November is a season of gratitude, reflection, and community — and there’s no better time to celebrate the pets and people who make independent pet shops so special. From adoption awareness to senior pet appreciation and the biggest sales weekend of the year, November offers countless opportunities to inspire loyalty, support your local rescue partners, and drive engagement through Astro Offers, Sharing the Love, and your Astro Marketing Suite.
Whether you’re focusing on awareness campaigns or planning your Black Friday promotions, these pet holidays give your business plenty of reasons to celebrate all month long.
Single Day Holidays
- Nov. 1: Cook for Your Pets Day
- Nov. 11: Remembrance Day 🇨🇦
- Nov. 16: National Slobber Appreciation Day
- Nov. 17: National Take a Hike Day
- Nov. 22: Humane Society Anniversary Day
- Nov. 23: Thankful for My Dog Day
- Nov. 27: Thanksgiving 🇺🇸
- Nov. 28: Black Friday 🖤
- Nov. 29: Small Business Saturday 💙
- Dec. 1: Cyber Monday (for early planners!)
Month-Long Observances
November’s month-long observances are all about awareness, gratitude, and giving back. From supporting senior pets and promoting adoption to raising awareness for pet health and wellness, these campaigns give your store meaningful ways to connect with your customers all month long.
Use this time to educate, inspire, and engage your community through Astro Offers, Sharing the Love Adoption Rewards, and your Marketing Suite. You can even create your own themed sales or spotlights using My Promotions — whether it’s a month of celebrating senior pets, encouraging preventive care, or simply giving thanks for the animals who make our lives whole.
These ongoing observances offer plenty of opportunities to mix education with inspiration — and show your customers that your shop’s mission goes far beyond products on the shelf. 🧡
Adopt a Senior Pet Month
Sponsored by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
Each November, the ASPCA dedicates this campaign to raising awareness about the countless senior pets waiting in shelters for a second chance. Older dogs and cats are often the last to be adopted and the first to be overlooked. Yet, they make some of the most loyal companions, often already trained and eager to love.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Promote Adoption Rewards: Use Sharing the Love to welcome senior adoptees with brand-sponsored bundles and bounce-back coupons for essentials like food, treats, and supplements.
Highlight Senior Pet Essentials: Pair Astro Offers with in-store displays featuring senior-friendly products — joint support, gentle diets, ramps, and orthopedic beds.
Launch a “Golden Oldies” Promotion: Use My Promotions in the Marketing Suite to create a custom discount for senior pet care items.
Celebrate Adopters: Encourage customers to share senior pet photos with hashtags like #AdoptASeniorPet or #SeniorPetsAreGolden, and feature their stories on your social channels.
Resource: ASPCA Adopt a Senior Pet Month
National Senior Pet Month
While Adopt a Senior Pet Month focuses on adoption, this celebration — recognized by many veterinarians and pet care groups — is all about raising awareness of the special care senior pets need to thrive.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Educate Pet Parents: Share information about regular vet visits, dental care, weight management, and enrichment for senior pets using Marketing Suite templates.
Create a “Senior Sunday” Social Campaign: Each Sunday in November, feature a different senior pet from your community or shelter partner.
Bundle Products with Purpose: Use My Promotions to pair senior diets with health supplements and grooming products.
Reward Loyal Companions: Offer double loyalty points or freebies through Astro Offers for senior pet purchases.
National Prevent a Litter Month
This campaign encourages responsible pet ownership through spay/neuter awareness, aiming to reduce the number of homeless pets entering shelters each year.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Educate & Empower: Use your Marketing Suite to share resources about spaying/neutering and connect customers with local low-cost clinics.
Collaborate Locally: Partner with rescues or veterinarians to host a “Prevent a Litter” awareness event or Q&A in your store.
Run a Supply Drive: Collect donations for shelters in need of kitten or puppy care supplies.
Promote Prevention Products: Create a My Promotion featuring pet-safe cleaning products, puppy training pads, or kitten food.
