Adorable English Bulldog with tongue out celebrating International Dog Day.

How to Celebrate International Dog Day

The Greatest Day for our Furbabies

Did someone say International Dog Day? That’s right! International Dog Day 2021 is coming up this month on Thursday, August 26th. What is International Dog Day you may ask? It is only the greatest day known to man in order to help celebrate man’s best friend, that is. A wonderful day spent celebrating all dog breeds from all over the world. From mutts to mixes to purebreds and everything in between, there are so many ways to celebrate your sweet furbaby this August.

Adorable little girl hugging her doggy sitting by the window with her father.
A day made for loving your pup!

Now, you may be wondering, how can I celebrate my own dog this International Dog Day? Not to worry, for we have all the answers. From what to do on International Dog Day to national dog day events all the way down to gifts for your pets and where and how to rescue a pet in need. So, without further ado, let’s go ahead and jump right in.

What to Do on International Dog Day

Happy dog smiling with his tongue out hanging out at the beach.
Did you say a special day, just for me?

We think it would be pretty safe to say that dogs are the best people, wouldn’t you agree? Therefore, dogs truly deserve only the best. With that being said, how can you give your dog the best this coming International Dog Day? From going all out and throwing a dog party with you and all your dog loving friends to simply donating your time to a local animal shelter, below we will cover all of the best dog elated activities you can partake during this wonderful holidayy.

Throw a Dog Day Party

Cute corgi wearing a bow tie and celebrating his big birthday bash.
Where's the party at?

Throw a dog party for you, your pup and all of your friends with dogs. What better way to celebrate than to throw a party! Gather up your closest friends and family and have them bring their own pets, cats and dogs are both welcome, and bring out the party supplies! This can include snacks for your human guests as well as doggy treats for your pup guests.

Gift Your Friend's Dog

Send a dog related gift to your fellow dog loving friends. Whether you yourself own a pup or not, you can still celebrate this day with your fellow puppy loving friends. A personalized collar or dog hoodie goes a long way in making a pup feel extra special on this important day.

Adorable Schnoodle Savannah wearing neutral gray Personalized Dog Hoodie from online dog clothing store they made me wear it.
SHOP HOODIE

Warm, Stylish

Personalized Dog Hoodie

Ready to put your pup's name on it? Grab this adorable dog hoodie and add their name and number. Savannah loving her Neutral Gray hoodie. Also available in Ebony and Blush.

Find this and more gifts for your friends' dog from our online shop. Who doesn't love receiving a thoughtful gift from a friend?

Woman taking care of and nursing back to health a Bernese Mountain puppy.
Let's support animal welfare organization to help our furbabies heal.

If you want to spend this day pampering your pup and helping other animals in need, here are just a few ways you can do so! You can research a few animal charities you would be interested in helping out and visit their website to see how you can donate. If you are not sure where to begin your search, not to worry, for below we also have a list of five different animal organizations you may be interested in helping out, or even simply learning about.

Best Friends Animal Society

Man wearing a yellow shirt, holding up his bichon frise mix.
Help to save the lives of cats and dogs all across America when supporting Best Friends.

The Best Friends Animal Society is a charity that helps reduce the number of pets killed in U.S animal shelters. What better way to remember a lost pet than to help save another in need?

Friends of Animals

Beautiful lion in the wild.
Friends of Animals supports efforts to defend animals and the environment.

This charity has been protecting animals all over the world from cruelty as well as exploitation since being founded in 1957. In addition to this, Friends of Animals also creates a sanctuary for mistreated as well as abandoned animals.

High Rollers Club

Cute mixed dog using a wheelchair to get around the park.
Help the High Rollers Club give the gift of Mobility.

Fairly new non-profit organization, The High Rollers Club (HRC) starting in May of 2017 and has been growing since, helping over 598 pups regain mobility. Donating to HRC helps families who are not able to afford a wheelchair for their furbabies. Many recipients donate what they are able to and they'll cover the remaining balance.

WildAid

Big elephant and baby elephant at a water hole in the middle of the Savannah.
Join WildAid on their mission to reduce global consumption of wildlife products and to increase local support for conservation efforts. .

If you are looking to help out some wildlife, WildAid would be a great option to consider donating to. What WildAid does is convince consumers to not buy wildlife products.

Animal Welfare Institute

Beautiful wild mustang roaming the land in Cody, Wyoming.
Seeking the better treatment of animals everywhere— on the farm, at home, and in the wild, check out Animal Welfare Institute.

