National Dog Day 2025: All You Need to Know
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Dogs are one of the most popular pets around the world, confirming that dogs really are man’s best friend! Yet, there are still millions of unwanted dogs languishing in shelters as well as dogs being abused around the world. So, we had to ask: What is the most important information you need to know about this year’s National Dog Day?
👉 Official Name: National Dog Day
💚 Cause: To celebrate all dogs, regardless of breed
📅 Next Date: August 26, 2025
🌐 Official Website: https://www.nationaldogday.com/
Keep on reading to find out all the important information about National Dog Day at a glance, including its big picture, why it’s important, and how you can get involved. We’ll then share its brief history, three interesting facts about it, its future dates, and how you’ll never miss any important awareness event again.
The Most Important Information About National Dog Day at a Glance
1️⃣ The big picture: National Dog Day is an annual event used to celebrate the bond we share with dogs as pets and working companions. It’s also used to raise awareness of the millions of dogs that are still in desperate need of forever homes or living in abusive environments. This day is the perfect time to spoil your own dog or more generally raise awareness of dog welfare and their unique needs.
2️⃣ Why it is important: Around the world, there are estimated to be more than 470 million dogs kept as pets. Unfortunately, dogs are one of the most abused pet animals in the world, alongside cats and horses, with 10 million companion animals abused every year in the US alone. Furthermore, approximately 3.1 million dogs enter animal shelters every year, with 390,000 shelter dogs euthanized in these establishments annually. To improve the lives of dogs, we need to better understand the needs of our canine companions and ensure resources are in place to support pet owners and shelters all around the world.
3️⃣ How you can get involved: To get involved in National Dog Day, you can set up a fundraising event for shelters or spread awareness through your social media channels using the hashtag #NationalDogDay. Or, you can consider adopting a dog from an animal shelter or even throw your own National Dog Day party and invite all your friends! In addition, don’t forget to give your canine extra healthy treats and fuss on this day to show your appreciation for their companionship!
Below are our favorite charities that are especially relevant for National Dog Day:
- 9 Best Charities for Helping Dogs in Need
- 9 Best Animal Rescue Charities
- 14 Best Charities That Help Abused Animals
- 9 Best Charities to Adopt a Pet Animal
A Brief History of National Dog Day
When was this event established: National Dog Day was founded in 2004 by animal welfare advocate and conservationist Colleen Paige, who also founded many other philanthropic holidays such as National Pet Day and National Puppy Day. Her aim for National Dog Day was to celebrate all dog breeds and help those who are languishing in shelters to find their forever homes. August 26 was chosen because this was the date that Colleen’s family adopted their first dog ‘Sheltie’.
How has it developed since then: Since its founding, National Dog Day has become a popular celebration of our canine companions, both mixed-bred and pure. It’s also a time to honor the canines that work selflessly to save our lives as working dogs, whether as blind companions or police dogs. Furthermore, in 2013, National Dog Day was commemorated as an official awareness event adopted into New York State Legislation.
3 Interesting Facts About National Dog Day
- Social Media Reach: Every year National Dog Day is used as a platform to educate millions of people around the world on canine behavior and welfare. For example, on Instagram, the event has more than 13,200 followers, with 22,900 followers on Twitter/X.
- The Original Pet: Dogs are thought to be the very first animals domesticated by humans over 15,000 years ago! The next animals to be domesticated were cows and sheep around 11,000 years ago.
- Canine Heroes: A German Shepherd named Trakr has been recognized as one of the most heroic animals of all time by Time Magazine. Alongside his handler, the brave canine dug through the debris at the World Trade Center and located the last survivor of the 9/11 attack.
Upcoming Dates of National Dog Day
National Dog Day is observed every year on August 26.
| Year | Date | Day(s) |
| 2025 | August 26 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | August 26 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | August 26 | Thursday |
Never Miss an Important Awareness Day Again
Sources
- National Dog Day: Home page
- Statistica: Number of dogs and cats kept as pets worldwide
- The Humane Society of the United States: Animal cruelty facts and stats
- ASPCA: Pet Statistics
- Impactful Ninja: 9 Best Charities for Helping Dogs in Need
- Impactful Ninja: 9 Best Animal Rescue Charities
- Impactful Ninja: 14 Best Charities That Help Abused Animals
- Impactful Ninja: 9 Best Charities to Adopt a Pet Animal
- Colleen Paige: Home page
- Vetster: National Pet Day
- National Puppy Day: Home page
- Instagram: National Dog Day
- X: National Dog Day
- Wikipedia: Domestication
- American Kennel Club: Dog Heroes
