Special Observances
Throughout the year there are observances for all sorts of animals and their needs. These events help raise public awareness and can improve the lives of all animals.
January is Adopt a Rescued Bird Month
sponsored by Petfinder.com.
For materials promoting adoptable birds go to:
http://www.petfinder.com/journal/adoptabirdmonth2005.html. Birds are not domesticated animals. Domestic animals are animals that have been bred for hundreds of years to live in the care of humans and are distinct from their wild ancestors. Birds commonly kept as pets are no different than their wild relatives - they are the native species of other countries. Ten Things You Need to Know Before Adopting a Bird - http://www.petfinder.org/journalindex.cgi?path=
private/animalcare/bird/2.3.404.txt%20
January 5 - National Bird Day
The Animal Protection Institute (API) in coordination with the Avian Welfare Coalition (AWC) is calling on activists around the U.S. to take action on behalf of captive birds by drawing attention to the exploitation of other country's native birds by the U.S. pet industry on January 5 - National Bird Day. "National Bird Day" is not only a good day to take time to appreciate the native wild birds flying free outside our windows, it is also a perfect time to reflect on how we treat the native birds of other countries. While we have enacted laws to protect our native birds - such as blue jays, cardinals, and crows - from commercial exploitation, we fail to recognize the inconsistency in allowing the
pet industry to exploit the birds of other countries.
http://www.avianwelfare.org/
February is Prevent A Litter Month - contact HSUS, 2100 L St., NW, Washington, DC 20037, 202-452-1100, http://www.hsus.org.
February is National Pet Dental Health Month. Just as the public has come to realize that their own oral health is linked to their overall health, we want them to understand that dental health care is essential to maintaining the overall health and well being of the family pet. Contact http://www.avma.org/press/releases/040210_pet_dental.asp
February is National Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month.
February 1, 2004 – Rabbits are currently the third most common animals abandoned at shelters and in need of loving homes. Join Petfinder.com in declaring February “Adopt-A-Rescued-Rabbit Month.” Warm your heart, warm your home, adopt a rescued rabbit. http://www.petfinder.com/journal/adoptarabbitmonth2005.html
Valentine's Week is "Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week."
Dogs Deserve Better, the voice for all dogs living chained (and penned!) outside, has designated Valentine's Week, February 7-14th "Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week."
We are striving to raise awareness of this issue in a positive way, by delivering Valentines Cards (with biscuit) to chained dogs all over the U.S. We also invite any interested volunteers nationwide to deliver Valentine's to local chained dogs. Or provide us with addresses, and we will send them in the mail with brochures and other information. Please visit the site: http://www.dogsdeservebetter.com/hearts.html
if you can participate by purchasing a Valentine for the wonderful dogs living outside at this moment all across the country.
FEBRUARY 14 is PET THEFT AWARENESS DAY
Did you know that nearly two million companion animals are stolen each year? Many are sold to research laboratories, while others are forced to fight or act as bait in illegal dog fights. To bring to light the extent of the problem, the Los Angeles-based Last Chance for Animals (LCA) and humanitarians all around the country will be participating in the Annual National Pet Theft Awareness Day this February 14.
Animal activists, you can help raise awareness, too, in various ways great and small. Find suggested activities at http://www.lcanimal.org/event/index.htm
February 22 is SPAY Day USA - Sponsored by Doris Day Animal League. http://www.ddaf.org/spayday Spay Day USA is a national campaign to end the killing of healthy, adoptable animals by promoting the benefits of spay/neuter. More than 1 million cats, dogs, and other animals have have spayed or neutered since 1995, thanks to Spay Day USA participants. Spay Day USA has helped save millions of animal lives and taxpayer dollars.
March is Adopt-a-Rescued-Guinea-Pig Month. Nearly 1,000 guinea pigs in need of homes are listed on the Petfinder.com Web site at any one time. Domesticated guinea pigs, also known as cavies, make good family pets with their gentle ways. They entertain their guardians with their wheeking, rumbling and burbling sounds, and their jumping antics are likened to popping popcorn. They can jump up to 12 inches in the air. Guinea pigs may live as long as 10 years, so the decision to adopt one must be made carefully. Their daily care includes feeding, watering, cage cleaning, exercise and companionship. Occasional medical care by a veterinarian who specializes in exotic pets may be required. Guinea pigs make good pets for children over six years of age; however, small children should be supervised by an adult while handling a guinea pig. For more about cavies and their special needs and how to house and groom them, visit http://www.petfinder.com
March 20 is the Great American Meat Out - World's Largest Grassroots Diet Education Campaign. Help Your Community "Kick the Meat Habit" Hold an event (large or small) on or around March 20. You decide the details. Visit our Action Center at http://www.meatout.org/action for ideas.
