You don’t have to be a human to celebrate wacky holidays! In the United States, there’s a surprising number of national holidays for pets. Each has a special purpose, whether that’s celebrating specific breeds, their caretakers, or awareness for common health issues. 

If celebrating National Puppy Day sounds enticing to you, then this list of dog holidays is your complete guide. Consider it a fun addition to your 2026 calendar and an easy way to give your pup some extra love every now and then. 

January

The first month of the year is all about fresh starts. Write down a few New Year resolutions for yourself and your pup. If you’re feeling silly, celebrate Dress Up Your Pet Day on January 14th. Who doesn’t love a dog in people clothes? 

Month-Long Observances

• National Train Your Dog Month
• Walk Your Dog Month

Holidays

• Jan 7: Alaskan Malamute Day
• Jan 8: National Labrador Retriever Day
• Jan 9: National Australian Shepherd Day
• Jan 13: National French Bulldog Day
• Jan 14: National Dress Up Your Pet Day
• Jan 15: National American Eskimo Dog Day
• Jan 22: National Yorkshire Terrier Day

February

During the month of love, it’s only right to give your furry friend a little extra attention. Enjoy the quality time with your pup during these February dog holidays. Take advantage of Pet Dental Health Month deals and schedule a teeth cleaning at your vet’s office.  

Month-Long Observances

• Pet Dental Health Month
• Spay/Neuter Awareness Month
• Dog Training Education Month

Holidays

• Feb 2: National Brown Dog Day
• Feb 3: National Golden Retriever Day
• Feb 14: Valentine’s Day
• Feb 19: National Boston Terrier Day
• Feb 20: Love Your Pet Day
• Feb 25: World Spay Day

March 

March brings the first few days of spring and whimsical holidays for pets. National Puppy Day is our personal favorite of the annual dog holidays. Puppy nutrition and care is important! Plus, we need every excuse we can get to look at cute puppy pics. 

Month-Long Observances

• National Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month

Holidays

• Mar 1: National Welsh Corgi Day
• Mar 7: Iditarod Race
• Mar 8: International Akita Day
• Mar 13: National K9 Veterans Day
• Mar 20: AKC National Agility Championship
• Mar 23: National Puppy Day
• Mar 25: National Newfoundland Day
• Mar 27: National Terrier Day

April

Along with the April showers, you’ll get a chance to celebrate National Pet Day on the 11th. Parents of Beagles, Bulldogs, and Bull Terriers will love the dedicated holiday for their pup’s breed this month. It’s also a great time to make sure your dog is up to date on their heartworm and tick preventatives.

Month-Long Observances

• National Heartworm Awareness Month
• Canine Fitness Month
• Dog Appreciation Month
• Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs Month

Holidays

• Apr 1: International Bull Terrier Day
• Apr 7: National Pet Insurance Day
• Apr 10: National Hug Your Dog Day
• Apr 11: National Pet Day
• Apr 19: National Dog Parent Appreciation Day
• Apr 21: Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day
• Apr 22: National Beagle Day
• Apr 26: National Pet Parents Day
• Apr 29: International Guide Dog Day
• Apr 30: National Therapy Animal Day

May

Happy National Pet Month! Whether you have a dog, cat, bird, reptile, or rock, every type of pet parent deserves to celebrate. Start shopping early for a Mother’s Day gift for your favorite dog mom. 

Month-Long Observances

• National Pet Month
• Chip Your Pet Month

Holidays

• May 1: International Doodle Dog Day
• May 1: Purebred Dog Day
• May 3–9: National Pet Week
• May 6: Westminster Dog Show
• May 9: Mother’s Day/Dog Moms Day
• May 10: National German Shepherd Day
• May 14: International Chihuahua Appreciation Day
• May 20: National Rescue Dog Day
• May 31: International Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Day

June 

As June winds down, the summer officially begins. If you aren’t hitting the road with your pup, take a weekend and review your pet preparedness plan. Celebrate the dog dads in your life with Father’s Day on June 20th. 

Month-Long Observances

• National Pet Preparedness Month

Holidays

• Jun 1–7: Pet Appreciation Week
• Jun 2: World Pet Memorial Day
• Jun 4: International Corgi Day
• Jun 8: Best Friends Day
• Jun 20: Ugliest Dog Day
• Jun 20: Father’s Day / Dog Dad Day
• Jun 21: National Dachshund Day

July

Ah, July–one of the worst months of the year for our dogs. Fourth of July is significantly less fun when you are a pet parent. Many pups are triggered by the booming sound of fireworks and sparklers. Keep your dog hydrated, safe, and soothed during this time of the year. 

Month-Long Observances

• National Lost Pet Prevention Month
• National Pet Hydration Month

Holidays

• July 1: ID Your Pet Day
• July 15: National Pet Fire Safety Day
• July 21: World Collie Day
• July 31: National Mutt Day

August Dog Holidays

August is perhaps the best month of the year. Pet parents and animal lovers around the world have renamed it Dog-ust. There are plenty of August dog holidays to celebrate, including National Dog Day on the 26th. 

Month-Long Observances

• National Immunization Awareness Month

Holidays

• Aug 1: Universal birthday for shelter dogs (start of DOGust) 
• International Assistance Dog Week (first full week of August) 
• Aug 4: Assistance Dog Day
• Aug 10: Spoil Your Dog Day
• Aug 16: International Homeless Animals Day
• Aug 26: National Dog Day
• Aug 28: Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day

September

As fall approaches, the holidays for pets start to wane. Give your hounds a hug on the 12th, celebrate schnauzers on the 25th, and confirm rabies vaccinations are up to date this month! 

Month-Long Observances

• Pet Insurance Month
• National Guide/Service Dog Month
• Pet Memorial Month
• Animal Pain Awareness Month

Holidays

• Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week (3rd week of September) 
• Sept 6: National Pet Memorial Day
• Sept 8: Dog Walker Appreciation Day
• Sept 12: National Hug Your Hound Day
• Sept 25: National Schnauzer Day
• Sept 28: World Rabies Day

October

One of our favorite dog holidays is celebrated in October. National Black Dog Day is our annual reminder that dogs with black or dark fur are typically the last to be adopted. All dogs need homes, so do what you can to support adoptions for black dogs this month. 

Month-Long Observances

• Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
• Pet Wellness Month

Holidays

• Oct 1: National Black Dog Day
• Oct 4: World Animal Day
• Oct 15: National Pug Day
• Oct 18: National Fetch Day
• Oct 21: National Pets for Veterans Day
• Oct 30: National Treat Your Pet Day

November

During the month of Thanksgiving, think about the gratitude you have for your dog. Pet parenting can be frustrating, so it’s important to take a step back and remind yourself who you put the effort in for. November is also the perfect time to recognize shelter and senior pups. 

Month-Long Observances

• National Adopt a Senior Pet Month
• Animal Shelter Appreciation Week (1st full week of November) 

Holidays

• Nov 7: National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day
• Nov 24: National Border Collie Day
• Nov 26: National Dog Show Broadcast

December

There’s plenty of human holidays to celebrate in December. But this month is lighter on the dog holidays. Instead of partying with the pups, take some time to reflect on the happy memories you’ve had with your dog this year. It’s also a great time to start goal-setting for next year! 

Holidays

• Dec 9: International Day of Veterinary Medicine
• Dec 10: International Animal Rights Day

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