October is full of pet-themed holidays that pair really well with our October Offers and Sharing the Love – and of course, there is Halloween!

Holidays in green include Offer Pairings or would work with your own in-store promotions. Holidays in red pair nicely with Sharing the Love. While holidays in blue are designed to spread awareness. And some can be more than one. There are no real rules here, just have fun with it!

Month-Long Observances

October is a great month to support Dog Adoption in your community. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) sponsors and promotes Adopt a Shelter Dog Month every October, while the American Humane Society has celebrated a month-long October campaign encouraging the adoption of shelter dogs in 1981.

Adopt-A-Dog Month® (American Humane Association)

Adopt-A-Dog Month®. By American Humane Association

Since 1981, American Humane has celebrated “Adopt-a-Dog Month®” each October in an effort to help the estimated 3-4 million animals waiting in shelters every year get the loving, forever homes that they deserve. Be a hero this month and encourage members of your community to adopt a dog from a local shelter or rescue group. Remind your community that you are participating in Sharing the Love, and therefore reward Dog Adoption with healthy foods, treats, supplements, and more to ensure that this rescued dog will be living their BEST life in their new home! The American Humane website is full of resources to help you promote dog adoption in your community.

Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Sharable Image under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Sharing the Love: Make sure to mention how your store rewards Dog Adoption with FREE Welcome Home Adoption Bundles and Bounce Back Coupons. Want to learn more about Sharing the Love, and how to best showcase your involvement? Join us on Oct 13th for a live webinar event. Social Media Fun: Share bios of adoptable dogs in your area. Host an adoption event and post pictures of the pups! Tag local rescues and shelters’ social pages when you share info about Sharing the Love. Hashtags: #AdoptADogMonth

Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month (ASPCA)

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) sponsors this event to promote the adoption of dogs from local shelters. According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year. When these abandoned and often abused animals find their way to a shelter, each one needs a forever home and their potential is limitless. Community shelters make it a priority to match each dog with a compatible owner and environment to support the dog’s best second chance at a loving and stable forever home. Are you curious about the history of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and the story of the first shelter established in 1869? Read on here.

Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Sharable Image under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Sharing the Love: Make sure to mention how your store rewards Dog Adoption with FREE Welcome Home Adoption Bundles and Bounce Back Coupons. Want to learn more about Sharing the Love, and how to best showcase your involvement? Join us on Oct 13th for a live webinar event. Social Media Fun: Share bios of adoptable dogs in your area. Host an adoption event and post pictures of the pups! Tag local shelters’ social pages when you share info about Sharing the Love. Encourage people to volunteer, or share your own stories of volunteering to inspire others to do the same! You could also start a collection of key items your shelters need and donate a pile of supplies at the end of the month! Hashtags: #AdoptAShelterDogMonth

National Animal Safety and Protection Month

Created by the PALS Foundation, National Animal Safety and Protection Month in October reminds us of the responsibility that comes with domesticated animals and pets. Not only does National Animal Safety and Protection Month raise awareness, but it provides tips and tools to help us be more prepared in the event of an emergency or illness. Whether the animals in our lives are part of the family or our livelihood, we never expect an emergency. No matter what we do, accidents happen. Take steps to be prepared and be aware. Do you have any tips for pet safety to share with your customers? This would be a great time to further establish yourself as being a source for helpful tips and knowledge. You can also highlight your favorite safety products – like pet gates, life jackets, reflective gear, pet carriers, and more!

Marketing Materials: Sharable Image under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Social Media Fun: Share pet safety information and info about your favorite pet safety products you carry at your store. You could even host a Facebook/Instagram Live on the topic. Hashtags: #NationalAnimalSafety&ProtectionMonth

National Pet Wellness Month

As humans, we are able to take care of ourselves and communicate to doctors that we feel unwell. Unfortunately, our pets can’t tell us when they are feeling unwell, so they have to rely on us to ensure they stay healthy. Because of this, the American Veterinary Medical Association has deemed October as National Pet Wellness Month. Throughout the month of October, educate your customers on what they can do to promote the optimal health and wellness of their furry friends. As a neighborhood pet health specialty shop, you are perfectly positioned to educate your customers on proper nutrition, mental stimulation, and physical exercise – all ways they can contribute to their pet’s holistic health. You can also remind your customers to take their pet to the vet for their bi-annual checkup.

Astro Offer Pairings_National Pet Wellness Month

Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Sharable Image under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Social Media Fun: Share pet health and wellness tips related to the aspects of a pet’s health that your store can contribute to. Include info about your favorite healthy products you carry at your store. You could even host a Facebook/Instagram Live on the topic. Hashtags: #NationalPetWellnessMonth

National Pit Bull Awareness Month

October is National Pit Bull Awareness Month — hooray! It’s a month to celebrate Pit Bull type dogs, bust myths about these breeds, and promote the adoption of Pit Bulls. Pit Bulls are often left at shelters and looked over by adopters because of harmful stereotypes. These dogs are loving and affectionate, and they deserve forever homes. Help spread the word! Check out dogtime.com’s article on 9 Ways to Celebrate National Pit Bull Awareness Month for some great ideas to highlight what makes pit bulls so special.

