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Fear, anxiety and stress in dogs and cats are more common than we think.
Pet Anxiety Awareness Day is an initiative that raises awareness of these challenges and helps pets live calmer, healthier lives.
Fear, anxiety and stress in pets are real, common, and often misunderstood. Many animals experience these reactions in everyday situations — from loud noises and unfamiliar environments to being left alone.
What may seem like “normal behaviour” can sometimes reflect something more. These experiences can affect a pet’s well-being and quality of life.
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Pets can’t tell us how they feel, so they communicate through their behaviour. You might notice small changes — and sometimes they’re easy to overlook.
DOGS
• Restlessness or pacing
• Panting when they’re not hot
• Trembling or shaking
• Barking, whining or howling more than usual
• Hiding or avoiding people
• Destructive behaviour
(e.g. chewing, scratching)
• Changes in appetite or sleep
• Difficulty settling or relaxing
CATS
• Hiding more than usual
• Avoiding contact or interaction
• Changes in grooming
(overgrooming or reduced grooming)
• Increased vocalisation
• Changes in appetite
• Litter box issues
• Restlessness or agitation
• Freezing or becoming withdrawn
Because these signs are often subtle, they can be easy to overlook. Raising awareness is an important first step.
When people better understand what to look for, it becomes easier to recognise when something may not be right — and to act earlier.
Supporting a pet experiencing fear, anxiety or stress doesn’t always require complex solutions. Sometimes, small changes can make a big difference.
Observing behaviour, identifying possible triggers, and creating a calmer environment can all help.
Most importantly, your veterinarian can help check your pet’s behaviour, identify possible causes, and suggest ways to support them.
Pet Anxiety Awareness Day encourages pet owners to look at their pet’s behaviour from a different perspective.
What may seem like a minor or occasional reaction could be a sign of something more.
Recognising this early gives you the opportunity to act and better support your pet.
This initiative is part of a broader global effort to improve understanding of fear, anxiety and stress in animals.
By working together — pet owners, veterinary professionals, and the wider community — we can help pets receive the care and support they need to live more comfortable and confident lives.
JOIN US AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Everyone can play a role in raising awareness of fear, anxiety and stress in pets.
Pet Anxiety Awareness (PAAW) welcomes participation from veterinary clinics, veterinary nurses, behaviourists and trainers, animal welfare organisations, breed clubs and associations, pet shops, responsible breeders, and pet owners around Europe. Together, we may encourage earlier conversations with veterinary professionals.
Choose how you would like to get involved.
OUR SUPPORTERS
Interested in supporting Pet Anxiety Awareness Day?
We welcome collaboration from veterinary associations, academic institutions, animal welfare organisations and industry partners.
Pet Anxiety Awareness EU is an initiative developed and supported by Kristen Levine's Pet Living and Orion Pharma Animal Health as part of a broader global effort to increase awareness of pet anxiety and promote emotional wellbeing in companion animals.
Learn more about the 10th anniversary of PAAW in the United States and how this initiative has inspired PAAW EU.
Visit the website: