October is one of the busiest—and most exciting—months on the pet holiday calendar. From adoption awareness campaigns to wellness initiatives and playful celebrations like Halloween, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with your customers and highlight the joy pets bring to our lives.
For independent pet retailers, these holidays are more than just dates on the calendar—they’re opportunities to educate, inspire, and engage your community while driving traffic to your store. And if you’re an Astro Marketing Suite subscriber, you’ve got a head start: we’ve added customizable Campaign Templates and holiday-specific images to your Image Library, ready for use in email, text, app notifications, and social media campaigns.
Whether you want to host an event, run a promotion, or simply share helpful tips, October’s lineup of pet holidays gives you plenty of reasons to celebrate.
Month-Long Observances
Week-Long Observances
Single Day Holidays
- Oct. 1: National Black Dog Day
- Oct. 4: World Animal Day
- Oct. 7: Poodle Day
- 2nd Wednesday: National Pet Obesity Awareness Day
- Oct 16: Global Cat Day
- Oct. 16: National Feral Cat Day
- 3rd Saturday: National Fetch Day
- Oct. 21: National Pets for Veterans Day
- Oct. 28: Plush Animal Lovers Day
- Oct. 29: National Cat Day
- Last Saturday: National Pit Bull Awareness Day
- Oct. 31: HALLOWEEN
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 since 1981.
Adopt-A-Dog Month®
Sponsored by the American Humane Association
Adopt-a-Dog Month® (October) has been celebrated by American Humane every year since 1981. The campaign was created to draw attention to the millions of dogs—an estimated 3–4 million annually—who enter shelters across the country. The goal is simple but powerful: inspire communities to adopt, not shop, and give these dogs the forever homes they deserve.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Promote Adoption Rewards: Remind customers that your store participates in Sharing the Love, which provides free food, treats, and supplements to support adopted dogs in their new homes.
Partner with Local Rescues: Host adoption events, sponsor adoption fees, or run a supply drive to benefit shelters.
Educate Pet Parents: Share adoption resources from American Humane and spotlight the benefits of rescue dogs on your social channels.
Create an Adoption Display: Dedicate a space in your store to adoption awareness, feature adoptable dogs from local rescues, and include signage about your Sharing the Love participation.
Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month
Sponsored by the ASPCA
Adopt a Shelter Dog Month (October) is sponsored by the ASPCA to bring national attention to the millions of dogs waiting in shelters for loving homes. Each year, an estimated 3.3 million dogs enter shelters across the U.S.—many abandoned or rescued from neglect. This month encourages communities to open their hearts and homes to these dogs and reminds us that every shelter pup has unlimited potential when given a second chance.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Promote Adoption Rewards: Highlight your participation in Sharing the Love, which provides free food, treats, and essentials to help adopted dogs thrive in their new homes.
Partner with Shelters: Collaborate with local shelters to host adoption events or feature adoptable dogs in your store and on your social channels.
Educate Pet Parents: Share resources from the ASPCA and adoption success stories to inspire your community.
Adoption Awareness Displays: Create an in-store display dedicated to shelter adoption, with signage about your Sharing the Love program and any related Astro Offers.
National Animal Safety and Protection Month
National Animal Safety and Protection Month (October) was created by the PALS (People and Animals Living Safely) Foundation to raise awareness about the responsibility of keeping our pets and animals safe. The month serves as a reminder that accidents and emergencies can happen at any time—and being prepared is the best way to protect the animals we love. From illness to natural disasters, it’s all about prevention, preparedness, and proactive care.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Highlight Safety Gear: Feature products like reflective collars, LED leashes, pet gates, life jackets, first-aid kits, and carriers—especially if you have related Astro Offers.
Share Safety Tips: Post bite-sized tips on your social channels or create an in-store handout covering emergency prep, travel safety, and seasonal hazards.
Emergency Prep Displays: Build a display of “must-have” safety items for pet owners to grab in one place.
Community Education: Partner with a local vet or rescue to host a workshop on pet first aid, disaster preparedness, or seasonal safety.
