The Best Pet Holidays to Leverage Your Marketing
Implementing holidays into your marketing strategy is a fantastic way to get your customers and clients to engage with your business in a fun and unique way.
Plus, depending on how you use them, it can build brand awareness, increase your customer engagement, and boost sales.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration for a simple social post or planning an entire campaign, these are the best pet holidays you’ll want to research and get creative with.
January
Month-long Celebrations
Walk Your Dog Month
Unchain a Dog Month
Adopt a Rescued Bird Month
National Train Your Dog Month
One-day Holidays
January 2: National Pet Travel Safety Day
January 14: National Dress Up Your Pet Day
January 24: National Change a Pet’s Life Day
January 29: Seeing Eye Guide Dog Anniversary
February
Month-long Celebrations
Spay/Neuter Awareness Month
Dog Training Education Month
Pet Dental Health Month
National Cat Health Month
One-day Holidays
February 2: National Brown Dog Day
February 3: Doggy Date Night
February 14: Pet Theft Awareness Day
February 19: International Tug of War Day
February 20: National Love Your Pet Day
February 22: National Walking the Dog Day
February 22: World Spay Day
February 23: National Dog Biscuit Day
March
Month-long Celebrations
Poison Prevention Awareness Month
Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month
One-day Holidays
March 3: National If Pets Had Thumbs Day
March 13: K-9 Veteran’s Day
March 20: Dogs in Yellow Day (Anxious Dog Awareness)
March 23: National Puppy Day
March 23: Cuddly Kitten Day
March 28: Respect Your Cat Day
April
Month-long Celebrations
Active Dog Month
Canine Fitness Month
National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs Month
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
One-day Holidays
April 4: World Stray Animals Day
April 8: National Dog Fighting Awareness Day
April 10: National Hug Your Dog Day
April 10: National Farm Animals Day
April 11: National Pet Day
April 11: Dog Therapy Appreciation Day
April 19: Dog Parent Appreciation Day
April 19: National Cat Lady Day
April 23: National Lost Dog Awareness Day
April 24: National Pet Parents Day
April 26: National Kids and Pets Day
April 27: National Little Pampered Dog Day
April 27: International Guide Dog Day
April 29: Hairball Awareness Day
April 30: World Veterinary Day
April 30: Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
April 30: National Therapy Animal Day
Last Sunday in April: International Search and Rescue Dog Day
May
Month-long Celebrations
National Pet Month
Chip Your Pet Month
National Foster Care Month
One-day Holidays
May 1: Mayday for Mutts
May 3: National Specially-abled Pets Day
May 8: National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day
May 14: National Dog Mom’s Day
May 20: National Rescue Dog Day
June
Month-long Celebrations
Adopt a Cat Month
National Foster a Pet Month
National Microchipping Month
Social PETworking Month
One-day Holidays
June 4: Hug Your Cat Day
June 14: World Pet Memorial Day
June 18: Veterinary Appreciation Day
June 20: Take Your Cat to Work Day
June 24: Cat World Domination Day
June 24: Take Your Dog to Work Day
July
Month-long Celebrations
National Lost Pet Prevention Month
Dog House Repair Month
National Pet Hydration Awareness Month
One-day Holidays
July 1: ID Your Pet Day
July 1: American Zoo Day
July 10: National Kitten Day
July 11: All-American Pet Photo Day
July 15: National Pet Fire Safety Day
July 16: Feline Leukemia Day
July 21: National Craft For Your Local Shelters Day
July 21: No Pet Store Puppies Day
July 31: National Mutt Day (also on December 2)
August
Month-long Celebrations
National Dog Month
Rawgust (Raw Feeding)
One-day Holidays
August 1: DOGust - Universal birthday for shelter dogs
August 4: Assistance Dog Day
August 5: Work Like a Day Day
August 10: National Spoil Your Dog Day
August 15: National Check the Chip Day
August 17: National Black Cat Appreciation Day
August 22: National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day
August 23: International Blind Dog Day
August 26: National Dog Day
August 28: Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day
August 30: National Holistic Pet Day
Third Saturday of August: International Homeless Animals Awareness Day