April is designated PREVENTION OF ANIMAL CRUELTY MONTH.
The ASPCA website ( http://www.aspca.org ) has several items of interest to both shelters and the general public. Articles for the public on: cruelty laws, reporting cruelty, dog fighting and general cruelty information. For animal shelters: sample press releases and letters to the editor for local media. For teachers and educators: sample letters to educators and kids, as well as what kids can do to stop animal cruelty. See link below for more information.
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=crueltymonth
The first full week of April is National Animal Control Appreciation Week. National effort to celebrate and promote the continuing upgrade and
professionalism of Animal Control. NACA encourages all localities to show their appreciation to Animal Control agencies, to have a special week of their own to show off their pride and get the recognition for the important services the these agencies provide. For ideas on how you can celebrate your local animal control officer, contact naca@interserve.com.
The fourth week of April is Animal Cruelty/Human Violence Awareness Week, sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States. Each year, the campaign works with local animal protection agencies around the United States to bring together animal shelter workers, animal control officers, social service workers, law enforcement officials, veterinarians, educators, and others to learn about the violence connection and to promote inter-agency collaborations to reduce animal cruelty, family violence, and community violence. For info, visit http://www.hsus.org/firststrike
Earth Day is celebrated on April 22. Since April 22, 1970, Earth Day has been an annual event for people around the world to celebrate the earth and our responsibility toward it. Volunteer. Go to a festival. Install solar panels on your roof. Organize an event where you live. Change a habit. Help launch a community garden. Communicate your priorities to your elected representatives. The possibilities are endless! Do something nice for the earth, have fun, meet new people, and make a difference. For more information, go to http://www.earthday.net/
World Week for Animals in Laboratories (WWAIL) is observed during the week including April 24th. WWAIL is an annual event designed to expose the plight of animals used for testing and research. WWAIL seeks to arouse concern for animal in laboratories as well as educate the public about the scientific, moral, and economic objections to animal experimentation, also known as vivisection. WWAIL started on April 24th over 20 years ago. In 1986, In Defense of Animals expanded the day into a week-long effort to increase the effectiveness of the event. IDA has served as the international coordinator for WWAIL for the past 17 years. Since the earliest demonstrations, WWAIL has grown to involve scores of activities across the U.S. and worldwide. Everything from educational events to direct action protests has spurred unprecedented concern about animal research. http://www.wwail.org
Be Kind to Animals Week - 1st full week of May. American Humane created Be Kind to Animals Week in 1915 to celebrate the unique bond between humans and animals. This special week still focuses on the companionship, friendship, and love pets bring to our lives -- and the debt humankind owes to all animals. Visit http://www.americanhumane.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ev_public_bkaw
Mayday for Mutts is a nationwide event during the entire month of May to promote adoption of mixed-breed, older & special needs dogs, and to honor those past & present. It was created by Karen Derrico, nationally known author of the book Unforgettable Mutts: Pure Of Heart Not Of Breed. An estimated 75% of all dogs
entering US animal shelters each year are mixed-breed. Check the web site at http://www.maydayformutts.org. Free printable posters, literature, event ideas, press releases, etc. For info email info@maydayformutts.org.
May 16 - 22 - National Dog Bite Prevention Week, 2004
Man and woman's best friend bites more than 4.7 million people a year, and key experts believe that public education can help prevent these bites. May 16-22 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the United States Postal Service, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are each working to educate Americans about dog bite prevention.
Each year, 800,000 Americans seek medical attention for dog bites; half of these are children. Of those injured, 386,000 require treatment in an emergency department and about a dozen die. The rate of dog bite-related injuries is highest for children ages 5 to 9 years, and the rate decreases as children age. Almost two thirds of injuries among children ages four years and younger are to the head or neck region. Injury rates in children are significantly higher for boys than for girls.
CDC is committed to reducing this public health problem by working with state health departments to establish dog bite prevention programs and by tracking and reporting trends on U.S. dog bite injuries. Dog bites are a largely preventable public health problem, and adults and children can learn to reduce their chances of being bitten. http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/biteprevention.htm
June Is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month.
Every year, 3 to 4 million cats entering United States shelters are euthanized. As you read this, humane society workers are deep in kitten season, handling the thousands of unwanted cats being brought to already crowded shelters. To educate the public about why it's so important to spay or neuter your pet--and to let them know where to
find the perfect feline - the ASPCA is celebrating June as Adopt A Shelter Cat Month. For valuable information go to the ASPCA's National Shelter Outreach page (http://www.aspca.org/shelters). In the meantime, cat lovers looking for a mellow older fellow or a pair of team-wrestling tabbies - or any feline in between - should check out their local shelters or visit http://www.petfinder.com.
