Three May dog holidays stick out for me: National Dog Mom’s Day (for obvious reasons), International Chihuahua Appreciation Day (see my Chiweenie, Lucy, in the photo!) and National Rescue Dog Day. Even though both my girls, Emmy and Lucy, now comfortably lounge around my house on their oversized beds, they once had no homes. During the height of the Covid pandemic, Emmy was abandoned at a school about an hour from my house. One of the teachers (my friend’s aunt) noticed a white, scruffy, furry dog around campus at all hours. She kindly took the dog to the vet, confirmed with the small community there was no responsible dog parent, and through social media efforts, Emmy made her way to our family. She loves to “talk,” to us (she picture) and is a happy and playful 3-year-old pup. Rescuing is not an option for everyone, but if you do ever have the chance to care for a homeless dog, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience.
May is also Westminster Kennel Club Dog show month and we’ve listed all the events, dates and links, so you won’t miss any of the furtastic action. Competing in dog shows isn’t as intimidating as it seems; it’s a fun way to bond with your dog. Nearly any dog breed (purebred or mixed breed) can enter and there’s a variety of events for all sizes and personality types. Read more about options for your dog and how to enter local dog competitions.
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May 2023 monthly dog holidays
Chip Your Pet month
National Pet month
Responsible Animal Guardian month
May 2023 dog holidays
May 3: National Specially-Abled Pets Day
May 7: Mayday for Mutts
May 7-13: National Pet week ; Be Kind to Animals week
May 8: National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day
May 13: National Dog Mom’s Day
May 14: International Chihuahua Appreciation Day
May 20: National Rescue Dog Day
May 2023 dog events
Throughout May, 2023: The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) National Service Animal Eye Exam Event. The 14th annual event takes place in 200 cities in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and Hong Kong to provide free eye exams during the month of May for service and working animals.
May 2 – 3, 2023: Amazon Pet Day. For 48 hours, snag deals on thousands of pet products and supplies on Amazon.com. In addition to deals, Amazon Pets is donating more than $100,000 to a number of local nonprofits that support animal welfare. For more information, read this Amazon Pet Day 2023 FAQ.
May 5 – 7, 2023: Paws Chicago Spring Adopt-A-Thon. The 11th annual adopt-a-thon features a variety of pets, including several litters of kittens, dogs rescued from storms and gentle older pets as well. Adoptions are by appointment; walk-ins are welcome but subject to appointment availability. Held at the PAWS Chicago Lincoln Park Adoption Center. View the adoptable pets and schedule an adoption appointment at: www.pawschicago.org/adopt.
May 6, 2023: Coffee for Canines. Support Watson’s Wish Foundation, a nonprofit that helps fund surgeries for dogs, while socializing and sipping coffee. This event will take place at the Third Wind Coffee Taproom at the Sunbury Station, 100 North 3rd Street in Sunbury, PA. The fun includes, special drinks, a fundraising basket raffle and a photographer taking pictures of the dogs and their humans.
May 6, 2023: Helen Woodward Animal Center’s 9th annual Puppy Prom. This prom-themed reunion has brought together former orphan pets and their families from “graduating classes” as far back as 2004. Once again, the event returns to welcome pups decked out in delightful doggy dresses, tuxes, boutonnieres and painted paw-nails. The prom-themed party is free to all Helen Woodward Animal Center alumni and other rescue-supporting guests. Junior and senior pooches can participate in such time-honored activities as the crowning of a Best Dressed “Prom King and Queen” ($15 per entry – ENTER HERE! ) Hosted by Original 40 Brewing Company – 3117 University Ave, San Diego, CA.
May 6, 2023: 8th Annual Masters Obedience Championship at Westminster. Test dogs’ ability to comply with the asks of the handler. Purebred and mixed-breed dogs compete. Held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, NY. Visit Westminster.kennelclub.org for more info.
May 6, 2023: Masters Agility Championship at Westminster. Presented by Purina Pro Plan. Timed competition testing for dogs’ ability to compete obstacle course following cues of human handler. Purebred and mixed breed dogs compete. Held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, NY. Visit Westminster.kennelclub.org for more info.
May 8-9, 2023: 147th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Presented by Pro Plan. Hound, Toy, Non-sporting, Herding Breeds and Variety Groups compete on Monday, May 8th; Sporting, Working, Terrier Breeds and variety group compete Tuesday the 9th. Junior Showmanship Finals and Best in Show on Tuesday the 9th. Held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, NY. Visit Westminster.kennelclub.org for more info.
May 26, 2023: Frankenmuth Dog Bowl. Olympic-stye festival for dogs with activities like doc diving, disc competitions, wiener races, pet parades and more. Held at the Frankenmuth River Place Shops in Frankenmuth, MI. For more info, click here.
Want to see what dog holidays are coming up in 2023? Check out Dogster’s dog holiday list.