Resource: Humane Society: Spay & Neuter Resources
Pet Diabetes Month
Sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Pet Diabetes Month aims to educate owners about the signs, treatment, and prevention of diabetes in pets. With early detection and proper management, diabetic pets can lead long, happy lives.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Share Awareness Posts: Use Marketing Suite templates to share early warning signs and encourage regular checkups.
Promote Diabetic-Friendly Diets: Highlight Astro Offers that include low-glycemic foods and vet-recommended treats.
Collaborate with Veterinarians: Invite a local vet for a diabetes Q&A event or Facebook Live session.
Offer Custom Promotions: Use My Promotions to discount healthy, low-sugar treats and supplements.
Resource: AVMA Pet Diabetes Information
Pet Cancer Awareness Month
Sponsored by the Blue Buffalo Foundation and Various Veterinary Organizations
Pet Cancer Awareness Month shines a light on the fight against cancer in pets. Early detection, quality nutrition, and preventive care can make a major difference.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Support Pet Parents: Use your Marketing Suite to share educational posts about warning signs, wellness exams, and preventive nutrition.
Showcase Healthy Choices: Promote Astro Offers on natural, limited-ingredient diets and supplements.
Raise Funds: Host a “Shop for a Cause” event and donate a portion of sales to local pet cancer research or support organizations.
Resource: Pet Cancer Awareness Campaign
Week-Long Observances
Themed weeks in November give retailers the perfect opportunity to spotlight the causes that unite our industry — from honoring the hardworking heroes in shelters to celebrating the bond we share with our pets. These multi-day observances allow for deeper storytelling, extended campaigns, and ongoing community involvement.
Use your Marketing Suite to share inspiring stories, thank-you messages, or educational tips throughout the week, and boost engagement with Astro Offers, Sharing the Love, or a creative My Promotion. When your customers see your passion for these causes, they’ll feel even better about shopping local and supporting your store’s mission.
National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
1st Full Week of November: Nov. 2-8, 2025
Sponsored by The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
This week recognizes the tireless efforts of shelter staff and volunteers who care for millions of homeless pets every year.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Thank Local Shelters: Partner with nearby rescues for a “shelter spotlight” social campaign.
Celebrate Adoption Rewards: Use Sharing the Love to highlight your participation and the benefits for adopters.
Host a Donation Drive: Collect food, toys, and bedding for your partner shelters — consider adding a My Promotion that offers discounts to shoppers who donate.
Human–Animal Relationship Awareness Week
2nd Full Week of November: Nov 9-15, 2025
Founded by the Animals & Society Institute (ASI)
Human-Animal Relationship Week was created by ASI in 2016 to raise awareness about the importance of human-animal relationships and the need for compassion. This week celebrates the powerful bond between humans and their pets, emphasizing how animals enrich our physical and emotional health.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Celebrate Your Customers: Use your Marketing Suite template to send thank-you messages and loyalty offers.
Promote Enrichment: Feature Astro Offers for toys, chews, or training tools that strengthen the human–animal bond.
Create a Story Wall: Encourage customers to post photos of themselves with their pets and share what makes their bond special. Use the hashtags #HARAWeek and #HumanAnimalRelationshipAwarenessWeek.
Single-Day Holidays
Single-day holidays may come and go quickly, but they’re powerful chances to spark joy, share knowledge, and connect with your customers in the moment. Whether it’s a playful celebration like National Slobber Appreciation Day or a day of gratitude like Thanksgiving, these smaller observances can make a big impact when paired with a simple promotion or social post.
Your Astro Marketing Suite makes it easy to build excitement with themed templates and quick campaigns, while Astro Offers and My Promotions help you turn every holiday into an opportunity for discovery, laughter, and loyalty.
Cook for Your Pets Day
Annually on November 1st
Created by the Pet Awareness Campaign
This day encourages pet owners to make nutritious, homemade meals and treats for their furry companions — safely and thoughtfully.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Share Recipes: Post DIY pet treat recipes using your Marketing Suite templates or social posts.
Host a Cooking Demo: Partner with a local pet nutritionist to demonstrate how to prepare balanced homemade meals.
Feature Astro Offers: Highlight natural ingredients, supplements, and food toppers.
