APRIL

1 Firehouse Pet Shop in Wenatchee, WA, celebrates APRIL STOOLS DAY! Staff “hide” plastic poop emojis in the store’s downtown area, with instructions to return them to the store for a free gift. Jennifer Larsen says, “Last year, about 25 were returned within two hours. We gave out gift certificates.” With Apr. 1 falling on a Wednesday this year, such a promo could deliver a nice bump in mid-week traffic.

1 It’s HEARTWORM AWARENESS MONTH and PREVENT LYME DISEASE IN DOGS MONTH. Educate customers and promote products that help to repel mosquitos, fleas and ticks and prevent associated illnesses.

2 On NATIONAL FERRET DAY, host a “ferrants” meetup for these pet parents in your community. Partner with a brand to hold an informational session covering habitat, nutrition and enrichment needs, with gift bags filled with samples for those who attend.

5 Paws Stop in Indianapolis, IN, holds a monthlong EASTER egg hunt in store. Mattie Thacker says, “Brands love to be the treat in the hidden eggs, and customers are offered a deluxe sample and a discount on the treats. This makes it fun and easy for pet parents to participate anytime during the month of April and leads to fantastic conversations about mental enrichment, scent work and healthy treats for pups!”

16 It’s GET TO KNOW YOUR CUSTOMERS DAY. Ask questions about the humans and add notable info to their loyalty program profile. They’ll appreciate when the personal touch extends to them.

22 Celebrate EARTH DAY with a display featuring Pet Sustainability Coalition’s 2026 Top Performers. Find them at petsustainability.org. They make excellent eco-friendly brand partners!

24 Offer “hairball prevention bundles” that include brushes, hairball remedy gels and high-fiber treats at a special price on HAIRBALL AWARENESS DAY!

MAY

1 It’s SKIN CANCER AWARENESs month. Create a fun summertime display with your lotions, T-shirts and hats that provide sun protection for pets.

1 Embrace PROM SEASON like Wagging Tails Pet Resort & Spaw in West Hartford, CT. Pups don formal attire and pose for pics, with a prom queen and king being named.

3-9 During DOG ANXIETY AWARENESS WEEK, start reminding customers about the power of calming products. Starting new supplements now will set pets up for a calmer fireworks season.

4 Invite a 501st Legion to visit on STAR WARS DAY, like Nautical Dog and Schwartzy’s Cat Cove in Williamsburg, VA. Fans of all ages fly to the store to meet and take photos with Star Wars characters, helping to boost sales and kitty adoptions.

9-10 The Hipster Hound in Savannah, GA, celebrates DOG MOM DAY and MOTHER’S DAY weekend with paw-print flower art. Participants dip their paw in pet-friendly ink and stamp a pre-made card complete with a sweet message and Hipster Hound branding.

16 Put your best cat tree outside with a sign that says, “It’s NATIONAL LOVE A TREE DAY. Help your cat celebrate!”

20 Drop off coupons for a free bath at your local animal shelter on NATIONAL RESCUE DOG DAY.