National Dog Bite Prevention Week (Apr 12th to Apr 18th)

Quick facts
When is it?	Apr 13th, 2025 - Apr 19th, 2025 Apr 12th, 2026 - Apr 18th, 2026 Apr 11th, 2027 - Apr 17th, 2027
Tagged as:	Animals Dogs Safety
What's the hashtag?	#NationalDogBitePreventionWeek
When was it founded?	1989
Who founded it?	American Veterinary Medical Association
We first published this page on:	Jul 28th, 2025
We last updated this page:	Jul 28th, 2025

Contents

It is hard to think something as loyal as a dog could ever harm someone.

But even the sweetest pup may react when afraid or stressed. National Dog Bite Prevention Week brings this truth into focus.

It reminds people that bites often come from everyday situations—startling a dog, grabbing its toy, or leaning too close.

Kids face the most danger, often because they can’t read a dog’s body language. This week makes room for learning how to stay safe and keep pets calm.

Each message shared during this week carries real weight. It pushes for small habits that help everyone—asking before petting, staying calm around dogs, and avoiding rough play. Simple steps can stop a bite before it happens.

Groups across the country use this time to teach, guide, and support safer bonds between humans and dogs.

The goal stays clear: reduce harm, spread awareness, and help dogs stay in homes where they’re understood.

How to Celebrate National Dog Bite Prevention Week

National Dog Bite Prevention Week offers a smart way to build safer habits and strengthen trust between people and dogs.

Share Safety Tips with Others

This week gives you a chance to speak up. Use flyers, short videos, or quick posts to teach dog safety. Include ideas kids can understand.

Focus on calm behavior around pets. Share with schools, parks, or neighbors. Even a sidewalk sign can help someone think twice. The more people learn, the fewer injuries happen.

Help Children Understand Dogs

Young kids often can’t tell when dogs feel nervous. Read fun books together that explain dog body language.

Use toys to act out safe ways to approach animals. Ask questions like “What should you do if a dog growls?” Keep it light but clear. Practice makes safety stick.

Practice Calm Interactions

Dogs notice how we move. Walk slowly when near unknown dogs. Stay quiet, don’t reach over their heads, and avoid quick moves.

Let dogs come to you first. Model this behavior for others. Adults and children benefit from the same approach. Build habits that lower stress for pets and people.

Attend a Local Event

Many cities host safety classes during the week. Check with shelters, vet clinics, or community groups. Some offer hands-on lessons with trained animals.

These sessions teach what to watch for and when to step back. They make learning fun, not scary.

Teach Through Daily Routine

Every walk or playtime can teach safety. Remind children not to run toward a dog, even if excited. Guide visitors on how to greet your pet.

Keep snacks, toys, and food out of reach when guests are around. Use regular moments to grow trust and keep everyone safe.

History of National Dog Bite Prevention Week

National Dog Bite Prevention Week began in 1989. The American Veterinary Medical Association started it to help lower the number of dog-related injuries.

They worked with groups like the American Humane and the Insurance Information Institute.

These teams believed simple steps could protect both people and pets. Over time, the effort gained support from veterinarians, trainers, and public safety leaders.

The U.S. Postal Service joined the campaign soon after. They wanted to protect mail carriers, who face dog bites on their routes each year. Their involvement helped bring more attention to the issue.

Schools, clinics, and shelters began to take part, using the week to teach kids and families about safe behavior around dogs.

At first, the focus stayed on children and delivery workers. Many early efforts aimed to explain why dogs bite and how to avoid risky situations. These lessons helped cut injuries and build stronger connections between people and pets.

Now, this campaign reaches across the world. Each year, it takes place in April during the second full week.

Animal experts use it to spread messages through public events, online tips, and classroom talks. It’s a simple idea with a lasting impact: clear rules can keep everyone safer.