Your 2025 Guide to Animal Awareness Months

Group of cute pets on white background. Banner design
New Africa/Shutterstock.com

Written by Jennifer Geer

Published: January 24, 2025

Share on:

Advertisement


Animal awareness days provide rescue and wildlife groups with the opportunity to highlight public awareness and raise funds for animals in need. From shelter dogs to pygmy hippos, these amazing animals need our support and protection. We’ve rounded up national and global holidays for 2025 and listed them by month. Check out the following guide to see how you can celebrate and honor the creatures around our world.

JanuaryJuly
FebruaryAugust
MarchSeptember
AprilOctober
MayNovember
JuneDecember

January

January 2, 2025 – National Pet Travel Safety Day raises awareness of the importance of traveling safely with your pets. This is a great day to remember not to let pets roam freely when driving but to always keep them secure in a crate or with a seatbelt when driving in your car.

January 5, 2025 – National Bird Day was created by the Avian Welfare Coalition in 2002 to celebrate birds and remind us of their importance. Birds keep the world’s ecosystems going by dispersing seeds and pollinating plants.

A very close shot (selective focus) of a Black-capped Chickadee in its habitat

Honor the black-capped chickadee on National Bird Day.

January 14, 2025 – National Dress Up Your Pet Day began in 2009 and is a great day to let your pooch or feline friend find their inner fashion diva.

January 20, 2025 – Penguin Awareness Day reminds us of the importance of conservation efforts for penguin populations. Head to your local zoo to learn more about penguins and see them in action.

January 21, 2025 – National Squirrel Appreciation Day, founded by wildlife rehabilitator Christy Hargrove is a day to appreciate the role squirrels play in the environment by dispersing seed.

January 31, 2025 – International Zebra Day raises awareness for conservation efforts of this beautiful and graceful animal. Zebras are important to their environments and help prevent the overgrowth of certain plant species leading to biodiversity.

February

February 5, 2025 – Western Monarch Day is when we celebrate the migration of the amazing monarch butterfly and raise awareness for its population decline. Today is the perfect day to start planning a butterfly-friendly garden for spring. (Learn more about the monarch butterfly with our free downloadable lesson plan.)

February 15, 2025 – World Pangolin Day celebrates the shy and fascinating pangolin. Pangolin populations are in decline in Asia and Africa due to habitat loss and overhunting.

February 15, 2025 – World Hippo Day raises awareness for the world’s third largest mammal. Head to the zoo today to learn more about these fascinating animals that are in desperate need of protection and conservation.

February 16, 2025 – World Whale Day, founded in 1980, is celebrated on the third Sunday of each year in February. Today is set aside to appreciate these intelligent and amazing animals and to raise awareness for the threats whales are facing.

February 20, 2025 – National Love Your Pet Day is a special day to honor your furry, scaly, or feathered friends with the love and affection they deserve.

February 22, 2025 – National Walk Your Dog Day is a great day to take your pooch on a walk. They’ll love it and it will give both of you exercise.

Walking the pack/array of dogs, most dachshunds, being walked by single person in the background on city sidewalk

Get your puppers out on a leash on National Walk Your Dog Day, on February 22.

February 25, 2025 – World Spay Day is an annual campaign to educate people on the benefits of spaying or neutering their cats and dogs.

February 27, 2025 – International Polar Bear Day raises awareness of the dangers facing these amazing animals. In February, polar bear moms and their babies are keeping warm in snow dens until they emerge in the spring.

March

March 3, 2025 – World Wildlife Day, founded by the United Nations in 2013, is a day to raise awareness of the importance of every creature on earth from the tiniest insect to the ocean’s biggest whale.

March 13, 2025 – National K9 Veterans Day, honors the military dogs that have bravely served America. On this day in 1942, the Army began training dogs for its war dog program (K9 Corps).

March 14, 2025 – National Save a Spider Day is a day to help reduce arachnophobia and make people aware of the spider’s important role in our environment. Spiders eat 400 to 800 million tons of pests, like mosquitos, ticks, and flies each year.

March 16, 2025 – National Panda Day, founded in 2000, raises awareness of the fluffy, bamboo-loving animals and their current predicament. Though conservation efforts have helped pandas to no longer be considered endangered, they are still on the “vulnerable” list.