Lastly, we have Animal Welfare Institute. This non-profit organization was established to help reduce the suffering inflicted on animals by humans.

Our Company Donates to Pet Rescue Organization: Hope for Paws

Adorable dog, abandoned and lying on the ground.
Ready to help rescue dogs, cats and other types of animals suffering on the streets? Check out our favorite pet rescue organization Hope for Paws!

Did you know when shopping our boutique, a portion of the proceeds goes toward pet rescue organization Hope for Paws? A cause near and dear to our hearts, Hope for Paws saves the lives of abandoned animals, just like our little Willow, and works tirelessly to find foster pawrents and loving homes for rescued furbabies.

Rescue a Pet in Need

Adorable pup sitting in his new owners lap after being adopted.
Help a pup find their forever home.

In addition to donating to an animal charity organization, you might also spend the day volunteering at a local animal shelter. While you are there, you may even find that you will want to bring your own furry friend home with you this day. Whether this will be your first pet, your second, or your fifth pet, who is to say you can’t simply have another one? After all, is there even such as thing as having too many dogs? We think not.

Schedule a Pet Safety Check for Your Home

Woman hugging her adorable golden retriever at home.
The love between human and dog is unshakeable.

To ensure that you, your family and your pet are always safe, it would be a great idea to schedule an annual safety check for your home. Why not start by scheduling this safety check on International Dog Day every year and honor the safety of your pet?

Take your Dog out for a Day of Fun at your Local Beach

Three adorable shih tzus playing at the beach in St. Simons Island, Brunswick, Georgia.
Three is never a crowd 😉

For the most part, we can all agree that everyone loves the beach! Whether or not you enjoy swimming in the ocean is an entirely different story. With that being said, do you want to know who loves the beach more than we do? If you guessed dogs, you would be correct. Dogs love going to the beach! This may be due to the large open space that the beach has to offer for your dog to run completely free. In addition to this, dogs love chasing the birds – not to worry, though, as they never come close to harming them. If you find yourself wondering what dog breeds love the beach the most, here is a small list of what we like to call beach dogs:

Labrador Retriever

Two beautiful purebred labrador retrievers, chocolate and brown, frolicking in the ocean water having a blast on a summer day.
Who wants to play frisbee?

Did you know that labs are spectacular swimmers? It’s true! Take them out to the beach and let them enjoy the water as well as a nice run on the beach this holiday.

Golden Retriever

A beautiful golden retriever sitting on the beach with his tongue out.
A little sunbathing never hurt anybody.

Golden Retrievers absolutely adores the water and would very much enjoy a beach trip this coming International Dog Day.

Spanish Water Dog

Curly-haired spanish water dog running at the beach with a toy in his mouth.
Tag, you're it!

A dog with water in its name? Yes, it is safe to say these guys love the water.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Happy chesapeake bay retriever with its tongue out, taking a break after playing in the water.
Happiness come in waves.

Coming in to top off our list is yet another pup named after a body water. Is it any wonder this dog breed loves the beach as much as they do? Dog tip: do not get yourself one of these pups unless you plan on being able to make swimming a regular part of their exercise routine in addition to walks.

Dog Retail Therapy

As previously mentioned, it is also nice to gift a friend a new dog collar for their pup, so why not treat yourself as well as your own pup to a new collar and leash?

Adorable Dalamation wearing the Personalized Leather Dog Collar in Seafoam Green from online dog clothing store they made me wear it.
SHOP COLLAR

Beautiful, Sturdy

Leather Dog Collar Set

Beautiful leather padded collar and leash for the pup in need of something simple and fashionable for their daily walkies.

Visit a Local Dog Park

Beautiful couple taking their shih tzu on a stroll at the local dog park.
A trip to the dog park is always the answer.

Give your dog some fun exercise by taking them out to your local dog park. Like the beach, dogs love going out to the park due to the wide-open space for them to run around in. In addition to the much appreciated open space, dog parks are also a great way to get some much needed socialization for your pup. We all need some interaction every-once-in-a-while and your loyal companion is truly no different.

So, be kind to them and bring them out to a local dog park this International Dog Day. This way, you can help celebrate your dog as well as all of the other dog breeds that like to come together on this holiday, or just to the park in general.

Buy your Dog a Fun New Toy

Beautiful white pomeranian german spitz klein running with a toy in its mouth.
Toys, toys, toys and did I say toys!

