Pet Advocacy Network

09/13/2026

Today is National Pet Memorial Day, a time to remember the pets who are no longer with us but whose companionship left a lasting impact on our lives.

Pets become an important part of our families, bringing joy, comfort, and countless memories during the time we share with them.

Take a moment today to remember a beloved pet, reflect on the memories you shared, and celebrate the special bond between people and the animals who enrich our lives.

09/12/2026

Tomorrow is National Hug Your Hound Day!

Dogs bring companionship, joy, and plenty of personality into our homes. Tomorrow is a great opportunity to celebrate the special bond between people and their pets while remembering the commitment that comes with responsible dog ownership.

Take some extra time tomorrow to show your hound how much they mean to you, whether with a gentle hug, some extra attention, or another activity they enjoy.

09/10/2026

Professional breeders operate under regulations and oversight designed to support animal welfare. But what do those standards actually look like?

USDA-licensed breeders are inspected for animal care, facility conditions, sanitation, record keeping, and compliance with federal animal welfare requirements.

Learn more about professional breeders and how responsible regulation helps protect pets.

09/08/2026

Today is National Iguana Awareness Day!

Iguanas can be fascinating companions, but keeping one happy and healthy starts with understanding their unique needs.

A nutritious diet, an appropriate habitat, and routine veterinary care are all essential to responsible iguana ownership and require preparation and commitment.

Whether you already share your home with an iguana or are considering bringing one into your family, today is a great opportunity to learn more about proper care. Being informed and prepared helps ensure these remarkable reptiles can thrive for years to come.

09/07/2026

Tomorrow is National Dog Walker Appreciation Day!

Dogs make wonderful family companions, but keeping them happy and healthy means making sure they receive the exercise, enrichment, and attention they need. For busy pet owners, dog walkers can play an important role in helping meet those needs.

Whether it’s a walk while an owner is at work or some extra exercise during a busy day, dog walkers help pets stay active, engaged, and healthy while giving owners peace of mind.

If you have a dog walker, take a moment tomorrow to thank them for the care and attention they provide your companion.

09/03/2026

The USDA conducts regular inspections of licensed dog breeders. These inspections are rigorous, yet 97% of licensed dog breeders have no serious violations, and 98% of licensed breeders who sell to pet stores have no serious violations.

Given the high level of compliance and care among professional breeders, it seems irresponsible to create policies that allow bad actors to fill the gap when legal pet sales are banned.

09/01/2026

Happy Ginger Cat Appreciation Day!

Ginger cats are known for their distinctive coats and can be delightfully entertaining companions. With their unique and fun personalities, they make wonderful and beloved pets for families everywhere.

Today is a great opportunity to celebrate the ginger cats in our lives while remembering the importance of responsible pet ownership. Proper nutrition, veterinary care, enrichment, and plenty of attention can help keep cats happy and healthy throughout their lives.

Take a moment today to give your ginger cat a little extra appreciation. If you’re considering welcoming a cat into your family, a ginger cat may be the perfect companion for you!

08/28/2026

The Massachusetts House and Senate passed different versions of the PETS Act. Both versions include important animal welfare measures that will help protect pets and consumers, but the Senate version would also ban retail pet stores from selling cats and dogs.

Banning pet sales in stores would have unintended consequences for both pets and consumers because eliminating regulated retail sales doesn’t eliminate the demand for pets. Instead, it can push consumers toward less regulated sellers with less oversight and fewer protections, creating more opportunities for bad actors.

Pet Advocacy Network’s Alisa Clements recently spoke with NBC10 Boston about what lawmakers should be focusing on instead: “If we want to actually do something for animal welfare, we strengthen those protections for animals and for consumers, raise those standards, not eliminate responsible, regulated businesses.”

Read more: https://bit.ly/4xpgJjR

The House and Senate versions of the Massachusetts PETS Act differ in a provision that would have a major impact on pet sales.

08/27/2026

Do laws banning pet stores from selling pets help animals? No.

When regulated pet sales are prohibited, demand for pets doesn't disappear. It can shift to unregulated markets.

After New York banned the sale of dogs in pet stores, reports emerged of black-market sellers stepping in to fill the gap, including individuals selling puppies from car trunks and importing dogs from overseas with little transparency or oversight.
https://bit.ly/4wgA2Lu

A group of men were caught on film last week at West 47th Street in Midtown, brazenly hawking close to a dozen 9-week-old miniature and toy poodles in broad daylight – despite the sale ban in…

08/26/2026

Sometimes life circumstances change, and an exotic pet may need a new home. When that happens, responsible surrender can help ensure the best possible outcome for the pet while also protecting native wildlife and local ecosystems.

Across the country, exotic pet surrender events offer owners a safe, responsible, and judgment-free way to place pets they can no longer care for. These events help connect animals with qualified care whenever possible while reducing the risk of pets being released into the wild and potentially becoming invasive species.

Through Habitattitude, exotic pet owners can learn about responsible alternatives to release and find surrender opportunities when they are available. Making a responsible choice today can make a meaningful difference for pets, people, and the environment.

Learn more about Habitattitude: https://bit.ly/2WFJzyZ