Yes, National Dog Day is a real holiday. It was first created in 2004 by Colleen Paige, a dog trainer and pet adoption activist. We celebrate National Dog Day every year on Aug. 26 with deals and freebies for our favorite pups!
These are our favorite National Dog Day deals still available:
National Dog Day is a once-a-year holiday with cheap and free deals for dogs.
National Dog Day was founded in 2004 by pet expert Colleen Paige as a way to celebrate dogs of all breeds.
The holiday also brings awareness to dogs in shelters and honors dogs that help law enforcement or provide aid to people who need it.
Colleen chose the date, Aug. 26 because it signifies the day Colleen’s family adopted her dog, Sheltie, when she was just 10 years old.
Nowadays, Colleen partners with large rescue organizations, like The Humane Society of the United States and West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue, to encourage new pet owners to adopt, not shop.
National Dog Day is Aug. 26, 2025.
Every year, National Dog Day is celebrated on Aug. 26. In 2025, this pet holiday is on a Monday.
KCL predicts these National Dog Day Freebies and Deals for 2025
From deals on pet toys to free tattoos from Bark, here are some deals to help you spoil your furry friend this year.
Bruster's: Bruster's will likely celebrate National Dog Day with a FREE Doggie Sundae for your canine companion.
Chill-N: In 2025, look for a free Chill-N pup cup, plus 50% off ice cream orders for yourself on Aug. 26..
Culver's: Order a free pup cup at Culver's.
Dunkin': Fido can enjoy a free pup cup.
Dutch Bros. Coffee: Get a free pup cup at Dutch Bros. Coffee.
FidoAlert: Celebrate National Dog Day 2025 with a FREE FidoAlert Pet ID and tag.
Score a FREE SuperPet Smart ID Tag!
In celebration of National Dog Day, Purina will likely offer a completely free, web-enabled smart tag from DynoTag. All you'll have to do is fill out a short form and you'll receive the tag in about six weeks.
Each tag has a QR code that links to a private cloud drive where you can store vital information about your pet, including vet records and more detailed contact information. If your fur baby gets lost, anyone with a phone and internet access can view the documents you uploaded. Plus, you’ll get an instant email notification (with location information!) whenever your pet’s tag is viewed.
Enter a contest with Bark to get a free tattoo of your pet!
We anticipate The Bark Dog Tattoo Contest will return in 2025 to celebrate National Dog Day. If you're one of the lucky winners, Bark will give you a prepaid Visa card for a tattoo of your dog. Yes, really. You can get more details and enter the Dog Tattoo Giveaway here for your chance to win.
Order an iced latte via the Dunkin’ app on Aug. 26 and Dunkin’ will donate $1 to support the Dogs for Joy program.
Look for Dunkin’ to celebrate National Dog Day by supporting the Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation Dogs for Joy program (increase in-residence dog programs in children's hospitals). When you order an iced latte (including espresso, chai, or matcha) via the Dunkin’ mobile app on National Dog Day, Dunkin' donates $1.
Scooter's Coffee is offering a XL Pup Cup for National Dog Day.
On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, watch for Scooter's Coffee to offer a XL Pup Cup (a whopping 10 oz of whipped cream). They will also likely offer pet parents a few deals, including half-off Birthday PAWty drinks (Birthday PAWty Latte (hot, iced, or blended), the Birthday PAWty Smoothie, and the Birthday PAWty Infusion (powered by SCOOOT! Energy). Scooter's Coffee may hold a free dog toy giveaway around National Dog Day.
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