National Love Your Pet Day is on Saturday, February 20, 2027, and it falls on February 20 every year. It’s a reason to give your dog, cat, bird or rabbit some extra attention. It comes a week after Valentine’s Day, when plenty of owners already bought their pets a gift.
When Is National Love Your Pet Day?
It’s always February 20. It’s an unofficial day, celebrated at home, at shelters and online.
Who Started National Love Your Pet Day?
No founder or start year has been documented.
Why Celebrate Our Pets?
Pets are family in millions of homes. About 95 million U.S. households own a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association’s 2025 survey. Americans spent $158 billion on their pets in 2024.
Valentine’s season counts, too. The National Retail Federation found a record 35% of shoppers planned pet gifts for Valentine’s Day 2026, worth $2.1 billion.
The best way to show love, though, is often care rather than gifts: a checkup, a walk or an updated ID.
How to Celebrate National Love Your Pet Day
- Make a snuffle mat: tie fleece strips to a rubber sink mat and hide kibble in it for your dog to sniff out.
- Build a cardboard castle: cut doors into two boxes, tape them together and let your cat explore.
- Book a checkup: schedule the annual vet visit and ask about dental cleaning.
- Update the microchip: check that the registry has your current phone number and address.
- Try a new walking route: new smells give dogs extra mental exercise.
- Take a portrait: get down to your pet’s eye level near a window for soft, natural light.
- Brush and check: a slow grooming session lets you feel for lumps, ticks or matted fur.
- Help shelter pets: donate blankets or food to a local shelter, or sign up to foster.
Check Your Pet’s Weight
A loving gesture can be fewer treats. In a 2022 survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 59% of dogs and 61% of cats were overweight or obese.
Ask your vet for your pet’s ideal weight and a body condition score. Then measure meals with a cup instead of guessing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my pet’s microchip?
Every year, the American Veterinary Medical Association says. A chip only stores an ID number, so keep registry details current and ask your vet to scan it at checkups.
Is ice melt dangerous for pets?
It can be. The ASPCA warns pets can lick de-icing chemicals off their paws, so wipe feet after walks or use pet-safe ice melt.
Are there other pet days?
Yes. National Pet Day is April 11, National Dog Day is August 26 and National Cat Day is October 29.
Sources
- American Pet Products Association – Industry Trends and Stats
- National Retail Federation – Valentine’s Day Spending Expected to Reach New Records (2026)
- Association for Pet Obesity Prevention – 2022 Pet Obesity Survey
- American Veterinary Medical Association – Microchips Reunite Pets With Families
- ASPCA – Cold Weather Safety Tips