(SCHAUMBURG, Illinois) May 5, 2023—As National Pet Week (May 7-13) approaches, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) invites the millions of pet owners and lovers in across the country to join in celebrating the unique bond between pets and their humans by embracing responsible pet ownership.
Established in 1981 by the AVMA and AVMA Auxiliary, National Pet Week not only honors the love, joy, and companionship that pets bring to our lives, but also highlights the importance of giving them everything they need. for a happy and healthy life. Through a variety of resources, daily topics, and expert advice, AVMA aims to empower pet owners to be the best caregivers they can be, ensuring a lifetime of love and care for their beloved pets.
“National Pet Week is the perfect time to celebrate the special bond between pets and their people, while also acknowledging the responsibilities that come with owning a pet,” said AVMA President Dr. Lori Teller. “Our pets give us unconditional love, support, and companionship, and in return, it’s our job to make sure they get the care and attention they need to live long, healthy, and happy lives.”
Pet owners are encouraged to visit AVMA.org/PetWeek for more information on ways to celebrate your pets and resources to help them provide the right care. The AVMA also offers an official version National Pet Week Toolkit for vets to use when observing the week with their staff and clients.
Each day of National Pet Week focuses on a different topic essential to responsible pet ownership. This year’s topics include:
Sunday – Choose Well: Commit for Life
While the prospect of adding a pet to the family can be exciting, it’s important that people not be impulsive or careless when bringing a new pet into their homes. Select the right pet for your family’s lifestyle and commit to that pet for life. Even if you’ve already welcomed a pet into your home, your veterinarian can help you better understand your individual pet’s health care and social needs. View AVMA resources at selecting a pet for your family.
Monday – Behavioral Health: Habits for Happy Pets
Keep your pet happy and healthy by promoting positive interactions. Try to create an environment that encourages natural behaviors by introducing interactive puzzles, games and toys, or by learning new skills. Activities like goal training are wonderful options for dogs and cats, and even other pets like fish! You can also promote good behavior by helping your pets feel comfortable in new situations by safely exposing them to a variety of interactions with other animals, people, places, and activities. View AVMA resources at socialize dogs and catsas well as a video in the socialization of pets.
Tuesday – Question of nutrition and exercise
With more than half of the dogs and cats in the United States considered overweight or obese, and humans also affected by the problem, the AVMA encourages pets and their owners to exercise regularly, together. This not only improves cardiovascular health, maintains a healthy weight, and supports good mental health for both owner and pet, but also strengthens the human-animal bond. For tips on walking, running, or starting another exercise program with your pet, visit avma.org/Walkingand watch AVMA’s National Pet Week video about the importance of proper nutrition for pets.
Wednesday – Do you love your pet? See your vet!
Everyone loves their pet, yet many pet owners do not take their pets to the vet unless they are visibly sick or injured. Pets often hide signs of illness. Regular checkups are vital to detect health problems early. Early treatment can not only mean better health for your pet, it can also save you money. See AVMA money tips for loving pet owners.
Thursday – Travel carefully
Many people may be planning to travel this summer to make up for previous trips canceled due to the pandemic. Traveling with pets requires advance planning and coordination to keep everyone safe. Whether you’re taking a short car trip or flying to another state or country, getting your pet safely to its destination requires special planning and precautions. Plan ahead and know exactly what is needed when traveling with pets of different species. See AVMA pets in vehicles resourcesand watch AVMA’s National Pet Week video about safe travel with pets.
Friday – Emergencies Happen: Be Prepared
We never know when or where an emergency will occur. As a pet owner, you should plan ahead and include your pets in your family’s emergency plan. Know what to do in case of emergencyhow to ride first aid and emergency kits and how to correctly identify your pets so your family can be reunited if you’re ever separated.
Saturday – Plan for their care: Give them a life of love
Thanks to better care, pets now live longer than ever before, and as pets age, they need more care and attention. Regular veterinary exams can detect problems in older pets before they become advanced or life-threatening. They can also improve your pet’s chances of living a longer, healthier life. Visit the AVMAs senior pet page to find out what is ‘normal’ and what may indicate concern about an aging pet.
See AVMA’s”A life of care for a life of loveVideo of National Pet Week.
National Pet Week 2023 is made possible in part by educational funding from partner, Pets Best.
For more information, please contact Michael San Filippo, AVMA Media Relations Manager, at 847-732-6194 (cell/text) or sanfilippoAvma [dot] organization.