National Pet Wellness Month
National Pet Wellness Month (October) was established by the American Veterinary Medical Association to remind us that pets can’t tell us when something is wrong—they depend on us to keep them healthy. This month is dedicated to promoting proactive care and educating pet parents on how to support their pets’ overall well-being.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Promote Holistic Health: Highlight foods, supplements, and treats that support long-term wellness—especially if tied to Astro Offers.
Encourage Enrichment: Showcase toys and puzzles that provide mental stimulation alongside physical exercise.
Educate Customers: Share wellness tips on nutrition, exercise, and preventive care through your social channels or in-store displays.
Host a Wellness Week: Partner with a local veterinarian to offer mini checkups, Q&A sessions, or wellness workshops in-store.
National Pit Bull Awareness Month
National Pit Bull Awareness Month (October) is dedicated to celebrating Pit Bull–type dogs, breaking down harmful myths, and encouraging their adoption. Too often, these affectionate and loyal dogs are overlooked in shelters due to unfair stereotypes. This month is all about changing perceptions and showcasing the love and companionship Pit Bulls bring to families.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Share Success Stories: Post photos or stories of adopted Pit Bulls from your community to highlight their loving nature.
Partner with Rescues: Team up with local shelters that specialize in Pit Bull adoptions to host awareness events or adoption days.
Promote Positive Messaging: Use your social platforms to educate customers and bust common myths about Pit Bulls.
Adoption Awareness Displays: Dedicate a section in your store to celebrate Pit Bulls, and include signage about your participation in Sharing the Love. Let customers know that adopted Pit Bulls can receive free food, treats, and essentials through this program to help them thrive in their new homes.
- Related Holiday: The last Saturday in October is National Pit Bull Awareness Day
Week-Long Observations
National Walk Your Dog Week
First Week of October : Oct. 1-7th, 2025
National Walk Your Dog Week (October 1–7) was founded in 2010 by Celebrity Pet Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate Colleen Paige to shine a light on two growing issues—canine obesity and behavior problems. Regular walks aren’t just exercise; they’re a way to strengthen the bond between dogs and their people, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. By giving pet parents a full week to focus on daily walks, this holiday encourages habits that can last a lifetime.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Showcase Walking Gear: Feature leashes, harnesses, reflective gear, and travel water bottles—especially if tied to Astro Offers.
Host a Community Walk: Bring customers together for a group stroll at a local park, or team up with a shelter to include adoptable dogs.
Share Local Trail Tips: Post or print maps of nearby dog-friendly walking paths to inspire customers.
Offer Workshops or Specials: Promote leash-training clinics or run walking gear discounts to encourage healthy routines.
Social Media Tip: Share photos of local pups enjoying their walks and tag the holiday’s official pages on Facebook and Instagram (@walkyourdogweek) to connect with the wider celebration.
World Pet Obesity Week
1st Full Week of October : Oct. 6-12, 2025
World Pet Obesity Week (October 6–12, 2025) shines a spotlight on one of the fastest-growing health concerns for pets. Led by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, this awareness week emphasizes that obesity is a disease requiring proactive care, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Retailers can play a role by educating customers about proper nutrition, portion control, and healthy treats, while encouraging regular exercise.
This year’s Pet Obesity & Nutrition Survey launches October 1 and runs through the end of the year, giving pet owners and veterinary professionals the chance to share insights that help improve pet health everywhere.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Create a Healthy Treat Display: Highlight low-calorie treats, portion-controlled snacks, and weight management foods—then feature any related Astro Offers to make these healthier options even more attractive to customers.
Spotlight Active Toys: Dedicate a section to toys that get pets moving—like fetch balls, tug ropes, or puzzle feeders. If you have Astro Offers tied to toys or enrichment, promote them here.
Offer “Weigh-In Wednesdays”: Partner with a local vet or set up a store scale where pet owners can track their pet’s weight, and pair it with special Offers on weight management foods or supplements.
Educational Handouts: Share quick tips on portion control, body condition scoring, and how to recognize when a pet might be overweight. Add a QR code linking directly to your Astro Offer promotions on relevant products.
Social Media Challenge: Encourage customers to post pictures of their pets enjoying healthy activities with a branded hashtag, and remind them to stop by your store to take advantage of exclusive Astro Offers during the week.
