Pet Anxiety Awareness Day makes its European debut

The US-based awareness initiative ‘Pet Anxiety Awareness Month’ (PAAW) is being expanded internationally. On 12 October 2026, ‘Pet Anxiety Awareness Day’ will take place in Europe for the first time. The initiative is supported by Orion Pharma Animal Health.

“Pet Anxiety Awareness Month” was launched in 2017 by the US animal care expert Kristen Levine. The campaign, which takes place annually in June, aims to raise pet owners’ awareness of signs of anxiety and stress-related behaviour in pets and, according to the organisers, is supported by vets, behaviourists and partners in the animal health sector.

‘Pet Anxiety Awareness Day’ now marks the initiative’s first official international expansion. Unlike the US campaign, the European day of action is primarily aimed at veterinary practices. Information and educational materials are to be made available there, enabling pet owners to be reached directly by vets, veterinary assistants and other practice staff.

Initial activities are planned in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland. The information materials will also be made available online across Europe.

A dedicated information pack has been developed for veterinary practices. This includes a poster with a QR code, an infographic and a short video. Practices are encouraged to use the materials around 12 October and to initiate discussions with pet owners about anxiety and stress in pets.

Vets and veterinary clinics can find out more about the initiative and access the materials on the official platform. These are available in English, Norwegian, Danish, Polish, Hungarian, Czech and Swedish at: petanxietyawareness.eu.