Astro Offer Pairings_National Pit Bull Awareness Month

Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Sharable Image under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Sharing the Love: While bringing attention to local pit bull rescues, and adoptable pit bulls be sure to mention your involvement in Sharing the Love! You may even want to throw in an extra special gift for any pit bulls who are adopted this month. You can do so using My Promotions. Social Media Fun: Share fun facts about pit bulls highlighting what makes them so special. Share bios of adoptable pitties in your area, or tag your favorite pit bull rescue. Hashtags: #NationalPitBullAwarenessMonth Related Holiday: October 30th National Pit Bull Awareness Day

Week-Long Observances

1st Week of October: National Walk Your Dog Week

National Walk Your Dog Week was founded in 2010 by Celebrity Pet Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate Colleen Paige, to bring awareness to the ever-increasing problem of canine behavior issues and canine obesity in America. Walk Your Dog Week aims to improve the health and well-being of America’s dogs and sends the message to unchain your dogs!

Initially founded for October 1st, as a “one-day” holiday, Colleen later felt that one day was just not enough time to stimulate a continued walking program, so she then founded National Walk Your Dog Week to be celebrated the entire first week of October. She believes that when people witness the changes in their beloved dogs by giving them a week of exercise they normally don’t get, not only will they see a massive difference in their dog’s behavior but the dog parent will feel so good…they won’t want to stop!

As a neighborhood pet shop, you can help educate your customers on the importance of a healthy walking routine. And what better time to start a healthy walking routine than fall! Use this time to introduce your customers to the supplies they will need to enjoy their outdoor strolls. If you offer leash training workshops this is a great time to run specials on those! You could even organize a community walk around the park, or share your favorite dog-friendly walking trails. ‘Tis the season for outdoor adventures!

Astro Offer Pairings_National Walk Your Dog Week

Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Sharable Image under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Social Media Fun: When sharing info related to this holiday be sure to tag the official pages related to National Dog Week to bring extra attention to the cause and to show your support for it. @WalkYourDogWeek on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Definitely include your favorite walking trails and leash walking tips. Hashtags: #NationalWalkYourDogWeek

October 17-23: National Veterinary Technician Week

Oct. 17-23_ National Veterinary Technician Week

Veterinary technicians are critical to the day-to-day function of veterinary practices and play vital roles in preserving animal health and welfare. National Veterinary Technician Week provides an opportunity to recognize veterinary technicians’ contributions. Download these free social media images to celebrate National Veterinary Technician Week on social media and your website.

Marketing Materials: Sharable Image under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Social Media Fun: Share a story about a vet tech that helped you and your pet. Or offer general praise and appreciation for their hard work. The American Veterinary Medical Association has a collection of images you download and share to show your support for vet techs in your area. Hashtags: #NationalVeterinaryTechnicianWeek

One-Day Holidays

Oct. 1: National Black Dog Day

National Black Dog Day on October 1st encourages the adoption of a dog in the darker shades. Black dogs are less likely to be adopted for no other reason than their coloring. Regardless of behavior, size, breeding, personality, or age, the phenomenon persists. You’ll find their behavior is no different from dogs of a different color. They come in short hair, long-haired and shaggy breeds, too. Do you like a floppy-eared pup? Every ear, tail, bark, and size comes in some beautiful shade of black. Big paws and little paws, too. Not only do they come in every shape and size, but they all need forever homes. The day was created by author Colleen Paige, who is also the founder of National Walk Your Dog Week and National Cat Day which are both also happening this month!

Astro Offer Pairings_National Black Dog Day

Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Sharable Image under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Sharing the Love: Since black dogs tend to have trouble getting adopted this would be a great time to talk about what makes black dogs so special. While doing so you can highlight your participation in Sharing the Love! All black dogs deserve happy forever homes and what better way to welcome them home than with a FREE Welcome Home Adoption Bundle! You could even go one step further and include a bonus treat or coupon for any black dogs that redeem a Welcome Home Bundle this month. Social Media Fun: Tag local rescues who feature adoptable black dogs. Share fun facts about black dogs – such as they look fabulous with accessories! Do any members of your staff have a black dog? Post some pics and ask your customers to do the same! Hashtags: #NationalBlackDogDay #AdoptBlackDogs

Oct. 2: Poodle Day

Poodle Day is an annual event in Carmel, California, that unites poodle owners and lovers—and their furry companions—for a fun-filled day, which includes a parade for poodles, poodle mixes, and their human companions, off-leash beach play, as well as evening cocktail parties. In addition to being one of California’s premier vacation destinations, Carmel consistently ranks as one of Dog Fancy’s top ten most dog-friendly cities in America.

Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Sharable Image under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Social Media Fun: Are you in Carmel, CA, or nearby? Then you’re in luck! Share info about the event so your fellow poodle lovers can join in the festivities. If you’re outside of the Carmel area there’s no need to pout, share pics of your favorite poodle and some poodle facts to boot! Hashtags: #PoodleDay

Oct. 4: World Animal Day

Since 1931, World Animal Day (held each October 4th, the Feast Day of Francis of Assisi) has been a time to celebrate all of our friends with fur, fins, and feathers and to contemplate ways to create a better tomorrow for every being on the planet.

Although created to raise awareness of species that are in danger of disappearing off the face of the earth, the holiday also includes an array of events that pay tribute to our tail-wagging chums, including pet blessings, fundraisers for paws causes, and gatherings to show support for our brother and sister companion animals who are suffering.

Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Sharable Image under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Sharing the Love: One way to help make a difference in an animal’s life is by promoting and encouraging adoption, and what better way to do that than by showcasing your involvement in Sharing the Love. Social Media Fun: The Yucky Puppy has some great tips for spreading awareness during this holiday. Such as encouraging members of your community to donate time or resources to local rescues and shelters. Hashtags: #WorldAnimalDay

Oct. 13: National Pet Obesity Awareness Day

Each year, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention conducts the Pet Nutrition & Weight Management Survey for pet owners and veterinary professionals. By conducting the prevalence survey every other year, we will be able to continue monitoring trends and enhance our data analysis.

In 2018, an estimated 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the United States were overweight or obese.

“Pet Owners and Veterinary Professionals are divided on grain-free, clean meats, raw meat diets, and other popular pet food trends according to the latest Association for Pet Obesity Prevention Survey.” What do you think about this?

Astro Offer Pairings_National Pet Obesity Awareness Day

Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Sharable Image under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Social Media Fun: Share your best tips for helping pets reach a healthy weight. Showcase your favorite health food Offers! Hashtags: #NationalPetObesityAwarenessDay

Oct. 16: Global Cat Day

Global Cat Day on October 16th raises awareness surrounding non-lethal feline programs across the country. More than any other shelter animal, cats and kittens face euthanization at a much higher rate. However, programs such as trap, neuter, and release (TNR) are making it possible for cats to live full and healthy lives right in our neighborhoods. TNR programs, such as those organized by Alley Cat Allies, aim to reduce shelters and overall colony populations across the country. TNR programs trap feral and stray cats. They are then neutered and vaccinated under the care of a veterinarian. Their ears are tipped to identify that they have been neutered. Then the cat is released back into the neighborhood where they were captured.

Marketing Materials: Sharable Image under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Social Media Fun: Is there a TNR program in your community? Share some information on how your customers can get involved. Hashtags: #GlobalCatDay Related Holiday: National Feral Cat Day

Oct. 16: National Feral Cat Day

October 16 is National Feral Cat Day, so start practicing your alley cat strut and get your feline friends together. This is a day to celebrate cats of all stripes, no matter where they call home. Feral cats have been stigmatized the world over, but thanks to this holiday, we can change how we see these lovable nomads. Alley Cat Allies, which formed in 1990, has done amazing work to spread awareness about this problem and develop solutions for it. Through the organization, you can help hold spay/neuter clinics and food/supply drives, encourage official governmental proclamations regarding TNR policies, and more.

Marketing Materials: Sharable Image under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Social Media Fun: Is there a TNR program in your community? Share some information on how your customers can get involved. Hashtags: #NationalFeralCatDay Related Holiday: Global Cat Day

Oct. 16: National Fetch Day

Fetch may be one of the oldest bonding activities between dogs and their humans but Chuckit!, the creator of National Fetch Day, has improved the experience for everyone involved. This year, Chuckit! is bringing the celebration to backyards everywhere. Through a series of fun and safe dog-themed programs including throwing 200 backyard parties, partnering with local venues for curbside celebrations, and even a virtual ball launcher, Chuckit! is looking to Make Fetch Happen™ in 2021. Chuckit! is also partnering with the North Shore Animal League America to donate up to 5,000 balls to dogs in need. To learn more about how you can take part in Chuckit!’s National Fetch Day activities, see the “How to Celebrate” section below or visit the National Fetch Day website.

Marketing Materials: Sharable Image under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Social Media Fun: Chuckit is running a sweepstake that you and your customers could get in on. Hashtags: #NationalFetchDay

Oct. 21: National Pets for Veterans Day

It all started with a dog named Bear. Bear was quite the ham and knew how to interact differently based on the individual needs of the Veterans. He would lie quietly on the bed if needed or put his paws up to encourage others. This led many Veterans to ask if they could take Bear home with them. Bear’s owner thought, “why is therapy one hour a week inside when it could be 24/7 at home?” Since Bear was spoken for, his owner thought she could help more veterans find their own Bear to help them rehabilitate. To spread the word, we’re celebrating Bear and all other Service Animals on October 21 for National Pets for Veterans Day!