March 22, 2025 – International Seal Day began in 1982 and is meant to raise awareness for the declining seal population, mainly due to human hunters. Today is a good day to head to the zoo and learn more about this adorable sea mammal.

March 23, 2025 – National Puppy Day and Cuddly Kitten Day celebrates the cutest, furry babies in the world. It’s also a day to raise awareness for the many animals in need of adoption.

March 26, 2025 – Manatee Appreciation Day raises awareness for the plight of the gentle sea cows. These sweet, slow-moving sea mammals are in danger from climate change, pollution, and hunting. 

April

April 2, 2025 – National Ferret Day was established to help educate people about this often misunderstood furry creature. On this day, the American Ferret Association shares information on the proper care and welfare of this intelligent and loyal pet.

April 7, 2025 – International Beaver Day is the perfect day to head to the woods for a hike to a beaver pond to learn more about the second-largest rodent in the world.

April 8, 2025 – National Dog Fighting Awareness Day, founded by the ASPCA, raises awareness of this brutal form of animal cruelty.

April 8, 2025 – National Zoo Lovers Day is a great day to show appreciation to the world’s zoos. Zoos have bolstered endangered animal populations, provided important research that helps wild populations, educated the public, and advocated for stewardship of wildlife.

April 8, 2025 – Pygmy Hippo Day, founded by the World Wildlife Fund, is a day to raise awareness for the need for conservation for this adorable and small species of hippo.

April 16, 2025 – Save the Elephant Day is an important reminder of the need for conservation for these intelligent and complex creatures. (Speaking of elephants, check out this amazing elephant sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee.)

April 17, 2025 – National Bat Appreciation Day was established to raise awareness for the critical role that bats play in our environment. The world would be overrun with pesty insects if all the bats were gone.

April 19, 2025 – National Cat Lady Day reminds us to embrace the joy and companionship cats provide whether you have one cat or a house full of them.

Happy young asian woman hugging cute grey persian cat on couch in living room at home, Adorable domestic pet concept.

Cat ladies! April 19th is YOUR day!

April 27, 2025 – Free Feral Cat Spay Day was created to help feral cats get spayed and receive basic health exams and vaccinations.

April 27, 2025 – World Tapir Day began in 2008 to raise awareness of the four tapir species and conservation efforts to protect their habitats.

April 30, 2025 – National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day was established to remind people to head to their local shelters to find a loving pet.

April 30, 2025 – International Guide Dog Day celebrates the dogs who selflessly care for disabled people around the world and raise awareness for the importance they bring to the world.

May

May 2, 2025 – World Tuna Day reminds us of the decline of the tuna population because of overfishing and the importance of using sustainable fish stocks.

May 3, 2025 – Wild Koala Day celebrates the koalas that freely roam Australian eucalyptus forests. Koalas living in the wild face threats to their habitat from forest fires and land clearing.

May 4, 2025 – Bird Day, celebrated since 1894, raises awareness for bird conservation and their habitats. It’s a great day to head out and do some birdwatching to learn more about the fascinating behavior of wild birds.

May 8, 2025 – World Donkey Day brings awareness for the hard-working and loyal donkey. Donkeys have helped humans for centuries, and today is a day set aside in their honor.

May 16, 2025 – Endangered Species Day, created by the National Wildlife Federation, is a day to raise awareness about conservation efforts for endangered animals around the world.

May 20, 2025 – World Bee Day was created by the United Nations to remind the world that we all depend on bees and other pollinators for food crops and plant species. Wild bees are in danger of pesticides, habitat loss, and other human impacts.

May 23, 2025 – World Turtle Day was established in 2000 by the American Tortoise Rescue group. This day raises awareness for turtles and their need for our protection from habitat loss and other threats.

May 28, 2025 – World Otter Day reminds us of the need to protect this playful and fascinating creature from habitat destruction and the illegal fur trade.

May 29, 2025 – National Snail Day was created to educate the public on the often unappreciated (but important) role these little creatures play in the environment. Celebrate by heading outdoors and looking for snails in your garden or park.

May 31, 2025 – National Parrot Day, created in 2004, provides awareness that these smart and entertaining birds need help in the wild due to decreasing populations.