National Veterinary Technician Week
Third Week of October
National Veterinary Technician Week (October 12–18, 2025) is a time to recognize the essential role vet techs play in keeping pets healthy and happy. From assisting in surgeries to providing everyday care and comfort, veterinary technicians are the backbone of veterinary practices and true advocates for animal welfare.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Show Appreciation: Share a thank-you post on your social channels using free social media images, and tag local veterinary clinics.
In-Store Recognition: Create a display board or “thank you wall” where customers can leave notes of gratitude for their favorite vet techs.
Partner Promotions: Team up with a local veterinary practice to spotlight their staff, or offer a small discount to customers who work as vet techs.
Gift Baskets: Put together care packages with snacks, coffee, or pet-themed goodies to deliver to nearby clinics as a gesture of thanks.
- Social Media Tip: Share a story about a vet tech who 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 can download and share to show your support for vet techs in your area.
One-Day Holidays
National Black Dog Day
Annually on October 1st
National Black Dog Day (October 1) was created by author and animal advocate Colleen Paige to raise awareness about the “Black Dog Syndrome”—the unfortunate trend where black-coated dogs are often overlooked in shelters. Despite being just as loving, playful, and loyal as dogs of any other color, black dogs face longer shelter stays simply because of their appearance. This holiday is dedicated to changing perceptions and encouraging the adoption of these wonderful companions.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Promote Adoption Rewards: Remind your customers that through Sharing the Love, adopted black dogs receive free food, treats, and essentials to help them settle into their forever homes.
Adoption Spotlights: Partner with local rescues to feature adoptable black dogs on your social channels or in your store.
In-Store Awareness Displays: Dedicate a section to black dog adoption awareness and include signage highlighting your Sharing the Love participation.
Community Events: Host or support adoption events in partnership with shelters, with a special focus on helping black dogs find homes.
📅 Fun fact: Colleen Paige also founded National Walk Your Dog Week (October 1–7) and National Cat Day (October 29), giving retailers the chance to cross-promote multiple adoption- and awareness-focused events throughout the month.
World Animal Day
Annually on October 4th
World Animal Day (October 4) has been celebrated since 1931, aligning with the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi—the patron saint of animals. Originally founded to raise awareness about endangered species, it has grown into a global movement honoring all animals, from our pets at home to wildlife around the world. The day encourages compassion, protection, and action for every creature we share the planet with.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Promote Adoption Rewards: Use the day to spotlight your Sharing the Love participation, reminding customers that adopted pets receive free food, treats, and essentials to help them thrive.
Fundraise for a Cause: Collect donations or host a supply drive for local shelters and rescues.
Create Awareness Displays: Highlight eco-friendly or sustainable pet products that support animal welfare.
Share the Message: Use your platforms to spread awareness of endangered species and celebrate companion animals, tying in any Astro Offers that feature natural, ethical, or wellness-focused products.
Poodle Day
First Saturday of October : Oct 4, 2025
Poodle Day (October 5, 2025) is an annual celebration in Carmel, California, that brings together poodle owners, enthusiasts, and their pups for a day of fun. Events include a lively parade of poodles and poodle mixes, off-leash beach play, and even cocktail parties for their human companions. Carmel itself is known as one of America’s most dog-friendly cities, making it the perfect backdrop for this beloved gathering.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Celebrate Poodles in Your Store: Dedicate a display to poodle-friendly grooming products, toys, and treats—especially if you have related Astro Offers.
Promote Adoption Rewards: Remind customers that your store participates in Sharing the Love, so adopted poodles and poodle mixes receive free food, treats, and essentials to start their new lives right.
Host a Poodle-Themed Event: Organize a local “mini parade,” grooming demo, or photo contest for poodles and doodle mixes in your community.
Social Media Spotlight: Encourage customers to share photos of their poodles with a special hashtag and tag your store to spread awareness.
National Pet Obesity Awareness Day
Second Wednesday of October : October 8, 2025
National Pet Obesity Awareness Day (October 8, 2025), part of World Pet Obesity Week, highlights one of the most common health challenges for pets. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese. The organization’s ongoing Pet Nutrition & Weight Management Survey tracks these trends and sparks important conversations around diet, exercise, and pet wellness.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Promote Healthy Choices: Feature weight management foods, healthy treats, and portion-control tools—especially with Astro Offers.
