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?

Share

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

Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: My Best Trick (April 16, 2026)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

From Grief to Gratitude: How One “Potato” and a Road Trip Changed Everything

The “COVID Puppy” phenomenon is a well-known chapter of the pandemic, but for Alexis Walling, the arrival of a tiny, wrinkled English Bulldog...

Why Dogs Play Too Rough — And the Simple Fixes That Prevent It From Becoming a Problem

A dog that plays too rough with others is a problem that builds fast. One minute, the dogs are running and chasing, the...

Ricky Gervais Says: It’s Time to Release The Dogs

As activists prepare to carry out the biggest Open Rescue in the history of animal welfare, Ricky Gervais says, “it’s time to release...

More related

Can Dogs Be Vegan? Vet Approved Advice & Safety Tips

Responsible dog owners always want to make smarter, more ethical choices to improve their pet’s physical and mental well-being. With growing awareness around...

How Big Does an Akita Get? Vet-Verified Average Weight & Growth Chart

The Akita is an ancient Japanese dog that was originally developed sometime in the 1600s on Honshu Island. The breed is hardy, independent,...

Presa Canario Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

The Presa Canario has a presence that you can’t fail to notice. They are large animals with a confident personality, and they were...

12 Most Popular Dog Breeds In Ohio: 2026 Update (With Info & Pictures)

If you’re from Ohio or have an interest in the state, you might wonder about the canine population. Each state tends to have...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Rambutan? Vet-Verified Safety Facts

If your dog is like most, they love to eat. They gobble up their food at every mealtime, go after scraps that fall off the table or counter, and investigate anything that they come across outdoors to see if it...

Can Dogs Eat_rambutan

8 Best Dog Foods for Pitbull Puppies to Gain Weight in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

What we lovingly call a Pitbull is officially known as the American Staffordshire Terrier. Pitbulls are strong and athletic, with a muscular build that is easily recognizable. Contrary to their buff exterior, most Pitbulls are playful and just a little...

pitbull eating

Can Dogs Eat Tamarind? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

Tamarind is a pod-like fruit with a tangy and sweet flavor. It’s native to tropical Africa, though it can grow in some places in the United States (namely Southern Florida). Though it is not as easy to find in most...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Tamarind

7 Best Dog Foods for EPI German Shepherds in 2026: Reviews & Top Picks

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a disease that severely impacts the pancreas’ ability to produce digestive enzymes. EPI can be a problematic condition for your canine to deal with, and it can be difficult for you as the dog owner...

german shepherd resting on the grass

Freshpet Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary One of the first brands to promote fresh food for pets, Freshpet has been on the market since 2006. Freshpet is available at many pet food retailers and is instantly recognizable as the rolled food in the refrigerator....

Dogster_Freshpet Dog Food Review

Why Does My Dog Play With Their Food? 4 Reasons & What to Do

Finding more kibble littered around your house than in your dog’s bowl (or their belly) can leave many dog parents wondering why their dog prefers to toss, chase, bat, or even roll their food around rather than eat it. Playtime...

Australian husky tipped dog food container

What Is Chicken Meal in Dog Food and How Safe Is It? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

As a dog owner, you want to provide your pet with the best nutrition possible to ensure a long, happy, and healthy life. There are plenty of commercial dog food options available on the market, many of which have unique...

shar pei dog eating

Is It Cheaper to Make Your Own Dog Food? Vet-Approved Facts & Advice

As more and more pet parents realize the value of good nutrition for overall health, the amount spent on commercial dog food is soaring. In the U.S., owners spent $422 on pet food in 2020. The pet industry expenditure has...

man preparing homemade dog food

Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter