AVMA News

AVMA celebrates National Pet Week 2023

Updated April 28, 2023

The AVMA will be celebrating National Pet Week, held this year from May 7-13, with themes for each day of the week.

Created in 1981, National Pet Week aims to foster responsible pet ownership, recognize the human-animal bond, and increase public awareness of the value of veterinary medicine.


The AVMA has chosen a theme for each day of National Pet Week 2023, starting with selecting the right pet for the family. The focus for each day is as follows:

Day 1—Choose well, commit for life.

Day 2— Behavioral health: Good habits for happy pets.

Day 3—Nutrition and exercise matter.

Day 4—Love your pet? See your vet!

Day 5—Travel with care.

Day 6—Emergencies happen. Be prepared.

Day 7—Plan for their care. Give them a lifetime of love.

Get more information about National Pet Week. Members of the AVMA can access the National Pet Week toolkit at the same site. The toolkit provides suggestions for how clinics can celebrate the event. For example, invite clients to celebrate their healthy pets and their own roles as responsible pet owners by hosting a party in the clinic with behind-the-scenes tours. Or have clients share pet pictures and stories, then post the submissions on a “Responsible pet ownership” wall in your clinic, on your social media account, or on your website.

The toolkit also has ideas for publicizing National Pet Week–related efforts, resources for each daily theme, and images and posts for social media. Support for National Pet Week is being provided by educational partner Pets Best.

Smiling boy using tablet and lying on couch with cat in living room