December 2026 Pet Holidays

December’s pet holiday calendar is a fairly quiet one but special days celebrate shelter pets, mixed breed dogs and the hard-working members of the veterinary profession.

December pet holidays

Month-Long Observances

  • National Cat Lover’s Month.

One-Day Events

  • Dec. 1: National Twin With Your Dog Day. Created in the UK by Leo Charley & Me, this day encourages dog owners to match their outfit to their dog’s! #twinwithyourdogday
  • Dec. 2: National Mutt Day. Also see July 31.
  • Dec. 3: Celebrate Shelter Pets Day. Humane Society of the United States. Always the first Thursday after Thanksgiving.
  • Dec. 9: International Day of Veterinary Medicine.
  • Dec. 10: International Animal Rights Day.
  • Dec. 11: Holiday Food Drive for Needy Animals Day.
  • Dec. 15: National Cat Herders Day.

More Pet Holidays

We’ve got a year-around calendar of pet holidays here on DogTipper!