June

June 7, 2025 – June Bug Day was established to provide education and awareness on this misunderstood insect. June bugs are a key species to their ecosystems as an important food source for many animals and insects.

June 8, 2025 – World Ocean Day is a day to remind people around the world of the importance of our oceans and all the amazing species living in them. Since 2002, World Ocean Day has advocated for healthy oceans.

Sooty shearwater flock - Ardenna grisea - flying over the south pacific ocean with blurred blue sky and sea background, off the Taiaroa Head, Otago Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand

Pay honor to our oceans on June 8 — and every day!

June 16, 2025 – World Sea Turtle Day celebrates the remarkable marine reptile and highlights the importance of conservation. If you’re on a beach vacation, remember to turn all artificial lights off at night during nesting season so the baby sea turtles can find their way to the ocean without getting lost from the lights.

June 20, 2025 – National American Eagle Day, created in 1995, celebrates the conservation success America had in saving the American eagle from near extinction.

June 21, 2025 – World Giraffe Day is held on the longest day of the year in honor of the long neck of the giraffe. This day raises awareness of the decreasing number of giraffe populations due to a sharp decline in habitats.

June 22, 2025 – World Camel Day celebrates the amazing work camels have done for humans throughout history. Camels symbolize resilience and have played an important role in shaping cultures around the world.

July

July 14, 2025 – Shark Awareness Day seeks to end erroneous myths about sharks and educate people on their important role in the world’s oceans. Held around the same time as the popular Shark Week shows on the Discovery Channel, celebrate the day by watching a shark documentary and maybe learn a new fact.

July 14, 2025 – World Chimpanzee Day honors these incredibly smart and social primates. It also marks the day that Jane Goodall arrived in what is today Gombe Stream National Park, and began her chimpanzee research that changed the world’s understanding of this most unique primate.

July 15, 2025 – National Pet Fire Safety Day was created to remind us to include our pets when we plan fire routes in our homes. One way you can celebrate the day is to get window stickers to alert firefighters of the pets in your home.

July 16, 2025 – World Snake Day increases awareness about this fascinating reptile and its key role in the environment as a predator keeping rodent species in check. Though they often get a bad rap, even venomous snakes try to stay away from people and only bite when they think they are in danger.

Rainbow snake, look at the color of its skin like a rainbow, it is very beautiful, this snake is very tame and harmless but the enemy of other snakes because it likes to eat other snakes or cannibals.

Love ’em or hate ’em, July 16 is World Snake Day.

July 29, 2025 – International Tiger Day, created seven years ago, raises awareness of the critical state of the world’s tigers. These magnificent beasts are in danger of extinction in the wild.

July 31, 2025 – National Mutt Day celebrates the steadfast and sweet mixed-breed dogs that are sometimes overlooked. These loyal companions make excellent pets and many are in shelters right now in need of a home.

August

August 8, 2025 – International Moon Bear Day celebrates the moon bear (also known as the Asiatic black bear). Sadly, moon bears need conservation efforts to keep them from becoming extinct due to habitat loss.

August 10, 2025 – World Lion Day was created to raise support for conservation efforts for the majestic king of the jungle. Lions are losing their habitats and their populations are decreasing rapidly.

August 13, 2025 – International Wolf Day is a great day to celebrate our dog’s ancestors. Wolves hunt hoofed animals, keeping their numbers in check and habitats in balance.

August 15, 2025 – National Honey Bee Day is a perfect day to buy some delicious local honey and support your local beekeepers. American honey bees are vitally important pollinators of food crops across the country.

August 19, 2025 – World Orangutan Day raises awareness for the conservation of orangutans. They are incredibly close genetically to humans and have amazed researchers with their use of tools and complex social groups.

August 30, 2025 – International Whale Shark Day raises awareness of the largest fish in the ocean. Whale sharks are critical to ocean habitats, but are in danger of decreasing population.

September

September 4, 2025 – National Wildlife Day is a great day to take a walk in the woods or head to your local wildlife sanctuary.

September 6, 2025 – National Hummingbird Day is celebrated yearly on the first Saturday of September to honor this important pollinator. Look for events in your area celebrating these delicate and beautiful birds. (Brush up on your hummingbird knowledge here.)

