Happy New Year to you and your dog. If you’re reading this article, chances are pretty good that you are a dog lover. Maybe one of your resolutions for this year is to make a better life for your canine companion, which would lead to a certain curiosity about how you could go about making such improvements. Well, have I got a shortcut for you! You may be happy to learn that there is an entire calendar full of celebrations dedicated to your pooch. That’s right, I’m talking about multiple opportunities to celebrate your furry friend each and every month of 2026. I’ve compiled some here and they certainly cover most of the bases. Still, I could add a few along the way. In fact, you’ll find that I have (but only in the glaring absence of something obviously begging to be added). Pick one for each month or go bananas and celebrate every one!
January
14th–National Dress Up Your Pet Day: Don’t know who thought of this, but I’d wager it has something to do with the costume manufacturing industry or a coalition of photographers.
29th–Seeing Eye Guide Dog Anniversary: A very worthwhile reason to celebrate service animals and their trainers.
February
3rd–National Golden Retriever Day: Is there a more lovable breed? They won’t know the celebration is about them, but pick up a ball and give it a toss and they’ll be happy for hours.
3rd–Doggy Date Night: If you’re wondering whether you should pay or go Dutch, it’s a given that you’ll pick up the tab. Suggestions include picnics at the park, glow in the dark Frisbee toss, dinner at a dog-friendly patio at a restaurant, and more.
14th–Valentine’s Day: Think the spaghetti eating scene in “Lady and the Tramp” or simply buying an extra ice cream cone for your sweetheart pup. Expect sloppy kisses in return.
19th–International Tug of War Day: Imagine people across the world taking up one end of a giant braided rope and dogs everywhere pulling and tugging to win. Maybe play some motivational music like “We Are the Champions” by Queen. It might spur on the competition.
22nd–National Walking the Dog Day: In our house, it’s called Tuesday, but you could shout out the greeting to everyone you encounter to make it more festive.
23rd–Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day: Should you pick out something decadent from your local pet store or make something homemade and meaty? Either will be appreciated by your pup.
March
1st–National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day: If that’s not a holiday made for dogs, I don’t know what is! Perhaps you could stock up on peanut butter biscuits or save the nearly empty jar for your pup to chase around the house trying to lick it clean.
3rd–National If Pets Had Thumbs Day: I once wrote an article on this very conjecture. My version had them driving down the road in a car to take themselves to the park, among other shenanigans.
13th–National K9 Veterans Day: Celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Military K-9 Corps, which began in 1942.
23rd–National Puppy Day: Don’t think we need too much of an excuse to celebrate the adorable tiny versions of dogs. They are simply irresistible from the tips of their tiny swishing tails to their snuffly noses. And don’t even get me started with puppy breath! Irresistible, I tell you.
April
10th–National Hug Your Dog Day: As if you need a national day set aside for hugging your pooch! Just do it like you normally do. Hug away, maybe twice as often today.
21st–Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day: If you have a Bulldog, it is a happy discovery that there are many others who also think the breed is beautiful! Go ahead and follow your Bulldog around with a camera to commemorate the day. Then show the photos off to other fans.
26th–National Kids and Pets Day: This is a combination worth celebrating. What is childhood without a trusty dog at their side?
30th–National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day: This one is a celebration I can get behind. Our crazy Daisy is a shelter dog, and we wouldn’t trade her in for anything, despite her quirks and hard-to-break bad habits.
May
First Sunday in May, Mayday for Mutts: Mayday in my childhood meant weaving ribbons around a Maypole and leaving baskets of flowers from our garden on neighbors’ doorsteps. Not sure how to incorporate mutts into it but, hey, any excuse to celebrate, right?
Second Saturday in May, International Dog Mom Day: All hail the dog mom! The dog mom prioritizes the family dog’s health and happiness. Extra cuddles for the dog mom today.
14th–Chihuahua Appreciation Day: It’s been my experience that dog lovers who choose this breed already appreciate all they bring to the table. But why not set aside a day to make them feel extra special?
June
4th–International Corgi Day: Same with this squatty-legged breed. They are quite cute and probably know it, especially when their humans celebrate them.
20th–Ugliest Dog Day: So your pup isn’t winning any beauty pageants. If you appreciate them exactly as they are, they will feel the love they deserve!
July
1st–ID Your Pet Day: If you haven’t already, take the time to make sure they can always find their way home.
4th–America’s 250th Birthday: Take your dog to a parade in costume. Pride in country shouldn’t be limited to humans.
31st–National Mutt Day: The lovable mutt deserves its own day. Give all you encounter a smile and pat.
August
10th–National Spoil Your Dog Day: As if we dog lovers need an excuse. Just take your everyday routine to a little higher level today.
26th–National Dog Day: Same advice as above.
September
8th–National Dog Walker Appreciation Day: Treat your dog walker to a little something today: a coffee card or a nice tip to show your appreciation.
Second Saturday in September, National Hug Your Dog Day: You know what to do here. Get on with it.
23rd–National Dogs in Politics Day: I assume this is a day set aside to appreciate the role dogs play in politics. Unsure what that is? Perhaps check out a documentary on the subject.
October
1st–National Fire Pup Day: May firefighters everywhere save extra last bites for the firehouse mascot today.
21st–National Pets for Veterans Day: Even if the pet isn’t a support animal, dog lovers know how calming pets are for the psyche.
November
1st–National Cook for Your Pet Day: There are many dog biscuit recipes out there. Try one to commemorate the day.
17th–National Hiking Day: Grab a leash and take pup with you today.
December
9th–International Day of Veterinary Medicine: Thank God for veterinarians everywhere. Seriously!
10th–International Animal Rights Day: A very worthy day to remember that all creatures deserve dignity, safety, and affection.
25th–Christmas Day: aka Hang a Stocking for Your Dog Day. And don’t forget to fill it.