September
Month-long Celebrations
National Pet Insurance Month
National Service Dog Month
Happy Cat Month
Pet Sitter Education Month
Animal Pain Awareness Month
Responsible Dog Ownership Month
One-day Holidays
September 1: Ginger Cat Appreciation Day
September 8: National Dog Walker Appreciation Day
September 11: National Pet Memorial Day
September 13: Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day
September 17: Puppy Mill Awareness Day
September 17: National Pet Bird Day
September 22: National Walk n’ Roll Dog Day (honoring dogs in wheelchairs)
September 22: Remember Me Thursday
September 23: National Dogs in Politics Day
September 23: Adopted Dog Day
September 28: World Rabies Day
October
Month-Long Celebrations
Adopt a Dog Month
National Pit Bull Awareness Month
National Pet Wellness Month
National Animal Safety and Protection Month
One-day Holidays
October 1: National Fire Pup Day
October 1: National Black Dog Day
October 4: World Animal Day
October 12: National Pet Obesity Awareness Day
October 15: National Fetch Day
October 16: Global Cat Day
October 21: National Pets for Veterans Day
October 22: National Make a Dog’s Day
October 29: National Cat Day
October 30: National Treat Your Pet Day
November
Month-long Celebrations
National Senior Pet Month
Pet Cancer Awareness Month
Pet Diabetes Month
One-day Holidays
November 1: National Cook For Your Pets Day
November 1: International Pet Groomer Appreciation Day
November 7: National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day
November 12: World Animal Enrichment Day
November 16: National Slobber Appreciation Day
November 18: National Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Awareness, Research and Education Day
December
Month-long Celebrations
National Cat Lover’s Month
One-day Holidays
December 1: Celebrate Shelter Pets Day
December 1: National Twin With Your Dog Day
December 2: National Mutt Day (also on July 31)
December 9: International Day of Veterinary Medicine
December 10: International Animal Rights Day
Use Copywriting to Celebrate Your Favorite Pet Holidays
How many of these holidays do you plan on implementing into your pet business marketing plan? If you need help bringing your ideas to life, check out my copywriting services and we’ll discuss how we can make your business stand out!
70 Pet Blog Ideas and How to Generate Your Own
The pet industry is always buzzing with excitement. From new toys and treats to pet training and rescue stories, there’s a nearly endless supply of things for pet people to talk and write about.
So why can it be so difficult to come up with relevant and engaging topics for your pet business blog?
With this list, it doesn’t have to be! Read on to sniff out some of my favorite methods for generating pet blog ideas, plus 70 examples you can utilize for your business.
How to Generate Blog Topics
Ask any seasoned blog writer what the most challenging part of the job is and they’ll most likely respond with, “Coming up with things to write about!”
Brainstorming is a great place to start, but pulling ideas from your thought bubble will only take you so far if you plan to post often and regularly.
If your blog idea well has run dry, here are some easy ways to get those wheels turning and back on track.
Get Inspired By Your Previous Blog Posts
Do you have a blog post that was popular with your readers? If so, why not expand on that content?
Besides, you already know that it works!
For example, if one of your most popular blogs was about traveling with your dog, you could write another blog about the best destinations for dogs or pet-friendly hotel chains.
Refer to Current Trends, Events, or Holidays
People love to interact with content that is “trendy.” Luckily for those of us in the pet industry, there is always something fun or interesting happening that makes for a fantastic blog post.
Use your social media accounts to find out what everyone is talking about, subscribe to a pet industry newsletter, or familiarize yourself with pet-related holidays. You’ll be sure to dig up dozens of topics!
Check Out the Competition
Another great way to generate blog post ideas is to expose yourself to other blogs like yours.
Does your competitor have a blog? What topics have worked well for them? How can you rework those topics for your own blog?
