26.08.2026 A dog’s love knows no bound, and while every day is dog day, August 26 marks the U.S. National Dog Day, which celebrates the bond between humans and their dogs and encourages dog ownership of all breeds.
(Image: courtesy Clarke Sanders)
IT'S NATIONAL DOG DAY 🐶! Drop a pic of yours below! Several stores have deals for your furry friends today, like pup cups, treats and more. https://t.co/WUWxJMUP95
— CBS News Texas (@CBSNewsTexas) August 26, 2026
The holiday was established in 2004 by animal rescue advocate and pet and family lifestyle expert Colleen Paige, USA TODAY previously reported. The date marks the anniversary of the day her family adopted her first dog from an animal shelter when Paige was 10 years old.
National Dog Day isn’t just about celebrating dogs, it’s also focused on promoting canine adoption and welfare to ensure that all dogs live happy, safe, and abuse-free.
Today is National Dog Day. Please take a minute to read Riona’s story and how she is making a comeback.
Does she hate all people because one hurt her this bad? No. She still trusts in humans. We can learn from her.
We all need each other – humanity – dogs – God.
— Happy2BFree 🇺🇸 🦅 (@TJeffersonsBrut) August 26, 2026
The day’s official website lists 20 ways to celebrate the holiday such as brushing your dog’s fur, teaching them a new trick, giving your dog a massage or holistic spa treatment, taking them to the beach, or hiring a professional pet photographer for a fun photo shoot.
At least 95 million households (or around 71% of Americans) in the U.S. own a pet, with spending for pets hitting $158 billion in 2025, according to the National Pet Owners Survey by the American Pet Products Association, according to previous USA TODAY reporting.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), in its 2025 Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook, estimates the total number of U.S. households owning a dog at 56.3 million.
Happy #NationalDogDay! Founded in 2004 by dog advocate Colleen Paige, we honor all dogs today- from family companions & hard-working service pups to shelter dogs still waiting for forever homes. Today is the perfect reminder to commit to responsible care for a dog's whole life.🐶 pic.twitter.com/Ej9h7xFOAX
— B.O.N.E.S. Beagles (@BONESbeagles) August 26, 2026
Dog ownership is ahead of other pets at 68%, according to a survey from CivicScience. Cats were the second most popular pet at 46%, while ownership of fish, birds and small mammals was less common.