World Pet Health Month (WPHM) is a global initiative focused on raising awareness of what it takes to keep pets healthy. Celebrated annually, the movement was launched in February 2026 by PD Insurance New Zealand alongside international brands including Blue Badge Insurance and Healthy Pets New Zealand.
World Pet Health Month is a reminder that pets often have shorter lifespans than we do and cannot speak up for themselves. This places a special responsibility on us to protect their overall health, keep them happy and safe, and provide the care they deserve.
30 million+
+-15,000
996
464
80%
Sources below
World Pet Health Month is celebrated every February – the month that leap years are marked by an added day. Pet years are like leap years since one year in a pet’s life is the equivalent to several human years. Similarly, one leap year means four years have passed.
1900s
2011
The inaugural International One Health Congress is held in Melbourne, bringing together global experts to champion the interconnected health of people, pets, and the planet – a movement that continues to grow today.
2020
As the world faces lockdowns, a wave of pet adoptions sweeps across Australia. In a time of uncertainty, animals become trusted companions and emotional anchors for thousands of Australians.
2020
Blue Badge Insurance partners with Assistance Dogs Australia and launches insurance for pets and Assistance Dogs.
2022
Australia becomes one of the world’s leading pet-owning nations, with millions of households welcoming dogs and cats—deepening the cultural bond between people and their pets.
2026
World Pet Health Month is born – a global movement led by PD Insurance in collaboration with Blue Badge Insurance and Healthy Pets NZ to celebrate and support pet health through responsible pet parenting to keep our pets thriving.
Whether you’re a pet owner, breeder, trainer, work at a shelter or simply love animals, there are plenty of ways to celebrate World Pet Health Month:
Make the pet health promise
Download and share any of our resources online
Raise funds or volunteer at a shelter
Blue Badge Insurance offers pet insurance for all kinds of domesticated dogs and cats – from pets through to therapy animals and Assistance Dogs.
PLUS, if you have a disability parking permit, a disability converted vehicle or are a member/customer of one of our Preferred Partners Network, you’ll receive a 15%* discount on any of our three pet insurance plans.
* Insurance provided for pets of people with disability is discounted by 15% from the base premium provided by our underwriter. People with disability can qualify if:
- You are an existing Blue Badge Insurance customer, or
- You have a current disability parking permit, or
- You own a vehicle that has been converted for a passenger or driver with disability, or
- You are a member, customer or client of one of Blue Badge’s Preferred Partner network.
Statistical sources:
Pets outnumber vets: Animal Medicines Australia – Australia’s Most Comprehensive Pet Survey
Hereditary dog + cat illnesses: Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals
Pet dental disease: Vet Voice – Stages of Dental Disease