I’m not saying it’s ok to steal another company’s content. Instead, iterate on the topic, expand on it, and make it better.
Ask Your Readers
If you’re struggling to come up with pet blog ideas, then it’s time to go directly to your readers.
Ask your company’s customer service which questions they receive the most, and then answer them in a blog. Use your company’s social media or e-newsletter to ask your fans which topics they’d like to see.
Not only is this an easy way to collect ideas, but it’s an awesome way to get your readers involved with your content.
70 Great Pet Blog Ideas
Pet Business and Marketing
Write about what inspired you to start your business.
Share a special memory or story with your favorite pet.
The best dog/cat toys on the market right now
A holiday gift guide for pets (Christmas, Valentine’s Day, etc.).
The best pet subscription boxes.
Your favorite pet stores to shop for your animals.
Behind-the-scenes stories.
Growing pet industry trends you love.
Review your favorite pet products.
Your favorite pet influencers right now.
Pet Parenting
Common pet parent mistakes and how to avoid them.
How to introduce a new pet to the family.
Tips for new pet parents.
Pet care classes to try in the local community.
Best pet names inspired by pop-culture characters.
What to expect with a new puppy/kitten.
The best options for pet daycare.
The best pets for each zodiac sign.
How to save money as a pet parent.
The best books for pet parents.
Pet Health and Safety
Healthy ingredients to look for in your pet’s food.
Pet allergies and the best remedies for them.
Human foods that are healthy for pets.
Human foods that are poisonous for pets.
Why dental care is so important for pets.
How to keep your pets cool in the summer.
How to keep your pets warm in the outdoors during winter.
Natural home remedies for common pet ailments.
How to reduce separation or travel anxiety.
How to improve an elderly pets’ quality of life.
Dog Topics to Write About
Best dog breeds for warm climates.
Best dog breeds for cold climates.
Your favorite dog treats.
DIY dog toys.
Signs your dog loves you.
Best places to travel with your dogs.
Fun brain games for dogs.
How a dog uses its sense of smell.
Puppy behaviors to nip in the bud early.
Caring for your dog’s paw pads.
Cat Blog Post Ideas
Common cat breeds and their personalities.
Explain odd yet common cat behaviors.
Subtle signs your cat loves you.
DIY cat toys
How to properly introduce cats to each other.
Your opinions on declawing a cat.
How to clip a cat’s nails without being scratched to ribbons.
How to bathe a cat.
How to find the best litterbox for your cat.
How to train your cat to walk on a leash.
Small Pets and Birds
Best small pets for young children.
Why guinea pigs make wonderful pets.
Why your family will love a rabbit.
Hamsters vs. gerbils as pets.
What fruits and vegetables can you feed to a small pet.
Best things about having a rat as a pet.
How to train your bird to talk.
The best pet bird food.
The most popular pet birds and their personalities.
A nutrition guide for birds.
Animal Rescue and Welfare
Why you should foster pets from your local shelter.
Benefits of adopting an animal.
How to know that you’re ready to adopt a pet.
An informative piece about the horrors of puppy mills.
Why animal testing should be banned.
Inspiring pet rescue stories.
Best items to donate to your local animal shelter.
Great ways to volunteer with your rescue or organization.
Showcase pets available for adoption.
How to become an animal advocate in your state.
Take Your Pet Business Blog to New Heights
Now that you have some new pet blog ideas, it’s time to get busy writing! If sitting down and creating your next blog sounds like a monumental chore, I’d love to help.
Check out my blog management packages and other pet copywriting services and let’s get in touch!
10 Pet Business Marketing Must-Haves That Really Work
Did you know that the pet care market grew from $216 billion in 2020 to $232 billion in 2021? How about that it’s expected to jump to $350 billion by 2027?
If these numbers don’t illustrate the economic sonic boom taking place in the pet industry right now, I don’t know what will.
