Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

National Lost Dog Awareness Day 2026: What It Is & When to Celebrate?

brown dog on the streets

Dog holidays can be great fun to celebrate, but they can also help raise awareness about important issues. One increasingly popular holiday is National Lost Dog Awareness Day, which occurs on April 23 each year. If you would like to learn more about this important day, keep reading as we explain how it got started and what you can do to get involved.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

When Did National Lost Dog Awareness Day Get Started?

The first National Lost Dog Awareness Day occurred on April 23, 2014. It became an annual event the following year, and it continues today.

Who Started National Lost Dog Awareness Day?

The Lost Dogs of America group started National Lost Dog Awareness Day.1 This all-volunteer group got started in 2011 and offers a free service that helps reunite lost dogs with their owners in all 50 states. Since its inception, it has gathered over 700,000 supporters and helped 145,000 dogs return home.

Vet Holding Lost Dog
Image Credit: hedgehog94, Shutterstock

What Is the Purpose of Lost Dog Awareness Day?

The people at Lost Dogs of America hope that Lost Dog Awareness Day will help people learn about all the lost dogs that get sent to animal shelters each year and hopes to spread the message that not all stray dogs are homeless.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

How Can I Celebrate Lost Dog Awareness Day?

  • Share your story on social media if you have ever lost a dog. It will help more people learn about the holiday.
  • Get your dog microchipped.
  • Update the information on your microchip if it has been a few years.
  • Sign up to volunteer at Lost Dogs of America.
  • Take plenty of current photos of your pet, and post them on social media, so friends can recognize them if they get lost.
  • Take steps to put up fencing or repair damage to an old fence to prevent your dog from getting lost.
  • Purchase an ID collar for your dog, so anyone who finds them will have your phone number and address.
  • Set aside extra time to spend with your pet.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Summary

Lost Dog Awareness Day occurs on April 23 of each year, and it has been an annual event since 2014. The Lost Dogs of America volunteer group started it and hopes that it will help spread awareness about all the lost dogs that are submitted to homeless shelters each year, which use up important resources. You can help celebrate this holiday by getting your dog microchipped and updating your microchip information. Many pet owners like to tell stories of being reunited with their pets on social media, along with posting current photos of their pets. Joining the Lost Dogs of America and donating your time is also a great way to participate in the holiday.


Featured Image Credit: Barthelemy de Mazenod, Unsplash

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.


How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

What Were Pit Bulls Bred For? History & FAQ

No dog breed has been tarnished more than the American Pit Bull Terrier. The media promoted the species as a dangerous creature because...

Beaker (Beagle & Cocker Spaniel Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

The Beaker, often called the Bocker, or Bocker Spaniel, is a cross between two purebreds – the Beagle and the Cocker Spaniel. Being...

Do Puppies Need Puppy Food? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

When you stop to really think about it, it may seem like a no-brainer that puppies would need different food from our adult...

DogPack App Review 2026: The Ultimate Tool for Fido’s Adventures

As someone who wants her dog involved in every part of my life, we frequently travel together. She flies with me, goes on...

More related

10 Best Dog Foods for Dachshunds in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

With their short legs and long backs, Dachshunds are among the most recognizable breeds in the world. Their sausage shape gives them the...

There’s Something in My Dog’s Eye: Vet-Approved Step-by-Step Guide

Dogs have an upper and lower eyelid plus a third eyelid that helps protect their eyes against foreign objects, but this doesn’t always...

Previcox For Dogs: Our Vet Explains the Uses & Side Effects

Previcox is a medication made for dogs that is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). As a class, NSAIDs are often used to decrease...

Golden Pei (Golden Retriever & Shar Pei Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

If you’re looking for a protective, family-oriented dog that will be your most trusted friend, the Golden Pei may be the right breed...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Brussels Sprouts? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Tips

When it comes to Brussels sprouts, it seems that you either love ‘em or you hate them, there is no in-between. There are people out there who adore this veggie and could eat them with every meal. Then again, some...

Can Dogs Eat Brussels Sprouts

6 Eating Problems That Can Affect Dogs: Signs & Treatment

You’re probably familiar with the most common eating disorders in humans, such as anorexia and bulimia. You might not know that dogs can also have eating disorders, but they do not have the same complex mental concerns that plague these...

dog not eating its food

8 Best Dog Treats for Digestive Problems in 2026

You might not be worried about digestive issues being a problem when you first bring home your pup. But food sensitivities can develop, requiring you to change a few things up. With the help of a vet, you can get...

cream dog eating from the bowl

How to Get My Dog to Chew Their Food: 5 Vet-Reviewed Tips

Some dogs are simply fast eaters, and sometimes, they want to eat their food so quickly that they forget to chew! Instead, they basically inhale their food. While this doesn’t always cause problems, it can lead to some unsightly consequences....

labrador retriever dog eating its food from a bowl

What Happened to Mighty Dog Dog Food? Does It Still Exist in 2026? (Answered)

Many little dog owners are familiar with the Mighty Dog title. Carnation (the milk company) created this food line in 1973. But soon after that, in 1985, Purina bought the company. Ever since then, Purina has proudly displayed the title...

dog eating dog food

Holistapet CBD Dog Treats Review 2026: Our Expert’s Opinion

Review Summary CBD has grown in popularity substantially over the past few years. While this holistic remedy was first touted for humans, there are now many different pet companies that offer CBD products as well. Holistapet is an established pet...

Holistapet CBD Dog Treats

Ziwi Peak Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Introduction When it comes to commercial dog food, you’re going to be hard-pressed to find something better than Ziwi Peak. It offers high-quality, environmentally friendly ingredients that combine the nutrition of a raw diet in a convenient dry...

Dogster_Ziwi Peak Dog Food

Goat’s Milk for Dogs: Vet Reviewed Benefits, Uses & More

Many people add milk to cereal or use it in a favorite cake recipe. For dog owners, a splash of cow’s milk is a common treat for their canine companions. However, cow’s milk has its downsides, as it can cause...

farmer pours goat's milk into can