Marketing Materials: Sharable Image under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Social Media Fun: Check out Pets For Vets and find out how you can support and bring awareness to their cause. Hashtags: #NationalPetsForVeteransDay

Oct. 28: Plush Animal Lovers Day

A day that most dogs will be happy to celebrate…as they unstuff those plush toys… But I’m sure you know of some tougher plush toys that will at least hold up a lil longer. As for those pups who love to snuggle rather than unstuff their plushy babies, you have even more cuddly buddies to recommend. Have fun with this holiday and use it as an opportunity to talk toys with your customers!

Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Sharable Image under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday

Social Media Fun: Share pics of your favorite stuffed toy brands. Invite your customers to share pics of their pups and their favorite toys.

Hashtags: #PlushAnimalLoversDay

Oct. 29: National Cat Day

National Cat Day is celebrated on October 29. It was created by Colleen Paige to bring awareness to the number of cats that need to be rescued each year. Cats remind us that just when you think they’ve lost interest in you, they’ll turn around and melt your hearts. When it appears they’re too busy staring out at passing cars, chasing nylon mice, and sending tiny multi-colored balls to their under-the-refrigerator graves, they’ll somehow let you know that their very world revolves around you. Just wait. It’ll happen when you least expect it. Cats have their own timetable.

National Cat Day even has its own official website and social media pages. On their site, you will find their Top 20 List of Ways to Celebrate National Cat Day.

Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Sharable Images under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday & Astro Media > Lifestyle > Adoption

Sharing the Love: Since cat adoption is such a central theme of National Cat Day you can remind your community that you gleefully reward cat adoption from local rescues and shelters with FREE Welcome Home Bundles!

Social Media Fun: Be sure to use the official hashtags and review the rules of participation before using this holiday as a promotional tool. Tag and follow their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more holiday fun!

Hashtags: #NationalCatDay

Oct. 30: National Pit Bull Awareness Day

National Pit Bull Awareness Day(NPBAD) is a day of appreciation and education designed to change perceptions and stereotypes about bully breed dogs, commonly referred to as “pit bulls,” and their responsible owners. NPBAD was established to educate and foster positive communications and experiences in the communities in which we and our dogs live, and it is an initiative dedicated to restoring the image of the American Pit Bull Terrier.

The ultimate goal of NPBAD is to promote the truth about pit bulls. Knowledge is power, and with education and advocacy, the truth will save lives in terms of negating the fear and bias generated by the media, circumvent knee-jerk reactions such as breed bans, and the truth will result in fewer pit bulls ending up in animal shelters.

Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Sharable Image under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Sharing the Love: While bringing attention to local pit bull rescues, and adoptable pit bulls be sure to mention your involvement in Sharing the Love! You may even want to throw in an extra special gift for any pit bulls who are adopted this month. You can do so using My Promotions. Social Media Fun: Share fun facts about pit bulls highlighting what makes them so special. Share bios of adoptable pitties in your area, or tag your favorite pit bull rescue. Hashtags: #NationalPitBullAwarenessDay Related Holiday: National Pit Bull Awareness Month

Oct 31: HALLOWEEN!!!!!

Finally! It’s the most magical time of year! Halloween is one of the most popular holidays of the year. Halloween gives us oodles of opportunities to have fun with our pets, and your customers are on the lookout for fun and spooky pet-themed events. Are you hosting any Halloween events at your store? Maybe a pet costume contest?! Or a Tricks for Treats party! You can keep it very simple and just put out a table with some goodie bags for any Trick-or-Treaters that stop by. – include coupons highlighting goods/services. Or you can go all out and give out awards for Best Costume, Best Human/Pet Costume Pair, Spookiest, Cutest, etc. Looking for some party ideas, DogTime.com has a great article. Whether you are able to host a live event or orchestrate one digitally, you’ll be helping create memories that will last a lifetime. Also, all Astro Offers pair well with Halloween, but it’s going to be your Treat Offers that you’ll want to highlight if you are doing Treats for Tricks!

Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Sharable Images under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday. Additional Halloween images are located in the Canva Template whose URL is mentioned in the description of the Halloween and other Fall Holiday Templates. Social Media Fun: Start immediately! Post pictures of your Halloween-themed products – costumes, toys, treats, etc. Start hyping any events you have planned. Hashtags: #HappyHowloween #Halloween #HalloweenDog #HalloweenCat

Pet Holiday Guide | October 2021

Pet Holiday Guide | October 2021

Table of Contents