April is all about renewal, growth, and fresh starts—making it the perfect time to engage pet parents with education, sustainability, and feel-good moments that drive both traffic and loyalty. From nutrition awareness to adoption celebrations and Earth-conscious shopping, this month offers countless ways to connect with your community.
Month-Long Observances
Week-Long Observances
One-Day Holidays
- April 11: National Pet Day
- April 12: World Hamster Day
- April 19: National Cat Lady Day
- April 19: Pet Owners Day
- April 20: 420 CBD Awareness
- April 21: Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day
- April 22: Earth Day
- April 26: National Kids & Pets Day
- April 27: National Little Pampered Dog Day
- April 30: National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
Month-Long & Week-Long Observances
Active Dog Month
April encourages pet parents to get outside and stay active with their dogs as the weather warms up. It’s a great opportunity to highlight the importance of exercise for physical health, mental stimulation, and strengthening the bond between pets and their people.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Promote outdoor essentials like leashes, harnesses, travel bowls, and toys with in-store displays
- Pair Astro Offers with high-energy foods, treats, and supplements that support active lifestyles
- Create a “Spring Into Action” My Promotion (e.g., discounts on walking gear or adventure bundles)
- Host a weekend walking challenge or encourage customers to share photos of their active pets
Adopt a Greyhound Month
This month shines a spotlight on retired racing greyhounds and other sighthounds looking for loving homes. These gentle, low-maintenance dogs make wonderful companions and often transition beautifully into family life.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Partner with local rescues to promote greyhound adoptions and events
- Highlight calm-home essentials like orthopedic beds, calming supplements, and enrichment toys
- Use Sharing the Love Adoption Rewards to welcome adopters with curated bundles and Bounce Back Coupons
- Share educational content about the unique needs and benefits of adopting a greyhound
National Raw Feeding Week
April 1–7
This week highlights the benefits of raw and minimally processed diets, focusing on biologically appropriate nutrition and ingredient transparency.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Educate customers on raw feeding benefits through in-store signage or email campaigns
- Promote freezer sections and raw brands using Astro Offers where available
- Offer a free or discounted nutrition consult as a My Promotion to guide transitions
- Bundle raw toppers or starter kits to make trying raw more approachable
- Astro Blog: Benefits of Feeding Raw to Your Pet
PSC’s Earth Week on Astro
April 20-26, 2026
Earth Week is a celebration of sustainability in the pet industry, powered by the Pet Sustainability Coalition and Astro Loyalty. This event highlights brands committed to environmentally responsible practices and encourages pet parents to shop locally to reduce their environmental impact.
👉 Learn more about Earth Week on Astro
Retailers have access to ready-made marketing materials and a pre-built Campaign Series in the Astro Marketing Suite, making it easy to promote sustainability across email, app notifications, and social.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Enroll in Earth Week Astro Offers featuring PSC-accredited brands
- Use the Marketing Suite Campaign Series to schedule emails and app notifications in minutes
- Create in-store displays highlighting sustainable products and local shopping benefits
- Share educational messaging about how shopping local reduces packaging waste and delivery emissions
National Scoop the Poop Week
April 23–29
This lighthearted but important week promotes responsible pet ownership and environmental cleanliness in local communities.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Promote waste management products like bags, dispensers, and yard tools
- Pair Astro Offers with eco-friendly waste solutions
- Run a “Clean Yard, Happy Pet” My Promotion
- Share reminders and tips via the Marketing Suite to keep neighborhoods clean
One-Day Holidays
April Fools
April 1st
A playful holiday that invites humor and creativity—perfect for engaging your audience with lighthearted content.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Run a surprise one-day My Promotion (e.g., flash discount or bonus points)
- Share funny pet content or “prank” product posts on social
- Send a playful email campaign using the Astro Marketing Suite
- Tie in a real offer after the joke to drive traffic
World Rat Day
April 4
Celebrate intelligent and affectionate small pets that are often overlooked.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Highlight small animal care products
- Share educational content to reduce stigma
- Promote enrichment and habitat upgrades
- Run a small pet spotlight campaign
National Hug Your Dog Day
April 10
A heartwarming reminder to celebrate the bond between dogs and their humans.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Promote comfort items like beds, blankets, and calming aids
- Pair Astro Offers with treats and enrichment toys
- Encourage customers to share photos for a social giveaway
- Send a feel-good campaign celebrating customer pets
National Pet Day
April 11
One of the biggest pet holidays of the year, celebrating pets of all kinds while encouraging adoption.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Promote Sharing the Love Adoption Rewards to drive awareness
- Highlight top Astro Offers across categories
- Run a storewide My Promotion or loyalty bonus day
- Launch a multi-channel campaign using the Marketing Suite
World Hamster Day
April 12
A niche but fun holiday celebrating small pets and pocket companions.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Highlight small animal habitats, food, and enrichment
- Pair Astro Offers with small animal brands
- Educate customers on proper hamster care
- Run a themed My Promotion for small pet essentials
National Cat Lady Day
April 19
A fun and empowering celebration of devoted cat lovers.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Promote cat-focused Astro Offers and products
- Create a “Cat Lady (and Proud)” campaign
- Highlight enrichment toys and premium diets
- Encourage social sharing with themed giveaways
Pet Owners Day
April 19
A day to celebrate the humans behind the pets.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Thank customers with a loyalty reward or perk
- Run a customer appreciation campaign
- Offer exclusive My Promotions via the Marketing Suite
- Encourage testimonials and reviews
420 CBD Awareness
April 20
A natural tie-in to promote calming supplements and CBD products for pets.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Highlight calming aids and CBD products via Astro Offers
- Educate customers on safe usage and benefits
- Run a relaxation-themed My Promotion
- Pair with stress-relief products like beds and chews
- Astro Blog: Benefits of Full-Spectrum Hemp Oil for Pets / National CBD Month is for Pets Too
Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day
April 21
A breed-specific celebration that’s great for niche engagement.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Feature bulldog-friendly products and diets
- Encourage customer photos and stories
- Run a breed-themed My Promotion
- Highlight health-support products (joint, skin, etc.)
Earth Day
April 22
The centerpiece of Earth Week, focused on environmental awareness and action.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Promote Earth Week Astro Offers
- Use your scheduled Marketing Suite campaigns
- Highlight sustainable brands and practices
- Encourage reusable products and eco-friendly swaps
National Kids & Pets Day
April 26
Celebrates the special bond between children and pets.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Promote family-friendly pet products
- Share educational content on safe interactions
- Run a photo contest or giveaway
- Highlight starter pet care kits
National Little Pampered Dog Day
April 27
A fun excuse to celebrate spoiling our pups.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Promote grooming, treats, and luxury items
- Run a pampering-themed My Promotion
- Pair indulgent products with Astro Offers
- Encourage “treat your pet” messaging
National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
April 30
A powerful day to promote adoption and welcome new pet families.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Promote Sharing the Love Adoption Rewards
- Partner with local rescues for events
- Create welcome-home bundles and displays
- Use the Astro Marketing Suite to spread awareness and drive traffic
- Astro Blog: 4 Ways to Participate in National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
