National Make a Dog’s Day
October 22
About National Make a Dog’s Day
National Make a Dog’s Day falls on Thursday, 22 October 2026. Founded by Subaru of America in 2019, the day encourages dog owners to go the extra mile for their pets and, above all, raises awareness of shelter dog adoption, with a special focus on the senior, disabled and otherwise overlooked dogs known as “Underdogs”.
How to Celebrate National Make a Dog’s Day
This is a day built around doing something kind, so the best way to mark it is to take action. Here are practical ways to take part:
- Adopt a shelter dog – The single most meaningful way to honour the day is to visit a local rescue or shelter and give a dog a forever home. If you can, ask staff which dogs have been waiting longest.
- Champion an Underdog – Consider the senior dogs, those with disabilities or medical needs, and the ones who simply do not photograph well. These animals wait far longer than most, and they make wonderful, devoted companions.
- Treat your own dog – Buy a new toy, cook a dog-safe meal, take an extra-long walk or visit somewhere your dog has never been. The day is about spoiling the pups in your life.
- Donate supplies to a shelter – Drop off food, blankets, leads, toys or cleaning supplies. Many participating Subaru retailers collect new pet supplies throughout October.
- Give to an animal welfare charity – A financial donation helps shelters cover veterinary care, spaying, neutering and transport costs that keep adoption fees low.
- Volunteer your time – Offer to walk dogs, foster a pet between homes, or help with shelter events and admin. Foster carers free up vital space for incoming animals.
- Share an adoptable dog online – Post a local shelter’s available dogs using #MakeADogsDay. A single share can be the moment a hard-to-place dog finds its family.
- Book a wellness check – Use the day as a prompt to schedule a vet visit, update vaccinations or finally get your dog microchipped.
What is National Make a Dog’s Day?
National Make a Dog’s Day is an annual awareness day dedicated to dogs, and in particular to encouraging the adoption of shelter animals. It invites everyone, whether they already own a dog or are thinking about welcoming one, to do something special for canine companions. The campaign places the spotlight firmly on “Underdogs”: the senior, physically challenged or otherwise unique dogs who often wait the longest to be adopted. It is as much a celebration of the dogs in our lives as it is a call to help those still searching for a home.
When is National Make a Dog’s Day?
National Make a Dog’s Day is observed every year on 22 October. In 2026 it falls on a Thursday. The date is fixed, so it lands on the same day each year, which makes it easy to plan a shelter visit, fundraiser or social media push around it. If you enjoy marking days dedicated to our four-legged friends, you might also like National Dog Party Day, another celebration of all things canine.
The History of National Make a Dog’s Day
National Make a Dog’s Day was established by Subaru of America in 2019 as part of the wider Subaru Loves Pets initiative. The carmaker has long aligned its brand with animal welfare, and the day was created to channel that support into a single, focused moment of awareness each October. From the outset, the aim was twofold: to celebrate the bond between people and their dogs, and to drive adoptions from shelters across the United States.
The campaign quickly developed its signature focus on the “Underdogs”. These are the dogs that adopters tend to overlook, the greying muzzles, the three-legged survivors, the shy and the scarred. To encourage people to take a chance on them, Subaru and its community of retailers pledged donations for every Underdog adopted from participating partner shelters, helping to offset the cost of caring for animals with greater needs.
In the years since, National Make a Dog’s Day has grown into a recognisable annual fixture, amplified through television advertising, social media and a national network of Subaru retailers acting as collection points for pet supplies. Animal shelters and rescue groups have embraced the day too, timing adoption drives and fee-waived events to coincide with it.
Fun Facts About National Make a Dog’s Day
- The day was founded in 2019, making it a relatively young addition to the calendar compared with longer-running canine celebrations.
- Its central characters are the “Underdogs”, a deliberately affectionate term for senior, disabled and hard-to-place dogs.
- By 2022, the #MakeADogsDay campaign had reached an estimated 68 million people.
- The campaign has been credited with helping find homes for tens of thousands of dogs since it began.
- Subaru’s broader pet initiative has contributed tens of millions of dollars to animal welfare organisations over the years.
- Many Subaru retailers double as supply collection points throughout October, gathering food, toys and bedding for local shelters.
Why National Make a Dog’s Day Matters
Roughly 3.1 million dogs enter shelters in the United States every year, and not all of them make it out. Older dogs and those with medical or behavioural needs are among the least likely to be chosen, despite often being calm, house-trained and deeply grateful companions. By focusing attention on these animals, National Make a Dog’s Day helps shift adopters’ thinking and gives overlooked dogs a genuine chance. Even for those who cannot adopt, the day is a reminder that small acts, a donation, a volunteer shift, a shared post, add up to real change for animals in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Make a Dog’s Day?
It is an annual awareness day, founded by Subaru of America in 2019, that celebrates dogs and encourages shelter adoption. It places special emphasis on “Underdogs”, the senior, disabled or hard-to-place dogs who wait longest for a home.
When is National Make a Dog’s Day in 2026?
National Make a Dog’s Day is on Thursday, 22 October 2026. The date is fixed and falls on 22 October every year.
Who founded National Make a Dog’s Day?
It was created by Subaru of America in 2019 as part of the company’s Subaru Loves Pets initiative, which supports animal shelters and rescue organisations across the United States.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your best dog photos and adoptable shelter pups on social media with #MakeADogsDay and #MakeADogsDay2026. Tag your friends and challenge them to do something kind for a dog, whether that is adopting, donating, fostering or simply giving their own pup an extra-special day.
Related Awareness Days
- Missing Mutts Awareness Day – Raises awareness of lost and missing dogs and how to help reunite them with their families.
- National Dog Party Day – A joyful celebration encouraging owners to throw a party for the dogs in their lives.
- National Dog Dad Day – Honours the men who love and care for their canine companions.
Links
- Visit the official Subaru National Make a Dog’s Day website
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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