Bust RAWgust Myths and More Aug-Sep Promo Ideas for Pet Indies

1 For DOGUST, the universal birthday for shelter dogs, hold a “Buy One, Give One” promotion, with donated products or self-wash services going toward pups awaiting their forever homes.

1 Bust myths during RAWGUST to create new raw feeders. Meow Mini Mart in Jersey City, NJ, does a series of social media posts to correct misinformation such as that raw pet foods aren’t safe, complete and balanced, or affordable. For the latter, the store lets customers know they can feed a cat raw food for around $1 per meal. Run your campaign via email, too, and hold a brand-supported freezer giveaway to boost raw sales for the month — and beyond.

28 Create space on your socials for customers to share photos and stories of their late pets around RAINBOW BRIDGE REMEMBRANCE DAY. Respectfully pair posts with information about any products and services you offer in this area, such as bereavement gifts and/or pet grief support.

30 NATIONAL HOLISTIC PET DAY is for you, indies! Highlight products and services that support physical, mental and emotional well-being. Event idea: Wet Nose in Geneva, IL, hosts soothing 45-minute Hound Baths for pups and their people.

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1 On GINGER CAT APPRECIATION DAY, hold an “All Things Orange Sale.” Product packaging counts!

1 MUZZLE AWARENESS MONTH provides the perfect opportunity to co-host a workshop with a positive-reinforcement trainer to help destigmatize muzzle use and help customers find the right products for their reactive pets.

9 Celebrate the start of FOOTBALL SEASON with a Tailgate Party like Premium Pets in Jefferson City, MO. The store cheers on the Kansas City Chiefs while promoting product bundles, plus these limited-edition MVP snackle boxes filled with favorite treats. And we love the collegiate and pro team offerings at BarkNFetch in Frisco, TX, including this Texas Tech Red Raiders jersey. The store also sells bows, bandanas, collars and toys representing schools from across the South.

11 Around NATIONAL MAKE YOUR BED DAY, promote a “Bed Makeover” bundle that allows customers to save on a new bed, blanket and toy for their pet.

17 For NATIONAL PET BIRD DAY, go to myrightbird.com for free downloadable graphics and social media posts to help with promotions.

21 On INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE, promote your calming products and services, such as private shopping appointments. Since we featured the appointments at Spoiled Bitch Dog Boutique in Nesconset, NY, in PETS+ a few years back, we’ve seen these types of events pop up at pet stores across the U.S., with each business making it their own. We especially love the Private Shopping Sniffari at The Green Spot in Omaha, NE.

26 It’s NEIGHBORHOOD PET STORE DAY! Learn more about the most wonderful day of the year for indies on p. 66.

29 On NATIONAL COFFEE DAY, invite customers to stop in for a cup on you — and be sure to show off your pet-centric mugs.

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