Any excuse to celebrate our amazing dogs sounds like a great idea, so what could be better than celebrating your best companion on a holiday made just for them?

National Dog Day is always August 26, and this year, it’s on a Monday. Read on if you’d like a few ideas for ways to honor your dog—or any dog, for that matter—on this special day!

Who Founded National Dog Day?

Colleen Paige established National Dog Day in 2004—so 2024 is the 20th anniversary! Paige is a dog trainer, animal rescue advocate, pet and family lifestyle expert, conservationist, and author. She has also founded 12 other national holidays, all of which honor pets and wildlife in some way. These include National Puppy Day, National Cat Day, National Wildlife Day, and National Mutt Day.

Why Is National Dog Day on August 26?

Paige chose August 26 for National Dog Day because that was the day that her family adopted their first dog. She was 10 years old at the time, and they got their dog, Sheltie, from the local animal shelter. This date clearly had a huge impact on Paige, and she chose to honor this day by calling attention to all dogs. But the issue closest to her heart is the adoption of homeless dogs.

What Is National Dog Day All About?

National Dog Day was created as a way to celebrate all dogs, whether they are purebred or mixed. The most significant message that Paige wants to get out is the plight of these animals in need of rescue. The day is also about celebrating how dogs impact our lives—from the loving family pups to the canines that save people’s lives.

After all, dogs bring us love and comfort. They can be guard dogs and work in law enforcement, and they are therapy dogs and guide dogs. They risk their lives doing bomb detection, they find people in wreckage after a tragedy, and they can detect when someone is about to have a seizure.

National Dog Day also celebrates all breeds! It is staunchly against breed bans and calls attention to the atrocities of puppy mills and backyard breeders.