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 2026: When It Is & How to Celebrate

Share

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

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

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

The Spice Cabinet Dangers Most Dog Owners Don’t Think About

Most people know chocolate is off-limits for dogs. Fewer realize that some of the most common herbs and spices sitting in a kitchen...

A Major Breakthrough in Canine Anxiety Care: FDA Approves First Dual-Purpose Medication

Why This FDA Approval Is Such Important News For years, veterinarians and pet parents have struggled with a frustrating reality in canine behavioral...

Ask Dr. Paola- Help! Can Shock Collars Cause Seizures? (June 1, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

Behind Most “Bad” Dog Behavior Is a Pretty Simple Problem (and Solution)

Dogs are supposed to be easygoing companions, and many seem to live up to it: sleeping on the couch for hours, watching the...

More related

15 Best Hunting Dog Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

There are various styles of hunting dogs. Some hunt and kill game themselves, while other breeds aid human hunters with their flushing, springing,...

Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel & Poodle Mix): Info, Pictures & Care

The Cavapoo is a loving dog that’s perhaps best suited as a companion animal or family pet. This mix combines the sweet nature...

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Glass & How Vets Will Help

It happens in a blink. One minute you’re cleaning up a broken jar, and the next your dog swoops in like a furry...

Do Dogs Have a Favorite Person in Your Household? Canine Bonding Facts

If you have a dog and several people in your household, you’ve probably noticed that your pup tends to gravitate towards one person...

Keep reading

8 Best Puppy Foods for Medium Breeds in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Shopping for the right food for your new puppy can be a bit overwhelming. Any dog lover knows that the food choices on the market today are seemingly endless. Even if you’re a brand-new dog owner, all you have to...

cocker spaniel in grass field

Orijen Dog Food vs Blue Buffalo Dog Food: 2026 Comparison, Pros & Cons

With so many dog food options on the market, it’s easy to walk away with your hands empty and your head buzzing. If you’ve been buying dog food for some time or have recently adopted a puppy and have been...

Dogster_Dog Food Orijen VS Blue Buffalo

9 Best High-Fiber Dog Foods in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

While dogs are often thought of as being mostly meat eaters, fiber also plays an important role in maintaining the good health of our canine companions, especially their digestive system. Dietary fiber is part of edible plants that can’t be...

Schnauzer puppy dog eating tasty dry food from bowl

Can Dogs Eat Froot Loops? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts

Many of us grew up eating cereal in front of the television while watching cartoons. Of the many cereal choices on the market, one of the most popular is Fruit Loops. These colorful loops are certainly tasty but not very...

Can Dogs Eat Froot Loops

Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers? Vet-Approved Feeding Facts & FAQ

While we like to think our pets can eat all the same foods we can, dogs are completely different animals with unique dietary needs. While they are omnivores, they still enjoy a hefty serving of meat, so you might not...

cucumber

Why Does My Dog Leave One Piece of Food? 4 Reasons & What to Do

Animals exhibit a lot of perplexing behavior that we don’t understand. One of the most curious behaviors you might notice in your dog is leaving one kernel of food in their bowl when they are done eating. Since your dog...

beagle puppy near food bowl

What Is Dog Food Made Of? Vet-Reviewed Ingredient Guide

Buying dog food is so commonplace. We do it all the time without a second thought. If your dog is running low on food, you hop online or go to the store and grab the same bag you’ve been buying....

german shepherd dog lying near food bowl

Bone Meal in Dog Food: Is It Healthy for Your Dog?

If you’ve ever spent any time reading the ingredients list on dog food labels, then you might have noticed one particular ingredient cropping up occasionally: bone meal. So what is bone meal, and is it good for dogs? The short...

belgian malinois food bowl eating patient

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