Working with animals and pet parents has always been amazing, but right now, it’s an even more incredible time to be in the pet business. But just like any other business, a decent marketing plan will be a cornerstone to your success, especially with the budding competition.
Ready to get started? These are the bare necessities for a pet business marketing plan that will keep your customers’ and clients’ tails wagging.
1. Passion
This goes without saying, but if you’re going to run a successful pet business, you should be fueled by genuine compassion for animals.
Starting a business is hard work, and your commitment could be tested by some inevitable challenges. If you don’t truly believe in your product or service (or more importantly, YOURSELF), you may find yourself in burnout early on.
However, if you know with every fiber of your being that what you’re offering makes a positive difference in the lives of pets and you’re ready to share it with the world, you’re already on the right track. Success is knocking at your door!
2. An Established Target Audience
As fun as it would be to sell our products and services directly to the animals we want to benefit, it doesn’t quite work that way. Pet parents and animal people are the ones doing the shopping, and your marketing efforts should be catered to them.
If you haven’t already narrowed down your audience, now is a better time than ever. Think about your current customers and the clients you want to work with.
What pushes them to make a purchase decision? How does your product or service make their lives easier?
By asking yourself these questions, you’ll come to understand your ideal audience’s priorities and how you can solve their problems. Then your marketing can convey that message and show your customers exactly how valuable you are (because you are!).
3. Branding and Design
Your brand is much more than just a logo and a name. It’s what your customers see and how they feel when your e-newsletter pops into their inbox or they notice one of your products on a store shelf.
Studies have proven that people like to do business with brands they’re familiar with because it helps them know what to expect. This is why branding is extremely important and necessary in today’s market, especially in an industry as broad and competitive as pets.
By giving your business a personality and an identity through elements like a tagline, logo, color palette, and tone of voice, you’re helping your brand stand out in a sea of competition that is also vying for your customers’ attention.
If you need help identifying who you are as a brand, ask yourself these questions:
What is our mission?
What are our values?
Who is our perfect customer?
What emotions do we want to invoke in our customers?
What language do we want to use to bring out these emotions?
What stories can we tell that will resonate with our audience?
Who is our competition and what are they doing? Is that working for them?
Remember, consistency is key. Whatever brand you choose, you must incorporate it into nearly every aspect of your business including your customer service, social media, packaging, website copy, and more. Choose something you’ll love!
4. Functional Website
Having a website is essentially a requirement for any business in the digital age, and it’s not difficult to understand why. It’s your brand’s online home, provides 24/7 customer support, and establishes credibility and trust.
At the bare minimum, anyone should be able to visit your website and quickly understand who you are, what you’re offering, and how they can get in touch with you or purchase your product.
If you want to add fun and interactive elements to your website, try things like exclusive deals, testimonials, a photo gallery, or A BLOG (more on that next). These are great ways to grow your business’s online presence and keep customers coming back.
5. Entertaining Blog
Managing a blog not only allows you to share helpful tips and fun stories with your readers, but it will also keep your audience engaged, attract new prospects, promote community, drive organic traffic to your website, convert that traffic into leads, establish you as a credible source of information, and so on, and so on!
Still don’t believe me? Then how about this?
A recent study by HubSpot’s research team discovered that businesses with a good blog had 55% more online visitors and 434% more indexed pages.
Seriously, I can’t stress this enough. HAVING A BLOG WILL HELP SKYROCKET YOUR PET BUSINESS MARKETING!
However, it isn’t enough just to have a blog. Your posts should be strategically organized and contain solid copy that is useful to your readers. You should also create attainable goals for your blog, include imagery, and publish regularly.
Does the idea of investing your precious time and energy into a regularly updated blog send your tail between your legs? I might be able to help!
Take a look at my blog management packages for pet businesses and let’s talk.
Incorporate SEO
If you’ve delved into the world of digital marketing before, it’s likely that you’re familiar with SEO (search engine optimization) and understand its significance in fostering a website’s authority.
