Short answer: National Dog Day is August 26th, founded by Colleen Paige in 2004 to celebrate dogs and promote adoption from shelters. Other dog holidays include National Puppy Day (March 23), International Dog Day (August 26 also), and various breed-specific days.
What you should actually do
- National Dog Day: August 26 (founded 2004).
- National Puppy Day: March 23.
- Take Your Dog to Work Day: third Friday of June.
- International Assistance Dog Week: first full week of August.
- National Pet Day: April 11.
These holidays exist primarily to promote pet adoption and animal welfare. Many shelters run discounted adoption events on these dates – August 26 in particular sees clearance pricing on long-stay shelter dogs.
If you’re thinking about adopting, holiday events are a good time to look – but plan adoption around your life schedule, not the calendar.
Dig deeper
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace a hands-on veterinary examination. Drug doses depend on your dog’s complete clinical picture, concurrent medications, and the exact product formulation. Always confirm dosing with your veterinarian before administering any medication, and contact a 24-hour veterinary emergency service or animal poison control immediately if you suspect a medication overdose or adverse reaction. Editorial standards: every drug dose published on PuppaDogs is cross-checked against multiple authoritative veterinary references and reviewed by PuppaDogs Veterinary Editorial Team before publication.
