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 2025: 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 By: 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

35 Siberian Husky Mixes (With Pictures)

The Siberian Husky has become an increasingly popular pet. It is lively and energetic, full of character, and has one of the most...

Can Dogs Eat Hay? Vet Approved Facts & Advice

Hay is used as animal feed. However, that doesn’t make it a good choice for your dog. Many dogs will naturally eat a...

Tibetan Spaniel Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Facts & Traits

As a Spaniel in name only, the Tibetan Spaniel is a far cry from the Western world’s gun dogs. The breed was less...

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Cookies? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

For humans, oatmeal cookies are generally considered a healthier alternative to other cookies because they contain whole-grain oats, which are high in fiber,...

More related

Why Does My Dog Lay On Me? 8 Reasons

There’s nothing like coming home after a long day to cuddle with your faithful companion and forget about the day’s worries. Of course,...

Elbow Dysplasia In Dogs: Our Vet Explains Causes, Signs & Treatment

While there’s no treatment for elbow dysplasia in dogs, disease management can help your dog live a fulfilling life....

Berger Picard Dog: Breed Info, Pictures, Facts, & Traits

Berger Picards are obscure dogs with an interesting history. If you mention the name Berger Picard to the average dog owner, you will...

How Protective Are Bernese Mountain Dogs? Berners’ Temperament Explained

If you’re looking for a strong yet friendly four-legged giant to join your family, the Bernese Mountain Dog will be a perfect pick....

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Smoked Salmon? Vet-Approved Benefits & Risks

If your dog tends to eat fish, you may wonder if human delicacies, such as smoked salmon, are suitable for your furry friend. Salmon has many benefits and is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for humans...

Can Dogs Eat Smoked Salmon

What Is Animal Digest in Dog Food? Vet Reviewed Benefits & Drawbacks

Animal digest is an ingredient used in dog and cat foods to improve palatability. Dairy products, amino acids, and fats or fatty acids are other traditional palatants (also called flavor enhancers) added to dog and cat foods to make them...

man checking dog food label

10 Best Affordable Puppy Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

How can you not fall instantly in love with adorable, roly-poly puppies? But puppies and of course, dogs, end up being expensive to take care of, so it’s always helpful to find ways to save money. Considering that one of...

jack russell terrier dog eating from bowl

Can Dogs Eat Caviar? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts

As dog owners, we want the best for our pets, including what they eat. However, some dog parents take things to the next level by offering their pups gourmet human foods, such as caviar. While dogs can occasionally eat caviar,...

Can Dogs Eat_Cassava

Can Dogs Eat Mint? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

What do you think of when you think of mint? Fresh breath, spruced-up salads, smoothies, and mojitos. But have you ever wondered if your dog can have mint? Smelly dog breath is a common complaint, so is it okay to...

can dogs eat mint

10 Best Blue Buffalo Dog Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

These days, it’s pretty easy to know that your dog’s diet is one of the primary deciding factors in overall lifelong health. We recently had the opportunity to review all of Blue Buffalo’s recipe lines to see what they offer...

dog eating dog food

Christmas Dog Treat Recipes: 6 Great Options (Vet Approved)

Christmas is a time for celebration and an excellent excuse to share our appreciation for those we love. If you have a furry four-legged family member, there’s no reason you can’t make them feel special this holiday season, too! Yuletide...

Christmas Dog Treat Recipes

6 Pros & Cons of Putting Water in Kibble: Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts

Rehydrating dog food can be a really beneficial habit. It sounds like the perfect thing—you spice up your dog’s food bowl while providing extra moisture in the diet. Plus, it helps dogs who may have issues with chewing or appetite....

labrador retriever eating dry kibble from metal bowl