What (and when) is World Pet Health Month? Can anyone celebrate and how? Who founded it? So many questions! Thankfully, PD has all the answers right here.
In this article we answer what is World Pet Health Month and much more—including how to join in by making the promise (and entering a draw to stand a chance to win $1000*). Find out more, right here…
In this article
What is World Pet Health Month?
This year, from right here in Aotearoa New Zealand, we’re starting something big—this global movement that celebrates the health and happiness of the animals who trust us with their whole hearts.
So what is World Pet Health Month? It’s an annual celebration—a movement that raises awareness around pet health needs. It’s both a celebration of the human-animal bond and the unique role pets play in our lives as friends, family, cheerleaders and even therapists and a movement that unites pet people around the world.
Because caring for a pet isn’t a hobby.
It’s a responsibility.
A privilege.
A relationship built on love, safety, and commitment.
When millions of pet people choose to care better, protect better, and love better… our pets get to live the full, joyful, perfectly ordinary days they deserve.
When is World Pet Health Month?
World Pet Health Month runs throughout February every year. This unique pet celebration takes place for the first time ever in February 2026. Join PD in helping spread the love by sharing this article across your social media or starting your very own World Pet Health Month campaign.
This month-long celebration is devoted to shining a spotlight on pet health issues. It’s a chance to think about how their needs are as commonplace as human health needs but not always as well understood or anticipated. Unlike many of us people, pets don’t have medical subsidisation which puts pressure on them and owners when treatment costs become prohibitive.
Anybody can get involved in celebrating World Pet Health Month – from pet owners, breeders, trainers, shelters to people who simply love animals (even those who can’t or don’t own pets of their own). Join the movement and spread the word.
Who started World Pet Health Month?
PD Insurance is a proud founder of World Pet Health Month, which launches for the first time in February 2026. This world event is founded by PD in collaboration with our charity partner, Healthy Pets NZ, and Blue Badge Insurance, our sister brand, providing insurance for assistance dogs in Australia.
Our shared vision is to highlight and protect the health of pets. Together, we’re sharing our voices to spread awareness that pet health doesn’t just happen – it requires planning and effort from pet owners. While our pets love us unconditionally, they need and deserve our protection to stay healthy and happy.
Vet advice on protecting pet health
And if PD’s survey results are anything to go by, then a whopping 71% of respondents see pets as beloved family members. This shows the commitment we Kiwis have to our cats and dogs. And it’s just one of many good reasons to gain a deeper understanding of ways to protect their wellbeing.
Many pet health issues can be prevented or reduced in severity with a little know-how upfront. That’s what this movement is all about: raising awareness about pet health. With this in mind, Dr Sally Cory from Healthy Pets NZ shares nine tips on healthy pet parenting:
#1 Don’t wait on vet visits
Even small changes in your pet’s behaviour or habits can be early signs of illness. Sooner is always better.
#2 Skip the DIY fixes
Home remedies and social media advice can delay proper treatment. When in doubt, ask your vet first.
#3 Watch the waistline
Overfeeding is easy to do, but obesity can seriously affect your pet’s health. Stick to measured meals and healthy treats.
#4 Prioritise dental care
Dental disease is common and can be painful. Regular checks, brushing, and early treatment make a huge difference.
#5 Make routine health checks a habit
Yearly blood and urine tests — plus a simple dental clean — can prevent big, costly problems later. Early dental care (at grade 1) is far cheaper and kinder than major extractions.
#6 Never use human meds on pets
Many everyday medicines and natural products are toxic to animals. Always get veterinary guidance.
#7 Keep their diet consistent
Avoid sudden changes and steer clear of foods not meant for pets. Their stomachs will thank you.
#8 Look deeper into behaviour shifts
Changes in mood or habits may signal pain, anxiety, or cognitive decline — not “bad behaviour.”
#9 Plan for healthcare costs
Pets often need more vet care than expected, so budgeting ahead helps reduce stress and ensures they get what they need.