Share the Survey: Encourage customers to take part and learn more about pet nutrition trends.
Educate Customers: Post simple wellness tips or provide in-store resources on maintaining a healthy pet weight.
Tie in Sharing the Love: Remind adopters that pets supported through Sharing the Love start with healthy foods and supplements to set them on the right path.
Global Cat Day
Annually on October 16th
Global Cat Day (October 16) shines a light on the importance of humane, non-lethal programs that protect cats and kittens nationwide. Cats face higher euthanasia rates than any other shelter animal, but programs like Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) offer a compassionate solution—helping manage populations while allowing community cats to live healthy lives in their neighborhoods. Organizations such as Alley Cat Allies lead the way in promoting TNR and education to support both cats and communities.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Promote Adoption Rewards: Remind customers that adopted cats supported through Sharing the Love receive free food, treats, and essentials to start their new lives right.
Support Local TNR Efforts: Partner with rescues or clinics to help fund spay/neuter services, or host a donation drive for traps, food, and supplies.
Educate Customers: Share information on TNR programs and why ear-tipped cats should not be re-trapped.
Adoption Awareness Displays: Dedicate a section in your store to cat adoption and wellness, with signage about Sharing the Love and related Astro Offers.
- Related Holiday: National Feral Cat Day
National Feral Cat Day
Annually on October 16th
National Feral Cat Day (October 16) is all about celebrating community cats and challenging the stigma they often face. These outdoor companions may not live in our homes, but they are part of our neighborhoods—and they deserve compassion and care. The holiday helps raise awareness of humane solutions like Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), which allows feral cats to live healthier lives while reducing colony populations.
Founded in 1990, Alley Cat Allies has been a leader in feral cat advocacy, providing education, resources, and real-world solutions for communities everywhere.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Support TNR Programs: Partner with local rescues to promote or fund spay/neuter efforts.
Host Donation Drives: Collect food, shelters, or supplies to support community cat caretakers.
Educate Customers: Share information about TNR and why ear-tipped cats should be left undisturbed.
Adoption Awareness: Highlight that adopted cats supported through Sharing the Love receive free food, treats, and essentials to start their lives in loving homes.
- Related Holiday: Global Cat Day
National Fetch Day
Third Saturday of October : Oct. 18, 2025
National Fetch Day (October 19, 2025) celebrates the timeless joy of a game of fetch and the special bond it creates between dogs and their people. Founded by Chuckit!, the holiday highlights the many benefits of active play—keeping dogs physically fit, mentally sharp, and happily connected to their families.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Spotlight Playtime Essentials: Feature balls, launchers, durable toys, and healthy training treats—especially if supported by Astro Offers.
Promote Adoption Through Play: Partner with local rescues to showcase adoptable dogs at your store or during a fetch-themed event.
Engage on Social Media: Host a “best fetch video” contest and encourage customers to share their pups in action.
Educate Customers: Share the benefits of daily play and how it supports both physical and mental wellness for dogs.
National Pets for Veterans Day
Annually on October 21st
National Pets for Veterans Day (October 21) honors the powerful bond between service animals and the veterans whose lives they change. The holiday began with a dog named Bear, whose natural ability to comfort and connect inspired his owner to help more veterans find their own “Bear.” The day celebrates not only Bear’s legacy but also the many pets and service animals who provide veterans with companionship, support, and healing.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Promote Adoption Rewards: Remind your community that through Sharing the Love, adopted dogs receive free food, treats, and essentials—helping veterans who adopt a companion start their journey with extra support.
Partner with Veteran & Rescue Groups: Team up with local shelters or veteran organizations to host adoption events and highlight pets waiting for their forever homes.
In-Store Displays: Create a patriotic-themed display spotlighting adoption awareness, Sharing the Love, and any related Astro Offers.
Social Media Spotlight: Share stories honoring veterans and their pets, while highlighting how your store participates in Sharing the Love to give adopted animals the healthiest start possible.