September 17, 2025 – World Manta Day is a day to celebrate the mysterious manta ray and raise awareness of the threats facing this intriguing sea creature. Mantas are critical to the ocean ecosystem and they help to keep coral reefs healthy.

September 20, 2025 – International Red Panda Day, celebrated the third Saturday in September, helps to raise support for the fluffy acrobatic lesser panda. Sadly, there may be less than 2,500 red pandas left in the world.

September 22, 2025 – World Rhino Day, founded in 2010, celebrates all five species of rhinos. Many zoos have special events on this day to help raise awareness of the need for conservation of this threatened species.

September 24, 2025 – World Gorilla Day, founded in 2017, helps raise awareness of the danger of the illegal pet trade and other threats facing these great apes.

September 28, 2025 – World Rabies Day helps to alert the public about the prevention of this terrible disease. Rabies is treatable if you get medical attention immediately after receiving a bite from an infected animal.

October

October 2, 2025 – World Farmed Animals Day, established in 1983, is held on Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday to raise awareness of the unspeakable conditions of animals in factory farms.

October 4, 2025 – World Animal Day, held on the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals reminds us that wildlife needs our protection.

October 20, 2025 – International Sloth Day celebrates these slow-moving, fascinating tree dwellers. The Sloth Institute recommends planting a tree no matter where you are in the world to help reduce climate change (sloths are dependent on the proper balance of their habitat to survive.)

sloth mom with baby

International Sloth Day falls on October 20, 2025.

October 23, 2025 – International Snow Leopard Day is a new holiday established by the United Nations in 2024. These magnificent big cats face dangers from climate change, habitat loss, and poaching.

October 25, 2025 – National Pitbull Awareness Day, celebrated on the last Saturday of October, provides support for these misunderstood dogs. Pitbull-type breeds make loving family pets, but many are sitting in shelters, unable to find homes.

October 27, 2025 – National Black Cat Day was created to spread the word that black cats are subject to unfair misconceptions from myths and superstitions. A symbol for witches and the occult, the reality is, black cats are no different from any other cat.

November

November 1, 2025 – National Bison Day, celebrated on the first Saturday of the month, honors the American bison and the majestic mammal’s historic contribution to America.

November 1, 2025 – World Vegan Day, established in 1994, celebrates the vegan movement and its benefits for animals, humans, and the environment.

November 3, 2025 – World Jellyfish Day celebrates the importance of jellyfish to ocean ecosystems. This is a perfect day to head to your local aquarium and check out these strange and beautiful invertebrates.

November 23, 2025 – Thankful For My Dog Day, founded by the American Kennel Club, is the perfect day to give your beloved pooch a little extra love and attention.

November 29, 2025 – World Jaguar Day celebrates America’s largest big cat and raises awareness for their conservation needs.

December

December 4, 2025 – International Cheetah Day, first celebrated in 2010, this is a great day to head to the zoo and see this big cat in person. Sadly, cheetahs are the most endangered big cat species in the world.

December 4, 2025 – World Wildlife Conservation Day, created in 2012, raises global awareness for how we can help save our amazing planet and the creatures that share it with us.

December 10, 2025 – International Animal Rights Day, held on the same day as Human Rights Day, raises awareness for the need to protect the welfare of animals around the world.

December 10, 2025 – The Festival for the Souls of Dead Whales is thought to have originated from Alaskan Inuit communities to honor whales that have died from human actions. Indigenous communities hunted whales for food, but respected and thanked the animals for their gift. (RELATED: What an Orca’s 1,000-Mile Swim Really Means)

December 14, 2025 – Monkey Day celebrates this intelligent and funny primate that has long fascinated humans. Today is a great day to watch a documentary on monkey species in the wild and remember they do not make good pets, despite what exploitative social media channels may show you.

December 27, 2025 – Visit the Zoo Day is a perfect day to head to your local zoo. Zoos are at the forefront of wildlife conservation and help educate the public on an appreciation for wild animals.


Share this post on:
About the Author

Jennifer Geer

Jennifer Geer is a writer at A-Z Animals where her primary focus is on animals, news topics, travel, and weather. Jennifer holds a Master's Degree from the University of Tulsa, and she has been researching and writing about news topics and animals for over four years. A resident of Illinois, Jennifer enjoys hiking, gardening, and caring for her three pugs.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?