Third Saturday in August is National Homeless Animals' Day
ISAR created and has sponsored National Homeless Animals' Day more than 11 years ago; a day which is always observed as the third Saturday in August, this year being August 16, 2003. National Homeless Animals' Day is an internationally recognized day which is marked by dedicated animal rights/welfare/rescue groups and dedicated
individuals holding Candlelight Vigils and other events to bring public attention to the magnitude of the pet overpopulation tragedy and how it affects your local community. We aim to educate the public on the importance of spaying and neutering their pets and to adopt their next pet(s) from shelters/homeless animals rather than buying from pet shops or breeders. You can read more about National Homeless Animals' Day on our website, http://www.isaronline.org and following the links to Campaigns, then
National Homeless Animals' Day. ISAR will mail all interested organizations a free Candlelight Vigil planning kit that will help you organize and hold a successful event. NHAD will not only draw attention to our underlying cause of ending pet overpopulation, but will also bring more attention to you individual organization and
what your efforts and campaigns are and, hopefully bring more
community/volunteer involvement to your own group.
September is National Preparedness Month. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is reminding pet owners about the importance of having a contingency plan in place for their animals in the event of an emergency, natural disaster or terror attack. If pet owners are not prepared, the devastation and chaos that follow an emergency situation can leave pets in serious danger.
Third week of September is National Farm Animal Awareness Week. Farm animals are intelligent, sensitive, social creatures with likes and dislikes, needs and wants, just like your family pet. Visit http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/fun_facts_for_kids_about_farm_animals_the_hsus_announces_national_farm_animal_awareness_week.html
October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month
The ASPCA and Petfinder.com invite you to join them in celebrating October as Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month. Visit http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=
dogmonth for a wealth of materials to help your organization promote dog adoptions. Includes sample press release, PSAs, fun informational handouts for
adopters, educational activities for children and more! Includes seven smart tips to adopting a shelter dog. Shelters and rescues may order the ASPCA's new "Meet Your Match Canine-ality Adoption Program Guide" for free during Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month (limit one per organization). Contact the ASPCA at outreach@aspca.org for an order form for the Canine-ality Guide.
October 4 is World Animal Day - St. Francis of Assisi birthday. - On this Day, humane organizations and concerned individuals "publicly recognize the important contribution animals make to society," "pay homage to endangered species in an effort to bring global awareness to their plight" and promote animal welfare in other ways. In addition, since October 4th also is the birthday of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, many priests offer a Blessing of the Animals.
Since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls. Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 conflagration that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. Visit National Fire Prevention Association at http://www.nfpa.org. the American Kennel Club reminds dog owners to consider their canine companions when it comes to fire safety. Visit AKC at http://www.akc.org/
October 16 is National Feral Cat Day (NFCD) - Founded by Alley Cat Allies as one special day for those who advocate nonlethal feline population control. Visit http://www.nationalferalcatday.org/
Third Week in October is National Veterinary Technician Week.
In June 1993, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America’s Executive Board passed a resolution declaring the third week in October as National Veterinary Technician Week (NVTW). http://www.navta.net/nvtw.htm During this special week, veterinary technicians can focus favorable attention on their profession through a variety of activities. These activities serve to:
Educate the public about this vital member of the veterinary medical team.
Reinforce the value and professionalism of veterinary technicians to veterinarians and the public.
Provide an opportunity for veterinary technicians to salute one another for excellent performance in their work.
Acknowledge veterinarians for hiring veterinary technicians.
November is Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month
The ASPCA and Petfinder.com invite you to join us in declaring November the first annual Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month. Use these materials to promote Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month and help more folks in your community reap the rewards of owning a senior pet.
We've included sample PSAs, a press release, senior pet care and medical information, senior pet facts calendar and more! We hope many people find a kindred spirit and adopt a senior pet from your community organization this Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month and throughout the year. Visit Petfinder's website for more information and ideas. http://www.petfinder.com/journal/2003seniorpet.htm
November 1 is World Vegan Day. In November 1944 Donald Watson invented the word Vegan and formed the Vegan Society to provide information on a healthy lifestyle that avoids animal suffering and the wasteful use of the world's resources. See http://www.vegansociety.com
First full week of November is National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week - promoted by HSUS "to celebrate the valuable services provided by local animal care and control agencies." Contact HSUS Mid-Atlantic Regional Office, Bartley Square, 270 Rt. 206, Flanders, NJ 08836, 973-927-5611, fax 973-927-5617.