National Today Saturday August 26 *National Dog Day*

National Dog Day
What would we do without man’s best friend?








National Dog Day is on August 26 and we are getting ready to celebrate all our furry friends in the best ways possible! Can you believe that our furry friends have been with us for at least 14,000 years? Thank goodness for that because what would we do without man’s best friend? It is time to pull out all the cake and pictures of your pup and share your love for them with the world!

National Dog Day was first established in 2004 by pet & family lifestyle advocate Colleen Paige.

The aim of promoting this day is to raise awareness about adopting these animals who are currently in rescue centers.

In addition, on this day promote dog ownership of all breeds, pure and mix. Embrace National Dog Day as an opportunity for all dogs to live a safe, happy and abuse-free life.
History of National Dog Day

Dogs are a man’s best friend for a reason, so why not celebrate them? These furry friends range in all different shapes, sizes, and breeds. There is a dog out there for everyone! Whether you like big dogs or small dogs, every pup should be celebrated on National Dog Day.

This holiday was created in 2004 by Colleen Paige, a Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate. She created this day so that all dogs can be celebrated and also to draw attention to the number of dogs in shelters and to encourage adoption to those who have yet to find a place to call home. August 26 is significant to Colleen because it is the day her family adopted her Sheltie when she was 10 years old.

Since the first celebration in 2004, National Dog Day has grown and is now celebrated across the world. In 2013 the holiday was written into New York legislation and can be seen on the New York State Senate’s website.

To spread the word further, those that oversee the holiday have joined forces with many rescue partners, including The Human Society of The United States and West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue. Together they draw attention to the number of dogs that are without a home and try to actively encourage people searching for a dog to visit an adoption shelter instead of a pet store.

Since the first day back in 2004, it is estimated that approximately one million dogs have been saved through adoption in the U.S. For dog owners that aren’t looking to add to their family, National Dog Day has become a day for treating their friend like the legend they are and enjoying the connection that we’ve built up with dogs over thousands of years.

Colleen Paige, the founder of the holiday, also uses the day to draw attention to the multiple ways in which dogs contribute towards our society. From putting their lives on the line to help law enforcement track down bombs or drug dealers to providing assistance for those who need it, dogs play an important role. Nowadays dogs can even identify cancer in patients.

National Dog Day has also been using its platform to encourage dog ownership of all breeds, mixed and pure, and continuously pushes for all dogs to be allowed to live happy and abuse-free lives.

National Dog Day is on an upward trajectory and continues to grow in popularity. It is widely covered in the media each year and rescue homes are the all-important exposure they need to get their message across. Whether you choose to celebrate by volunteering at a rescue home, making a donation to a shelter, or by giving your furry friend an extra big cuddle, make sure you spend this day acknowledging just how awesome dogs are.


National Dog Day Around the World
National Dog Day Around the World
Country Holiday Occasion Date
Global St. Roch's Day St. Roch is the Catholic patron saint of dogs who had his life saved by a dog. Countries celebrate by holding special parades where dogs dress up and march. August 16
Nepal Kuku Tihar Dogs are decorated with flowery garments to show that they are in everybody's thoughts. Day two of the five day Tihar festival, usually October or November
China Birthday of the Dog Part of the Chinese New Year celebrations, all pets and strays are fed on this day. Day two of Chinese New Year celebrations
National Dog Day By The Numbers

3.3 million – Dogs entering U.S animal shelters every year.
670,000 – Dogs are euthanized in the U.S each year.
1.6 million – Shelter dogs are adopted each year.
620,000 – Stray dogs returned to their owners each year
79 million – Pet dogs in the U.S
44% – Households in the U.S with a pet dog.
23% – Pet dogs acquired via an animal shelter
34% – Pet dogs purchased from a breeder.
25% – Dogs entering animals shelters are purebred
10% – Animals received by shelters are spayed or neutered.
$32,045 – The amount Jiffpom, Pet Marketing‘s hottest property, earns for each Instagram post.


National Dog Day Activities

   Take your furry friend to “yappy hour"

   There are some pet friendly restaurants that will occasionally host a yappy hour, for you to enjoy some snacks with your friends and their pets. Take your furry friend out to socialize and play with other dogs at yappy hour.
   Adopt a dog

   What better day to adopt a furry friend than on National Dog Day? Take a trip to your local shelter and go look for your new best friend.
   Show your pup some love

   Show your pup you love them by giving them their favorite treats, going on lots of walks or playing at the dog park.


5 Facts About Dogs That Will Blow Your Mind

   They sleep in a circle to protect their organs

   This comes from when they were wild and vulnerable to predator attacks.
   The shape of a dog’s face determines their lifespan

   A longer face on a dog means they will have a longer lifespan.
   75 million pet dogs in the U.S.

   There are more pet dogs in the united states than any other country.
   They have an amazing sense of smell

   A dog’s nose has 300 million receptors, whereas us as humans have 5 million.
   A dog’s nose print is unique

   A dogs nose print is just as unique as a human fingerprint.
   They are influencers

   After human beings, the most popular species to feature in Influencer Marketing are dogs!

Why We Love National Dog Day

   Dogs keep us happy and healthy

   Our relationships with our dogs brings positive feelings, increased activity, affection and security. Coming home to a dog helps to relieve stress.
   They comfort us

   They give soothing abilities and are there to comfort us when we are sad. They are used as therapy dogs to soothe soldiers and people suffering from PTSD.
   They love us more than they love themselves

   Dogs love us more than they love themselves. They are always happy to see us and would risk their lives to protect their humans.