Remembrance Day 🇨🇦
Annually on November 11th
In Canada, Remembrance Day honours those who served in war and peace. For pet retailers, this can be a respectful moment to honour service animals and the bonds between pets and people serving their communities.
How Retailers Can Get Involved:
Spotlight service dogs, police K-9s, or military working dogs in store or on social media — use Astro Offers on items like pet crates, travel gear, or durable chew gear.
Use your Marketing Suite to send a “Thank you to our heroes and their pets” message, offering a small loyalty reward or discount (via My Promotions) for service members and veterans.
Host a small in-store moment of recognition (a display or card-wall for pets of service members) and highlight how your store participates in community support.
Partner with a local veteran/pet support organization or shelter that rehomes service dogs, and tie it into your Sharing the Love program.
National Slobber Appreciation Day
Annually on November 16th
Created by Dr. Marty Pets
National Slobber Appreciation Day is the one day of the year we celebrate something that dog owners know all too well — drool! This playful holiday reminds us that a little slobber is just part of the love and joy our dogs bring into our lives. Founded by Dr. Marty Pets, this day is all about embracing the messy, goofy, affectionate side of our canine companions.
How Retailers Can Get Involved:
Lean into the Laughs: Use your Marketing Suite to send a fun “Slobber-Day” themed email to your customers. (We’ve got a ready-made template waiting for you!)
Promote Treats Worth Drooling Over: Feature Astro Offers on delicious chews, bones, and snacks that make tails wag — and maybe cause a little extra drool.
Create a “Drool-Worthy” Display: Highlight your messiest eaters’ favorite foods and cleaning supplies (think mats, wipes, and grooming towels).
Social Media Challenge: Invite customers to share slobbery selfies of their pets using hashtags like #SlobberAppreciationDay or #DroolSquad, and tag your store for a chance to win a small prize.
Bundle the Fun: Use My Promotions to build a “Drool-Worthy Duo” — pair a tasty treat with a cleanup essential.
Because in the world of pets, slobber equals love — and a little mess is just part of the magic.
National Take a Hike Day
Annually on November 17th
Founded by the American Hiking Society
National Take a Hike Day encourages everyone — people and pets alike — to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the beauty of nature. Hiking isn’t just great exercise; it strengthens the bond between pet parents and their four-legged trail buddies. Whether it’s a mountain trek, a stroll through a local park, or a romp in the woods, this day is all about celebrating adventure and the great outdoors.
How Retailers Can Get Involved:
Promote Outdoor Essentials: Use Astro Offers to feature trail-ready treats, portable water bowls, paw balms, tick repellents, and harnesses.
Create a “Trail Buddy” Bundle: Use My Promotions to pair an on-the-go treat pouch with a hydration item or outdoor safety product.
Encourage Local Exploration: Share nearby pet-friendly hiking spots on social media or through your Marketing Suite email template.
Host a “Pack Walk”: Organize a group dog walk or hike with your community and promote it in-store and online.
Tie in Sharing the Love: Partner with local rescues — every step helps raise awareness for adoptable pets waiting to start their own adventures.
National Take a Hike Day is the perfect time to remind customers that every walk, hike, and wag is a moment of joy shared outdoors — and your local shop is here to equip them for the journey.
Humane Society Anniversary Day
Annually on November 22nd
Honoring the founding of The Humane Society International (1991)
Every November 22, we honor the founding of Humane Society International (HSI), now known as the Humane World for Animals — one of the world’s leading animal protection organizations. Since its creation, HSI has worked tirelessly to strengthen the human–animal bond and end animal cruelty through rescue, advocacy, and education. Their global efforts help save thousands of animals each year while improving welfare standards for pets, farm animals, and wildlife alike.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Partner Locally: Support your community’s humane society through a fundraiser or adoption event.
Share the Love: Use Sharing the Love Adoption Rewards to welcome adopters with essentials for their new pets.
Offer Matching Donations: Pledge to match a portion of customer donations collected in-store.
This day serves as a reminder that compassion knows no borders — and that every act of kindness, from local adoption drives to global rescue missions, plays a part in building a better world for animals.
Thankful for My Dog Day
Annually on November 23rd
Created to honor the unconditional love dogs give us every day, this holiday reminds us to celebrate our canine companions and show appreciation for their loyalty.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Customer Appreciation: Send a thank-you email through your Marketing Suite with a special Astro Offer or My Promotion on toys or treats.
Gratitude Wall: Encourage shoppers to post photos or notes of thanks to their dogs in-store or online.
Social Media Challenge: Invite customers to share what they’re most thankful for about their dogs using #ThankfulForMyDog and tag your store.
Thanksgiving 🇺🇸
Last Thursday in November: Nov. 27, 2025
A day to give thanks — and celebrate the pets who make our homes complete.
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family, share gratitude, and of course, include our pets in the festivities. It’s also an excellent opportunity for neighborhood pet shops to express appreciation for their loyal customers while helping pet parents prepare for a safe, pet-friendly holiday.
How Retailers Can Get Involved:
Thank Your Customers: Use your Marketing Suite Thanksgiving email template to send a heartfelt message of appreciation and invite customers to visit before the long weekend.
Promote Pet-Safe Holiday Foods: Create a My Promotion featuring safe, healthy treats and toppers so pets can enjoy their own feast.
Feature Astro Offers: Highlight deals on digestive supplements, calming aids, and travel accessories — perfect for pets joining family gatherings or road trips.
Host a Food Drive: Encourage customers to donate pet food for your local shelter or rescue, and tie it into Sharing the Love Adoption Rewards.
Share Safety Tips: Post Thanksgiving food-safety reminders on social media (e.g., no onions, garlic, or turkey bones!) and tag your store with #ThankfulPets or #PawsOfGratitude.
Thanksgiving isn’t just about the table — it’s about community. Use this holiday to connect with your customers, give thanks for their loyalty, and celebrate the pets who make every day brighter.
Black Friday
Friday after Thanksgiving: Nov. 28, 2025
The biggest shopping day of the year — and a perfect opportunity for neighborhood pet shops to shine with local deals that rival big-box discounts.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Use Your Campaign Toolkit: A 7-template campaign series is ready for you in the Astro Marketing Suite — just personalize, schedule, and send.
Stack Your Deals: Combine Astro Offers with My Promotions for unbeatable bundle savings.
Reward Loyalty: Offer early access or bonus points to existing customers.
In-Store Excitement: Host doorbusters, giveaways, or prize draws to keep shoppers engaged.
Small Business Saturday
Saturday after Black Friday: Nov. 29, 2025
Created by American Express (2010)
This day celebrates local businesses and encourages communities to “Shop Small” during the holiday season. For independent pet shops, it’s a perfect time to showcase what makes your store unique.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Celebrate Community: Use your Marketing Suite templates to tell your store’s story and thank loyal customers.
Exclusive Local Deals: Pair Astro Offers with an in-store-only My Promotion or loyalty reward.
Partner Up: Team up with neighboring small businesses to cross-promote or host a community shopping event.
Resource: Shop Small Campaign
Cyber Monday (for early planners!)
Monday after Black Friday: Dec 1, 2025
As the online counterpart to Black Friday, Cyber Monday is another major sales opportunity for pet retailers — especially those offering online ordering or curbside pickup.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
Use Your 7-Template Campaign Series: Promote online-exclusive Astro Offers and special My Promotions.
Encourage Local Pickup: Highlight how shopping with you online still supports a local business.
Extend the Fun: Keep your deals running through the week for customers who missed the weekend rush.
Closing Thoughts
November offers numerous opportunities to celebrate pets, promote local love, and strengthen community ties. Whether you’re honoring senior pets, spotlighting adoption, or gearing up for Black Friday weekend, Astro Loyalty gives you everything you need to make it happen — from brand-sponsored Astro Offers and Sharing the Love Adoption Rewards to customizable Marketing Suite templates and your own My Promotions.
✨ Log in to Astro today to explore this month’s Offers and templates.
Not yet using the Astro Marketing Suite?
👉 Start your free trial or schedule a one-on-one walkthrough with Kayleigh, our Marketing Suite Manager.
Together, let’s make November a month full of gratitude, generosity, and growth — for your business, your community, and the pets you serve. 🧡