Why February?
Leap years are marked every four years by an extra calendar day in February. In many ways, a year in a pet’s life is a little like a leap year…
One leap year means four years have passed. Likewise, one year in a pet’s life means they’ve aged several human years. So, if they’re unhealthy for even just one year, that’s like a person being unhealthy for many years. This really highlights that pet lifespans are shorter than our own and keeping them healthy every day, month and year counts for added time.
And that’s why we celebrate World Pet Health Month in February! Bring your A-game to the table and help spread the word!
How to celebrate WPHM—join the movement
There are oodles of ways you can join the World Pet Health Month movement. From entering into a draw to win $1000* and signing the promise to enjoying heaps of free pet health resources. You can share these on social with your wider network too. Another option is to start your own crowdfunding campaign for a shelter you feel passionate about.
More on some of these up next…
1. Make the promise
We’re inviting you – every person in your household who loves your pet – to join us. Add your name. Make the promise. Share it with your friends and family. Let’s unite as pet parents everywhere and create a wave of care that starts in NZ and ripples across the world.
World Pet Health Month is more than a campaign. It’s a promise. One that pet parents everywhere – in every home, every culture, every corner of the world – can make together.
Celebrate and join the movement by making the promise. By participating, you’ll also go into a draw to win $1000 in prezzy cards*.
2. Volunteer at a shelter
Volunteering is another important way you can show your commitment to pet health. Volunteer your time at a shelter, donate funds or needed items, or set up a funding drive yourself. Here’s more about what and how to donate to animal shelters.
Every day, pets change our lives in quiet, extraordinary ways. They greet us at the door like we’re the best thing that ever happened. They curl up beside us when the world feels heavy. And they bring joy, comfort, laughter, and a kind of love that feels pure and uncomplicated.
3. Calculate dog age in human years
Dogs age faster than their human counter parts and while the commonly held belief is that one human year is equal to seven dog years, it’s a bit more nuanced than that. Dogs age at different speeds during different life stages. Early on they age quickly, so one doggy year can be equal to 15 years in their early years. Later on that slows down.
There’s also a difference in the speed that dogs age based on their size. Big dogs generally tend to age more quickly than little breeds. This translates as ageing faster. Download and print the free dog-to-human years converter here.
4. Cat food chart
Did you know that cats are allergic to milk? That’s a little known fact – yet it makes their tummy upset. Other foods, like pumpkin, for example are totally cat safe. If you’re planning a tasty kitty treat for your meow, have a look at these tasty cat food treats.
Also get this free cat food chart you can print and keep on your fridge.
Fast pet health facts
Kiwis are renowned for having high pet ownership, yet very few animals have pet insurance. That means when a dog or cat needs surgery or hospitalisation, unless the owner has funds available, that animal may not be able to get the treatment they need.
Here’s a quick round-up of pet health facts:
- Pets outnumber vets. >2 million pets in New Zealand, only 3000+ vets
- Uninsured pets outnumber insured pets. Only a small percent of pets have pet insurance for unplanned vet bills
- Hereditary dog illness. Dogs have nearly 996 genetic illnesses
- Hereditary cat illness. Cats are affected by roughly 464 genetic illnesses.
- Pet dental disease. 80% of NZ dogs / cats in New Zealand aged three years+ have some form of dental disease.
- Euthanasia vs pet insurance. 12% of pet owners surveyed by PD say that, before having pet insurance, they’d put a pet down due to unaffordable treatment fees.
While pet insurance is still relatively new to many New Zealanders, it’s a growing movement, helping reduce the need to make head over heart decisions. When pets need vet treatment having the ability to provide that helps provide peace of mind, not just to owners, but to vets too. And of course, the best part is protecting your pet.
Get a quote for cat insurance or dog insurance and you could get 1 month FREE* Click below to get started.
*Ts & Cs apply