Ringing in the New Year with your pawtner in crime was undeniably fun as we watched the wintery snow fall all about the neighborhood. As we leave the holiday season, it is time to focus on new beginnings. January 2026 has plenty of furtastic holidays for you and your pampered pet, with one of the biggest month-long celebrations being Walk Your Pet Month. This one’s pretty self-explanatory: grab the leash and let your doggie know you’re ready for a “W-A-L-K” all January long, but keep in mind how to provide a safe walk for your pet in the cold, snow, ice and salt (more information was in December newsletter under Kaiah’s bark list). If you are making any New Year’s resolutions, please include your pets to learn how to best honor our beloved companions.
Another January pet howliday that deserves some attention? National Pet Travel Safety Day. Not all pet parents know how to travel safely with their pooch. Here are a few quick facts to keep in mind:
- Use a harness, seat belt tether, or crate when driving in a car.
- Use the back seat only.
- As cute as it is, it’s best to keep Fido’s head inside the car – not out the window.
- Never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle, even for five minutes.
- Stop every few hours to let your dog stretch, take a potty break, and get a drink of water.
Month-Long Celebrations
- Walk Your Pet Month, Brrrr, pick days above freezing.
- Adopt a Rescued Bird Month
- National Train Your Dog Month
January One-Day Celebrations
- January 2: National Pet Travel Safety Day
- January 2: Happy Mew Year for Cats Day
- January 5: National Bird Day
- January 8: Bubble Bath Day (for dogs too!)
- January 14: National Dress Up Your Pet Day
- January 21: Squirrel Appreciation Day (Our dogs love to show their appreciation!)
- January 22: National Answer Your Cat’s Question Day
- January 24: Change A Pet’s Life Day
- January 29: Seeing Eye Guide Dog Day
Mon Valley Paws 