AUGUST

1 For humans, August is a sweaty blot on the calendar. The weather is beastly, the kids are getting bored, there are no big sports events, the good movies have gone, and on TV it’s all reruns. Yet in the world of pets, August is huge, starting with International Cat Day on Aug. 8, the opening of SuperZoo on Aug. 20 and Dog’s Day on Aug. 26. Choose one and promote it big. There’s really not much fighting for your customers’ attention right now.

17 The noted medical researcher Julius Comroe once defined serendipity as “looking for a needle in a haystack and getting out of it with the farmer’s daughter.” On Serendipity Day, the idea of “happy accidents” sounds like a great theme for a sales event — either with surprise giveaways or as an excuse to try something like a marketing exercise you’ve never done before. You never know.

18 Today is BAD POETRY DAY. And for those of you whose reaction to that announcement was: “Hey, I thought all poetry was bad,” all we can say is: “Philistines!” Personally, PETS+ thinks that a bad pet poetry contest hosted on social media with a final reading in your store is one of the most entertaining events you can hold. Invite your customers to submit an “Ode to Fido/Fluffy, she who is exalted.” Edible prize to the winner.

SEPTEMBER

1 Scary stat of the month: At least one in four businesses affected by a disaster never reopens. During National Preparedeness Month, be sure to spend some time at the Department of Homeland Security website (ready.gov) so you can be as prepared as possible for any emergencies.

4 Like many great ideas, Pet Rocks got their start in a bar, in April 1975, as Gary Dahl listened to his friends complain about caring for their pets. This gave him the idea for the “perfect” pet: a rock. His training manual and other related products made Dahl a millionaire. And now stands testament to the power of goofy ideas. On Pets Rock Day, add some quirkiness to your marketing. Organic vegan foods for dogs anyone? Oh, right, that’s been done already.

12 On this day in 1954, Lassie first bounded into the living rooms of America, where she was to become a fixture on TV screens for the next 19 seasons. Mark the occasion with a breed meet. (Well-diving optional.) It should make for a great social media photo op.

15 The level of pet ownership among Hispanics has almost doubled in the last decade, to more than 20 million households. While most of this demographic is fully acculturated, there are still small differences that represent opportunities for retailers. During NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH, make a pledge to learn more about this growing market.

18 America’s debt wasn’t always in the trillions. Alexander Hamilton kicked off things by borrowing $191,000 on this day in 1789. There’s a good argument that wise use of debt was what allowed America to become great. But the key word there is “wise.” If you’re still paying for a pizza you charged in college, use the 230th anniversary of America’s first loan to inspire you to get smart with debt.

30 Need information about raw food, CBD and supplements that will help customers, their pets and your sales? Don’t miss the PETS+ WELLNESS SUMMIT, with education starting today, followed by two days of a curated show floor featuring the top vendors in pet wellness. Entry is free. Learn more at petsplusmag.com/summit.