How to set a pet birthday reminder on iPhone
In LifeDates, one pet profile can power the next birthday, exact calendar age, days alive and supported human-age estimates.
- Open the Pets tab and add a profile.
- Choose the animal type, add a name and enter the documented birth date or best estimate.
- Add a note if the birthday is approximate.
- Turn on the birthday reminder and choose when it should arrive.
- Add adoption day separately as a recurring Important Date if you celebrate it.
When should a pet birthday reminder arrive?
| Reminder timing | Useful for |
|---|---|
| One month before | Booking a gathering, arranging a photo or ordering something personalised |
| One week before | Buying treats, planning a favourite walk or preparing a card |
| One day before | Making sure tomorrow's plans are ready |
| On the day | A final prompt to celebrate and take a photograph |
Choose the earliest reminder that matches the effort involved. A same-day alert is useful as a final prompt, but it gives little time to prepare.
What if I do not know my pet's birthday?
Many rescued animals have an estimated age rather than a documented birthday. Use the best estimate from a veterinarian or rescue and mark it as approximate. If only a month or year is known, choose a consistent celebration date without presenting it as an exact medical fact.
Track adoption day separately
Birthdays answer “how old is my pet?” Adoption anniversaries answer “how long have we been together?” Save adoption day as a recurring Important Date rather than replacing the estimated birthday. This keeps both stories intact.
You can calculate a dog's broad human-age comparison with the dog age calculator, compare sizes in the dog age chart, or use the species-specific cat age calculator.
Keep healthcare reminders separate from celebration reminders
A birthday can prompt you to check that records are current, but it should not determine a medical schedule. The AAHA canine life-stage guidance and AAHA and AAFP feline guidance both support individualised care. Follow the dates and intervals given by your veterinary team for examinations, vaccinations, parasite control, medication and monitoring.
Do not copy a generic birthday reminder into a clinical schedule. Contact your veterinary practice if you are unsure when care is due or if your pet's health or behaviour changes.
Privacy and profile limits
LifeDates keeps data on your device and does not require an account. Free use supports up to three saved profiles across people and pets. Premium adds unlimited profiles, advanced milestone reminders and widgets.
Sources and limitations
This page has not been reviewed by a veterinarian. Sources were checked on 27 August 2026. LifeDates reminders are organisational tools and are not a substitute for veterinary advice or a practice's clinical recall system.
Put their day on your timeline.
Download LifeDates free and set up your first pet birthday reminder.
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