For those of you who are new to SEO, this is the best way to explain it.
When your website, copy, and blog are optimized to be discovered by search engines like Google, you’ll appear higher in search results, which in turn increases your online visibility and organic traffic.
The best part? It’s completely free and available to anyone!
Several factors go into an effective SEO strategy, but these are some of the most crucial for ranking:
Keywords
Content (blogs, website copy, etc.)
Security and accessibility of website
Page loading speed
Mobile-friendliness
Links
Authority
Need a little inspiration or direction? These SEO tips are hailed by experts and proven to deliver results.
Google Business Profile
When you enter the name of a specific business into Google’s search bar, you’ll notice a box on the right side of the screen that displays details about said business including its location, operating hours, service options, and more.
This is a Google Business Profile, formerly known as Google My Business. These have become more important than ever as it’s often the first place your customers will go to find your information, especially if your business has a brick-and-mortar location.
Be sure to set up your profile so your business will appear in Google searches, Google Maps, and Google Shopping.
Google does have specific requirements and steps to follow, so read the Business Profile instructions to successfully set up your account.
Keep in mind that Google Business Profile is only available for businesses that have contact with their customers, such as a store or a consultant. If you run an online-only business, Google Ads and Google Analytics will be your best friends.
Well, second to your pets, of course!
Social Media
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know what social media is. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube… The list goes on and on, and it’s projected to only keep growing.
To put it simply, if you aren’t marketing on social media, you’re missing out on a FREE and EASY way to connect with your audience.
In fact, 73% of marketers believe their social media marketing efforts have been “somewhat effective” or “very effective” for their business.
I know that the social media frontier can be intimidating if you’re not sure what to do or where to begin (and after working as a social media marketer for over two years, I can understand why), but luckily for those in the pet industry, we already have a competitive edge.
Truth be told, pets and animals are all the rage on social media, and that is not changing anytime soon.
People love to see photos and videos of happy puppies, watch heartwarming rescue stories, and discover homemade dog or cat treat recipes. This positive content lifts people’s spirits and gets circulated very quickly.
Heck, some pets became internet sensations overnight or achieved celebrity-level influencer status with just one post (yes, I’m looking at you, Willow the Corgi).
I’m not saying all you have to do is make a single post and you’ll suddenly start trending on Twitter, even though it’s totally possible. What I do want to convey is that a well-thought-through and effective social media strategy can dramatically grow your brand awareness and help you build a loyal fan base.
If you’re not sure where to start, this social media marketing guide has a ton of great information you might find useful.
Email Marketing
Contrary to popular belief, emails are still relevant and a tried and true digital marketing tool.
When used correctly, emails are an essential part of a buyer’s journey and allow you to build relationships with current, new, and past customers so you stay top-of-mind.
Of course, you’ll want to enrich your e-newsletters with content that keeps people engaged and away from the “Unsubscribe” button. Here are a few ideas that I’ve used in my own newsletters that drove great results:
Exclusive blog posts
Deals and discounts
YouTube videos
How-to guides
New product announcements
Sneak peeks
Event recaps
User-generated content
Attend Conferences and Networking Events
I love going to conferences! Not only does it allow me to travel, but I get to meet so many like-minded people who share my passions and learn from the ones that inspired me.
Attending a conference or networking event within your industry is a great way to sharpen your skills while learning new ones, meet people in the position to open doors of opportunity for you, and make lifelong friends.
I still talk to some of the people I met at a travel conference three years ago consistently!
There are hundreds of conferences that you could attend and learn something useful, but some of the most well-known in the pet industry are SuperZoo, Global Pet Expo, and the National Pet Industry Trade Show.
Let’s Amp Up Your Pet Business Marketing Together
Now that you know the basics of a pet business marketing plan, it’s time to put it into action. Send me a message about your organization’s blog or marketing copy and I’ll deliver the fun, informative, and SEO-optimized content that will make you paws-itively stand out.