Celebrate your dog on this International Dog Day by buying them a fun new toy! Why stop there? Buy your dog a fun new toy, or two, or five; hey, who’s even counting at this point, right?

Post about your Dog on Social Media

Beagle playing tug-of-war with owner, looking right at the camera.
Ready for my close-up.

Is it International Dog Day if you do not post it on social media? When getting your dog in the perfect pose position, you then must consider the perfect caption. Here are some quotes to highlight your dog:

  • Everything I know I learned from dogs
  • Happiness is a warm puppy
  • A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.

International Dog Day Events

Two adorable dogs playing around in the grass, giving each other kisses.
There is nothing truer in this world than the love of a dog.

As there are dog lovers all over the world who are just as excited to celebrate International Dog Day as we are, different states all throughout the country are hosting their very own national dog day events. You read that right! This means no matter what state you are located in; chances are you will have the opportunity to attend at least one of these events as well. Now, without further ado, let’s get to these dog loving events!

Party it up at Jackson 20

Gorgeous italian greyhound sitting at a restaurant table, on the patio.
Your pup is welcome to join you at one of their pet-friendly outdoor tables while you enjoy your meal.

Jackson 20 will be hosting their own celebration for all dog lovers alike on this International Dog Day. On Monday, August 26th, they will be serving it up off their new Proper Pups Patio Provisions menu for all the posh pooches. In addition to this, there will also be a pop-up training session for pups who are attending the event.

Take part in the Day of the Dog Virtual Race

Dog running through the grass showing off their agility.
A true friends leaves paw prints on your heart.

Are you a runner? A jogger? Or, perhaps a speed walker? Whatever your exercise routine may consist of you know your dog loves to go out for their daily walk. Therefore, why not take part in the Day of the Dog: Run, Walk or Jog 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, 13.1, 26.2.? All you need to do is go online and register for the race before the end of August. The registration fee is listed at $22 where at least 15% of every entry fee will be donated to Freedom Service Dogs of America.

Visit Orpheus Brewing Happy Hour

Cute puppy lying on the grass, playing with his beer toy.
Here, let me crack that open for you!

Happy hour and dogs? Yes, please! Are you located anywhere near Atlanta? If so, please feel free to join the fun at Orpheus Brewing. The fun will begin on August 25th and come hungry. there will be food trucks, live music, vendors, drinks and more. In addition to all the fun, the goal of this celebration to raise awareness to the Atlanta Humane Society, therefore, a portion of all beer sales this happy hour will be donated to this organization. To make it even more fun, if at all possible, the Atlanta Humane Society will be there from 2pm to 5pm with adoptable dogs. Sign me up; see you there!

National Dog Day Photo Contest

Adorable french bulldog with his tongue out, smiling at the camera.
You can't help but falling in love with a dog.

You can be located just about anywhere in the world for this contest. That’s right! National Dog Day is holding an online contest where you can post your absolute favorite photo of your beloved dog. Click here to sign up here. This contest was created to help encourage pet adoption and raise awareness to dogs in need. If you are interested in enrolling your dog in this contest, it will begin on August 20th, 2021.

Dine at Boulton & Watt with Your Dog

Cool griffon bruxellois or brussels griffon dining at a dog-friendly restaurant.
Stop taking pictures willya, and let's eat!

Do you live in the big apple? If so, bring your dog and come on down and celebrate National Dog Day at Boulton & Watt. On August 26th, Boulton & Watt will be open from 12pm until 2am where they will have 10 dog-friendly outdoor tables plus a dog dog menu for you and your dog to enjoy. As we all know, there are plenty of dog lovers throughout the city, therefore, we would suggest making a reservation for this restaurant that day.

Adorable pup with their tongue out, wearing an adopt me dog bandana.
Giving back to help animals in need is the best gift you can give this International Dog Day.

Celebrate the day by donating to a pet cause of your choice. Here, you can scroll through the different ways you can help an animal in need this national dog day. From supporting shelters to offering advice, to supporting special needs dogs and more. This would be an amazing way to end the celebration of International Dog Day this year. Oh, and remember to give your dog a big kiss today.

Until next time, thank you for reading!


About the author: Gabrielle is the loving pawrent to adorable pups Willow and Dilla. Growing up surrounded by dogs, she always dreamt of having her own. Willow and Dilla came into her life and changed everything. Now, she's crazy about pampered pooches, and her perfect day involves dancing with her husband, dressing up her furbabies, and cuddling them to sleep. For Gabrielle, life is all about spreading love and joy with her adorable canine companions by her side.