DECEMBER

1 Dogs and cats aren’t the only pets who like to get gifts. Full-line stores, kick off the month of HANUKKAH (Dec. 14-22) and CHRISTMAS (Dec. 25) with pet holiday wishlists like these from Adventure Pets in Mandeville, LA. The store posted on its socials in 2024 a series of graphic-based wishlists for birds, small animals and reptiles, in addition to ones for dogs and cats, helping pet parents ensure all family members have something to open during festive gatherings.

1 Another DECEMBER promotion idea: Holiday Bingo! The game not only boosts in-store visits but also sales if you follow the lead of Paddywack in Mill Creek, WA. “Customers love our holiday bingo game,” Shane Somerville says. “It’s a mix of fun activities (bring us a holiday card, shop in an ugly sweater) and item purchases (buy a freeze-dried treat, a holiday toy). Each column/row/diagonal earns an entry into gift certificate giveaways after the holidays. It’s fun and encourages people to try new things!” Paddywack also takes part in the Holiday Bingo card for its shopping center, further encouraging visits to the store.

2 On GIVING TUESDAY, share the many ways your business has given back to the community in 2025 and highlight opportunities for customers to take part during December. Promote your angel tree that allows for donations to shelter pets, remind about the month’s “round up at the register” recipient or tout whatever way you facilitate giving back. Last-minute donors, in particular, will appreciate a quick-and-easy opportunity delivered to their news feed or inbox.

24 Serve pet-friendly versions of the holiday favorite on NATIONAL EGGNOG DAY. How could a customer resist making a purchase after seeing their dog happily lap up a free sample? If you don’t carry ready-made liquid or frozen dog nog, bundle ingredients and attach a recipe card.

31 In the days leading up to and after NEW YEAR’S EVE, promote the calming products you carry with a fun focal display. On Dec. 26, switch your holiday display to one like this at Modern Companion in Chapin, SC. It features calming treats and enrichment toys and mats, plus the brand’s festive bows and bandanas for pups who still want to dress up to watch the ball — tennis at this store, not crystal — drop even though they’re staying home. FYI, HAPPY MEW YEAR FOR CATS DAY is Jan. 2, so be sure to keep kitties in mind so they can celebrate as well.

JANUARY

1 There are endless promotional opportunities during NATIONAL TRAIN YOUR DOG MONTH and WALK YOUR DOG MONTH, especially with them being January. Appeal to customers with Christmas puppies or other dogs in need of training through a campaign that includes demo videos, specially priced classes, and bundles of supplies that set students up for success. Don’t offer training? Or don’t sell products? Partner with a business that does!

2 & 27 Educate your customers and outfit the dogs, cats and other animals who vacation with them from NATIONAL PET TRAVEL SAFETY DAY on the 2nd to PLAN A VACATION DAY on the 27th. A display could include a variety of products, among them shelf-stable food, treats, and supplements (think: pumpkin puree, CBD) in convenient packaging and sizes; a first-aid kit with supplies; carriers, crates and travel beds; harness and leashes; travel bowls and bottles; plus anything else a pet might need when away from home. Share travel tips throughout the month on your socials and in newsletters.

8 Do you offer a rewards program to your grooming and/or self-wash customers? You should! On NATIONAL BUBBLE BATH DAY, introduce and/or promote such a welcome incentive. We love the name that Bath & Biscuits in Granville, OH, uses: the Bubble Loyalty Club. Customers earn 1 bubble for every $1 spent in a single transaction, with rewards ranging from 175 bubbles for a free bakery cookie to 1,500 bubbles for 25% off an entire sale.

23 On NATIONAL FUN AT WORK DAY, invite your customers to join in on the good times at your pet business. Nature’s Feed in Spring Grove, IL, celebrated last year with a Carnival Fun Fair, complete with an afternoon of Spin the Wheel, Roll the Dice and Ball Board games. Customers played to win free products from brand partners Zignature and Fussie Cat.