National Dog Day 2024: Celebrating Man’s Best Friend for 20th Year on August 26th

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 26, 2024 — National Dog Day returns on August 26th, unleashing a global celebration of man’s best friend. For the 20th time, a torrent of tail-wagging tributes to our canine companions will flood the day. Expect network news stories, national TV show segments, shelter events, K9 parties, online videos, and internet photos, all sending the hashtag #NationalDogDay trending.

National Dog Day celebrates all canines, purebred or mixed, from the grandest champion to the sweetest mutt. The day acknowledges not only our beloved family pets but also working dogs who serve selflessly in various capacities. From personal protection to law enforcement, from assisting the disabled to serving in the military, these four-legged heroes contribute significantly to our safety and well-being.

Pet Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate, Colleen Paige, founded National Dog Day in 2004, as a way to thank dogs for their unconditional love as well as their dedication to service that keeps our families, communities and cities safe. Originally launched and celebrated in the United States, National Dog Day is now celebrated worldwide.

August 26 wasn’t chosen at random by Paige. It’s the day that Paige’s family adopted Sheltie, their first dog, from a local animal shelter. Paige was 10 years old at the time.

“It’s a day to give back to dogs for all they mean to us, the laughter they evoke, the loyal companionship they provide and equally, if not more importantly, a day to find as many homes for orphaned dogs as possible,” Paige explained.

She continued, “I chose the date in honor of my first rescue dog when I was a child, Sheltie, who was adopted on August 26th, but it was my soul-dog, Sailor, that inspired me to create the day after I found her at the shelter on death row, just a bag of bones and covered in cigarette burns. This day is her legacy for all the love she gave in return for rescuing her.”

Amidst the deluge of doggone adorable photos, videos, and heartwarming news features flooding feeds across the planet, the day barks out a call to potential pet parents, urging them to step forward toward adopting a furry soul from a nearby shelter or rescue group. Many local and national shelter and rescue organizations host special events and reduce adoption fees in honor of the day.

People who are unable to adopt are encouraged to make a donation to a local or national shelter or rescue organization on August 26th. This act honors and supports the many confined dogs yearning for companionship. These precious animals, with hearts beating in hope and endearing eyes longing to weave a spell of affection that inspires the embrace of a new and loving pet parent, eagerly await liberation from abandonment. Your donation provides comfort and care as they await their future forever homes.

If you don’t already have a favorite rescue organization to donate to, a list with links to National Dog Day rescue partners is available at www.nationaldogday.com/rescuepartners. You can also search the Pawzhub directory for animal shelters or humane societies near you.

Your dog can be a standout star of the day when you enter your dog’s photo in the NATIONAL DOG DAY “CUTEST DOG OF THE YEAR” contest exclusively on Facebook. The top 10 cutest dog photos will be posted on the National Dog Day home page and the top pick will receive a Dog Day Goodie Box valued at over $350. To enter your precious pup’s photo, just complete two steps: Post photos as a comment on the National Dog Day Facebook post here: National Dog Day Entry Post and post on your own Facebook profile with the #nationaldogday hashtag.

National Dog Day 2024 Presenting Sponsor, DOGTV, is making sure there is never a dull moment for the entire 24 hours of the special day by hosting a 24-hour livestream for dogs, (and their humans) available at: www.dogtv.com/nationaldogday. Founded by Ron Levi, DOGTV has provided streaming content to ease the anxiety of pets at home for two decades. The original concept of TV for dogs has expanded to offer content for dog people too, including educational videos focusing on health, nutrition, and training.

As National Dog Day celebrates its 20th anniversary, its impact on canine welfare is undeniable. While exact statistics are challenging to pin down, countless dogs have found their forever homes on this special day over the past two decades. From reducing shelter populations to raising awareness about responsible pet ownership, National Dog Day has become a powerful force for positive change in the lives of dogs and humans alike.

Whether you adopt, donate, post on social media, kick back and watch DOGTV with your furry fellow couch potato, or simply celebrate your bond with your four-legged best friend with an extra hug or treat, remember that every act of kindness ripples outward, creating a world where every dog is valued, loved, and cared for. National Dog Day continues as not just a celebration, but a call to action for dog lovers everywhere to make a difference in the lives of these loyal companions who give us so much.