Plush Animal Lovers Day
Annually on October 28th
Plush Animal Lovers Day (October 28) is a lighthearted holiday that’s perfect for our toy-loving pups. Some dogs celebrate by gleefully unstuffing their plush toys, while others prefer to cuddle up with their favorite soft companions. Either way, it’s the ideal time to highlight the variety of plush toys available for every play style.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Spotlight Tough Plush Options: Feature durable plush toys for the power chewers in your community.
Promote Snuggle Buddies: Showcase soft, cuddly plushes perfect for comfort-seeking pups.
Tie in Offers: If you have Astro Offers on toys or treats, promote them alongside this holiday.
Engage Customers: Encourage pet parents to share photos of their dogs with their favorite plush toy on social media and tag your store.
National Cat Day
Annually on October 29th
National Cat Day (October 29) was founded by Colleen Paige to raise awareness about the countless cats in need of rescue each year. Beyond their independent streaks and quirky habits, cats have a way of reminding us that we’re at the center of their world—often in the most unexpected and heartwarming moments. This holiday celebrates everything we love about cats while spotlighting the importance of adoption.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Promote Adoption Rewards: Remind customers that adopted cats supported through Sharing the Love receive free food, treats, and essentials to help them thrive in their new homes.
Partner with Rescues: Team up with local shelters to feature adoptable cats in-store or on your social channels.
Create Cat-Centric Displays: Highlight enrichment toys, scratchers, and nutrition products—especially if supported by Astro Offers.
Engage Online: Share fun content from the official National Cat Day website and encourage customers to post photos of their cats with your store tagged.
Note: 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 X for more holiday fun!
National Pit Bull Awareness Day
Last Saturday of October : Oct. 25, 2025
National Pit Bull Awareness Day (October 25, 2025) is dedicated to celebrating Pit Bull–type dogs and breaking down the harmful stereotypes that too often surround them. This day encourages communities to learn the truth about these loyal, affectionate dogs and to see them for who they really are—devoted companions who deserve love and respect. By fostering positive experiences and open conversations, NPBAD works to reduce fear, fight breed bias, and help more Pit Bulls find forever homes.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Promote Adoption Rewards: Remind customers that adopted Pit Bulls supported through Sharing the Love receive free food, treats, and essentials to help them thrive in their new homes.
Partner with Rescues: Collaborate with local shelters or bully breed rescue groups to host adoption events or awareness campaigns.
In-Store Displays: Highlight bully-breed–friendly toys, harnesses, and wellness products, along with signage about your Sharing the Love participation.
Educate Your Community: Use your social platforms to share positive stories, bust myths, and promote responsible ownership of Pit Bull–type dogs.
- Related Holiday: National Pit Bull Awareness Month
Halloween 🎃
Annually on October 31st
Halloween (October 31) is one of the most celebrated holidays of the year—and it’s just as much fun for pets as it is for people! From spooky costumes to tasty treats, this holiday is full of opportunities for your store to engage customers and create lasting memories.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Host a Costume Contest: Offer prizes for categories like Best Pet Costume, Best Human/Pet Duo, Spookiest, or Cutest.
Tricks for Treats Party: Invite pets to show off their best tricks in exchange for goodies. Highlight your Astro Treat Offers to make the event extra sweet.
Keep It Simple: Set up a table with goodie bags for Trick-or-Treaters, including coupons for products or services.
Go Digital: If an in-person event isn’t possible, run a virtual costume contest or share a Halloween-themed photo challenge on social media.
Feature Astro Offers: Pair any promotion with the holiday, but spotlight treat-related offers to tie in perfectly with the season of sweets.
Make the Most of October’s Pet Holidays
October is packed with opportunities for indie pet retailers to engage their communities, celebrate pets, and spotlight causes that matter. From adoption awareness and wellness initiatives to lighthearted events like Halloween and Plush Animal Lovers Day, each holiday offers a chance to connect with customers in meaningful, memorable ways.
If you’re an Astro Marketing Suite subscriber, you’re already set up for success. We’ve added customizable Campaign Templates for many of the holidays featured here, along with holiday-specific images in your Image Library. Use them to create polished campaigns across email, app notifications, text, and social media—so you can spend less time building and more time celebrating with your customers.
Here’s to a fun and impactful October—full of connections, community, and of course, pets! 🐾
