A Pet Lover’s Guide to Celebrating Every Day with Your Furry Friends in July

As a self-proclaimed “pet whisperer” and holiday-obsessed writer, July is my favorite month to go full-on pet enthusiast. Why? Because this sun-soaked, ice cream-dripped, firework-lit month is packed with holidays that are just begging to be celebrated, not only with friends and family, but with the real MVPs of our lives: our pets.

So this year, I decided to live my best life by celebrating every major pet-related holiday in July, and then some. Here’s how I turned July into a 31-day love letter to my fur babies (and yours!).

july 1–31 – lost pet prevention month

It all started with lost pet prevention month , an awareness campaign that reminded me to double-check Coco’s tags, update her microchip info, and finally invest in a GPS collar that probably costs more than my phone.

I also made it a mission to share tips on social media about keeping pets safe during summer thunderstorms and fireworks season. And yes, I printed out flyers just in case she ever pulled a Houdini again.

july 5 – gerbil day + cherry pit spitting day

July 5th brought us both gerbil day and cherry pit spitting day — an odd combo, but hey, I’m not complaining.

I kicked off the day by giving my little hamster, Nutty, a new chew toy shaped like a cherry pit (he didn’t get the joke). Then I took my dog, Bella, to a local orchard where we had a backyard cherry pit spitting contest with friends. She tried to eat the pits. I tried to explain consent to her. We compromised with a cherry smoothie instead.

july 10 – kitten day + don’t step on a bee day

July 10th was all about baby animals and bug diplomacy.

For kitten day , I adopted a foster kitten named Mochi from a local rescue and hosted a “Welcome Wagon” brunch for him — complete with catnip cupcakes and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for his new cat tree.

Then came don’t step on a bee day , which made me realize how many bees were dive-bombing my garden. I hung up a few bee hotels and planted wildflowers in hopes of keeping the peace between Bella and the buzzing neighborhood watch.

july 11 – all-american pet photo day

This was a big one. I dusted off my DSLR and styled a mini photo shoot around the yard with all the local pets I could borrow — dogs, cats, even a turtle named Kevin who refused to cooperate.

I posted the results with #all-americanpetphotoday and got over 2,000 likes — mostly from fellow pet lovers who agreed that yes, Kevin looks like he’s plotting world domination.

july 13 – world snake day + embrace your geekness day

I visited a reptile sanctuary with my kids and met a corn snake named Sir Hiss-a-Lot. It was a great opportunity to teach my kids (and remind myself) that snakes are more scared of us than we are of them — unless you’re holding a mouse.

And since it was also embrace your geekness day , I dressed up as a giant paw print and walked around town with my dog. People stared. I smiled. Bella barked at a squirrel. It was beautiful.

july 14 – sphynx cat day + shark awareness day

My sister owns a hairless cat named Pickles who was born for this day. I spent the morning video-calling her and watching Pickles strut around shirtless like he owned the place.

Then I switched gears for shark awareness day and taught my dog that no, she cannot bark at the fish tank forever. We ended the day watching Finding Nemo while feeding Pickles organic tuna treats.

july 16 – world snake day (again?) + shih tzu day

Turns out, snakes get two mentions in July. I took it as a sign to finally visit the zoo and see their slithery residents in person. My kids were thrilled. Bella was confused.

Later, I celebrated shih tzu day by baking a dog-safe cake and posting a throwback slideshow of my own Shih Tzu, Coco, doing things like chewing through shoes and looking adorable while doing it.

july 18 – holistic therapy day + pets as healing companions

This one hit close to home. I’ve always believed in the healing power of pets, so I dedicated the day to volunteering at a senior care facility with Coco. We brought joy, tail wags, and a few sneaky snuggles to folks who needed it.

I also treated myself to a sound bath session — with Coco curled up beside me the entire time. The vibes were high. The purrs were higher.

july 21 – get out of the dog house day + no pet store puppies day

Let’s be honest — I’ve been in the dog house more than once. But on get out of the dog house day , I showered Coco with extra belly rubs, bought her a fancy harness, and fed her three different kinds of treats. She forgave me instantly.

I followed it up with no pet store puppies day , sharing adoption stories online and reminding everyone to adopt, don’t shop. I even donated to a local shelter and helped promote some of their cutest seniors.

july 22 – national duck lip day / selfie day

I celebrated by taking a ridiculous number of selfies with my pets. Including one with Coco wearing sunglasses and another with Mochi perched on my shoulder like a pirate.

The duck lips? Optional. The pet smiles? Mandatory.

july 27 – barbie in a blender day + world snake day (again)

I celebrated barbie in a blender day by blending frozen drinks and letting my dog lick the blender clean. She loved it. I called it “pet bonding.”

And since it was World Snake Day again, I watched a documentary about pythons while my cat napped on my lap, clearly unimpressed.

july 30 – share a hug day + international day of friendship

I opened my arms wide and hugged every pet within reach — including a neighbor's golden retriever who basically tackled me in excitement.

I also invited a few pet-parent friends over for a potluck picnic where we shared stories, photos, and grilled chicken skewers with our pups. Bella made friends with everyone. Mochi stayed aloof in true feline fashion.

july 31 – mutt day

I saved one of my favorite celebrations for last: mutt day , a tribute to mixed breed dogs everywhere.

I celebrated with a special post titled “Why I Love My Scruffy Dog More Than Most Humans,” featuring Coco’s greatest hits: stealing socks, licking faces, and somehow fitting her whole head in a cereal bowl.

I also encouraged my followers to consider adopting a mixed breed pet — because sometimes the best love comes in the most unpredictable packages.

and of course… other great july holidays to celebrate with your pet:

Even if they’re not strictly “pet holidays,” these days are still perfect for involving your furry friends:

• july 4th – independence day : Have a BBQ and let your pup enjoy a meaty bone or two.
• july 19th – word with friends day : Play a game while lounging with your cat on your lap.
• july 20th – world jump day : Try a trampoline park with your active dog or play fetch until you can barely move.
• july 25th – dog photography day : Dress up your pup and take cute pics for social media glory.
• july 31st – harry potter day : Dress your pet in costume and sip a butterbeer float while watching the movies.

My july pet-holiday takeaway

This July, I learned something important: every day is better with pets . Whether it’s dressing them up for silly holidays, teaching them to pose for the ‘Gram, or simply curling up together after a long day of summer adventures, our pets make every celebration feel bigger, brighter, and warmer.

So next time you see a weird holiday on the calendar, think of your pet first. There’s almost always a way to include them in the fun.

Because when it comes to celebrating life, love, and random national holidays?

Our pets are the ultimate party guests.

🐾 want to celebrate your pet in style?

Here are a few ideas:

• Host a pet costume party for any quirky holiday.
• Do a DIY pet photo booth with themed props.
• Bake dog-safe cookies or cat-friendly treats for food-themed holidays.
• Volunteer or donate to shelters on animal-centered days.
• Take your pet to a nature walk or outdoor event on recreation-focused days.

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Until next month — keep the tail wags coming! 🐾🐾🐶🐱🐹