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 Make a Dog’s Day 2025: When It Is & How to Celebrate

I love my fluffy dog. Beautiful young woman feeling

National Make a Dog’s Day is on October 22nd each year, and it’s all about finding a way to put a smile on a pup’s face. They do so much to make us happy throughout the year, so National Make a Dog’s Day is all about finding a way to give a little back to them.

There are tons of different ways you can celebrate National Make a Dog’s Day, so keep reading, and we’ll give you some great ideas to inspire you to celebrate the day this October 22nd!

Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

The 6 Ideas to Celebrate National Make a Dog’s Day

If you’re looking to celebrate National Make a Dog’s Day on October 22nd this year, there are a few different ways you can do it. Below, we’ve highlighted six different ways you can celebrate National Make a Dog’s Day.

white shih tzu dog playing and running outside in the green grass
Image Credit: Jayne Klein, Shutterstock

1. Adopt a Dog

While there’s no better way to make a dog’s day than to adopt them from a shelter. However, you need to be fully aware of the big time and financial commitment this will take. The last thing you want is to adopt a dog only to take them back to a shelter down the road because you’re not ready to care for them.

Dogs live for years and cost quite a bit of money, so if you’re looking to adopt a dog for National Make a Dog’s Day, do yourself a favor and do all your homework before heading out to get one.


2. Volunteer at a Shelter

One of the most responsible ways to celebrate National Make a Dog’s Day is to help out at a local shelter. You can volunteer your time at the shelter, or you can donate supplies they might need.

Whether you plan to donate time, money, or supplies, do yourself a favor and call the shelter ahead of time so they can let you know what they need before you arrive.

woman giving treat to her goldendoodle dog in the nature
Image Credit: EB Adventure Photography, Shutterstock

3. Visit a Dog Park

What pup doesn’t love a trip to the dog park? If your dog is like ours, they can’t get enough of the open spaces to run around and check the other dogs out. There’s no better way to make your pooch happy than to take them out for a special trip that’s all about them.

Just ensure you check the local weather before taking them out since they won’t enjoy their trip nearly as much if there’s terrible weather.


4. Make Them Special Treats

Dogs love treats, and if you make them something special, it’s sure to cheer them up. In fact, you don’t even have to make it yourself. If you pick up some special treats from the store to give them on National Make Your Dog’s Day, they’re sure to enjoy that just as much!

giving treat to a dog lying on the pet bed
Image Credit: Tanya Dol, Shutterstock

5. Go for an Extra Walk

Your pet loves spending time outside with you, and while you likely walk them a bit each day, for National Make Your Dog’s day, an extra walk should do the trick! If your dog is up for it, you can take them for an extra lap around the block. It’s all about finding a way to make your pet happy, and what makes them happier than a walk?


6. Spend Some Time With Them!

Nothing makes a dog quite as happy as their human wanting to spend time with them. It’s the best, easiest, and cheapest way to celebrate the day, and it might just be your dog’s favorite!

Depending on the weather, you can take them out for a game of fetch, or you can just curl up next to them on the couch for the day. No matter what, your dog is sure to enjoy the extra attention you give them throughout the day.

Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

Final Thoughts

National Make a Dog’s Day is just what it sounds like, and the good news is that making a dog’s day is pretty easy to do. You can go all out and donate to shelters or adopt a pup, or you can save your money and celebrate by simply spending some time with a dog.

Dogs love the attention, and spending a day focusing on making them happy is rewarding for them and us!

See Also:


Featured Image Credit: antoniodiaz, Shutterstock

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

2 Responses

  1. Rochester, NY
    Lollypop Farm – shelter, for all kinds, dogs, cats, chickens, horses, mice, reptile pets, bird pets,
    Education, community services WOW! They have Doggy Day Out – it’s possible to “borrow” a dog for the day and treat it to walks, ball chasing, pup cones, and share love and fun with a dog that (who) is waiting for a furrever home – they love it and so will you!

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

National Alaskan Malamute Day 2025: What Is It & How to Celebrate

National Alaskan Malamute Day for this year has passed, but it’s celebrated every January 7th. As you may know, this day is held...

Are Pit Bulls Banned in Canada? Provincial & Municipal Regulations Guide

Pit Bulls are a protective and fearless dog breed known for their playful temperaments and friendly nature. However, they have a high prey...

Why Do French Bulldogs Fart So Much? Vet-Verified Facts & Advice

It’s no surprise that the adaptable and all-around adorable French Bulldog became the number one dog breed in America, but if there’s one...

How to Introduce a Cat to a Dog in an Apartment: 10 Vet-Approved Tips

What’s better than having a cat or dog? Having both! However, having both means successfully introducing the two so they can get along...

More related

Doberman vs Pitbull: The Differences (With Pictures)

The Doberman Pinscher and the Pitbull are two breeds that are plagued with bad reputations. But both are intelligent dog breeds that can...

10 Best Dog Bowls in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Feeding dogs can be messy; sometimes, our pups eat too quickly, knock their bowls over in their exuberance for food and spill kibble...

What Are Dogs Afraid Of? 10 Vet-Reviewed Fears in Pups

As pet parents, we want to keep our dogs happy and comfortable, but if you have had a pup for a while, you...

Diatomaceous Earth for Dogs: Vet-Approved Types, Pros, Cons & FAQ

Diatomaceous earth is primarily touted as a natural parasite-fighting material. You can find it at various places, from health stores to online marketplaces,...

Keep reading

How Much Does a Cup of Dog Food Weigh? Vet-Approved Guide

Every pet parent wants the best for their pets. This includes feeding your dog the appropriate amount of food each day. While this seems like a simple enough task, it’s trickier than you might think. In fact, a recent study...

measures a portion of dry dog food using an electronic scale

Can Dogs Eat Green Beans? Vet-Approved Feeding Facts

Our canine companions are excellent at sneaking food off our plates or out of our hands, but human food isn’t always the best for them. Sometimes, our food has more fat and sodium than our dogs need, while other times,...

Can Dogs Eat Green Beans

Can Dogs Eat Hemp Seeds? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

There are many highly nutritious superfoods on the market that we add to our diets daily, and we may consider doing the same for our dogs. Hemp seeds are a popular human superfood, and hemp-based products are now thriving in...

Can Dogs Eat_Hemp Seeds

11 Best Limited Ingredient Dog Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Limited-ingredient dog foods can be a lifesaver for dogs with allergies. Because they contain few ingredients, there is less of a chance that dogs with allergies will react to them. However, even if your dog doesn’t have allergies, they may...

dog eating scattered food

10 Best Dog Foods for Labradoodles in 2025 — Reviews & Top Picks

Whether you have just brought a Labradoodle into your home or are a long-time owner, you want the best for your pet. Providing complete nutrition is part of keeping your dog active and healthy. As large dogs, Labradoodles have different...

labradoodle lying on bench

Can Dogs Eat Blackberries? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

As man’s best friend and a curious taster, your dog will likely join you foraging for blackberries in the forest, or welcome you home from the grocery store after buying a carton full of berries with equal gusto. They want...

Can Dogs Eat_blackberries

Can Dog Food Cause Seizures? Vet-Approved Facts & Info

Seizures are often a scary experience for both dogs and dog owners. They can be particularly challenging to address because they appear suddenly, and it is often difficult to determine what caused them. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, can...

Golden Retriever dog eating

Gentle Giants Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Verdict

Review Summary What do Robin, the Boy Wonder, and Gentle Giants dog food have in common? Burt Ward, the actor who portrayed Robin in the Batman TV show in the 1960s, is the founder of the highly rated dog food...

Dogster_Gentle Giants Dog Food Review