tigers are critically endangered, but the good news is numbers are slowly on the rise, WWF reports, with some 4,500 of the big cats in the wild. The increase is believed to be due to conservation efforts, though many are still at risk from poaching and loss of habitat.
August
Assistance Dogs UK says more than 7,000 people rely on a dog for independence and emotional support. They can include guide dogs, medical alert dogs, autism dogs and hearing dogs. The day is marked by assistance dog organisations around the world to recognise dogs along with volunteers, staff and supportive communities.
Read the story of guide dog Sherpa and her cancer treatment, which our vet PR team successfully secured press coverage on.
There are some 12.5million pet cats living in the UK, with 29 per cent of homes having a cat. So, no wonder there is a day to celebrate them!
*Statistics from UK Pet Food
It used to be believed that cats were taboo and bad luck, and this age-old myth has led to many black cats being left in shelters and the last to be adopted. Black Cat Appreciation Day is held to dispel the myth about black cats, and celebrate them.
Read the story of black cat Thor, which our PR team worked on, who survived being trapped under the floorboards of a derelict house for two months!
This is the day to give your pooch some extra treats and cuddles! It is about encouraging people to adopt and make more responsible choices when it comes to getting or caring for a dog.
Animal Welfare charity Blue Cross runs a pet loss support service, which helped more than 20,000 people in 2023 following the death of a pet. Many compare the loss of a pet as a similar grief to losing a family member.
Blind dogs show amazing courage, adaptability and resilience, and despite not being able to see they can still lead fulfilling lives.
Dogs Trust says blind dogs can be rewarding to live with and train, and offers these tips on owning a visually impaired dog.
Read our PR team’s story about rescue Cocker Spaniel Indie, who had to have both eyes removed after being a victim of puppy farming, and meet Japanese Akita and therapy dog, Sumi, who travelled 2,000 miles for treatment.
September
After a long summer with all the family, the kids going back to school can be a big time of change for everyone. Many animals can get the ‘pet blues’ which can cause nervousness, frustration and separation anxiety in dogs.
Pets thrive on routine, and Animal Friends Pet Insurance has rounded up some tips on how to prepare your dog for when everyone is ‘back to school’.
All ginger cats are tabbies, and nearly 80 per cent are male because of a dominant gene they carry. Some of our best-loved characters are ginger cats – like Garfield and Puss in Boots!
One of our all time favourites is Moses, the lazy ginger cat who underwent a course of hydrotherapy to lose weight.
Our cats are most genetically linked to the African wildcat and Scottish wildcats – and also share 95.6 per cent of the same DNA as tigers, according to Cats Protection.
They have also evolved from lions and panthers and share similar traits like body shape, being carnivores, marking their territory and preferring to live alone.
Two per cent of UK adults have a pet rabbit – amounting to around 800,000 animals. The PDSA says many are not having their needs met, with 42 per cent living alone and 22 per cent in inadequate housing.
International Rabbit Day celebrates bunnies, but also aims to raise awareness of their welfare needs.
Our team worked with Calder Vets on a story about vaccinating rabbits against a fatal disease.
Rabies causes around 59,000 deaths annually worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation.
Many charities and governments carry out vaccination drives to offer preventative treatment to dogs – which are the main carriers of the disease.
The Global Alliance for Rabies Control aims to eliminate human deaths from dog rabies by 2030.
This day is all about heart health and how to prevent, detect and manage heart problems. Some of the most world-renowned veterinary cardiology teams are based here in the UK.
Read a story from our PR team about how specialists at Linnaeus-owned Willows saved the life of a six-month-old puppy by repairing a serious heart defect.
‘Sit’ is among the most popular pet trick for dogs, but everything from learning ‘high five’ or ‘touch’ can help provide your pooch with mental stimulation.
Here’s some training tips from UK charity Dogs Trust.
October
October 4 is the feast day of Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. Fittingly it is also a day dedicated to making the world a better place for animals and spreading awareness of their welfare needs.
The BCVA is coming to Scotland for the first time in 17 years for cattle vets, organised by farm vets. It’s all about improving animal welfare and sustainable food and dairy industries.
The representative body for veterinary nurses will hold its congress at Telford International Centre. It’s the largest sole veterinary nursing event in the UK.
Dogs need walking for mental and physical reasons to provide them with the exercise they need to stay healthy. Fetch day is all about having fun with your pet through exercise.
Across the world there’s some 220million household cats, and 480million stray cats. National Cat Day is to raise public awareness of cat adoption and animals in shelters waiting to find homes.
Halloween can be a scary time of year for us all – especially dogs! There are unexpected knocks at the door and people in strange costumes. Dogs Trust has put together some top tips to keep pets safe over spooky season.
November
The Vegetarian Society reports 4.5 per cent of the UK population have a vegan or vegetarian diet – a total of around 3million people. The day aims to advocate a plant-based lifestyle and support causes like animal rights, sustainability and climate change.
The British Horse Society reports more than 100 horses are killed or injured on firework night annually. Most pets and wildlife are scared of the loud bangs on 5 Nov, and the nights which follow.
Linnaeus-owned Southfields has advice on how to prepare for Bonfire Night, Halloween, New Year’s Eve and Diwali.
Red poppies are synonymous with Remembrance Day, and in 2006 purple poppies were introduced to remember animals which were victims of war. A service is held on this day at the Animals in War Memorial in London.
Diabetes is a condition which causes blood levels to rise to high, and can affect both humans and animals.
Read this story our veterinary PR team worked on about dog Lexie who was fitted with a monitor to flag abnormal glucose levels.
The World Organisation for Animal Health says antimicrobial resistance is one of the most pressing health issues of our time for both humans and animals.
A study by the British Veterinary Association also found 90 per cent of vets were concerned about resistance to antibiotics and say animal owners and vets need to work together to ensure medication is only used when needed, and at the correct dose.
Europe’s largest veterinary exhibition is all about connecting with international peers, learning from industry leaders and elevating your practice. Attending also earns up to 17 hours of CPD.
The sales are on! This is the busiest shopping day of the year, and marks the start of the Christmas shopping rush. Make sure you grab a pressie for your four-legged-friend too!
December
This operation is all about supporting shelters and their animals by donating toys, treats and money. To help even more then contact your local shelter to find out about volunteering.
It’s all about showing some love to the people who volunteer and recognising their invaluable work. It was set up by the UN in 1985 and promotes volunteering as a way to give back.
Across the world there are about 600,000 vets, and this day recognises their role in public and animal health.
In 2023 the RSPCA investigated more than 58,000 reports of animal cruelty, and in the same year more than 2.5million animals were used in lab experiments.
This day is marked by demonstrations which call for better animal welfare and to provide animals with the same protection as humans.
Not just one for cat lovers! It’s all about working a job which seems to be an uphill task, which is as difficult as ‘herding cats’. Which isn’t actually a job!
It’s been more than 45 years since Dogs Trust coined the slogan ‘A Dog is for Life, Not Just for Christmas’ and it’s as relevant today as ever.
Last year more than 1,000 cats and dogs were abandoned over the festive period.
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