National Puppy Day

National Puppy Day History

National Puppy Day celebrates the unfiltered joy puppies bring into life and humans' enduring bond with them. Significantly, it promotes the adoption of puppies in need rather than purchasing them from unethical sources like puppy mills, fostering a sense of social responsibility and empathy in society. The day also serves as a reminder to offer love, care, and attention these innocent lives require.

National Puppy Day was established in 2006 by author and pet lifestyle expert, Colleen Paige, who is also the founder of several other animal-related observances. Paige's mission is fundamentally directed towards raising awareness of the plight of puppies in rescues and shelters across America. The day encourages Americans to adopt rather than shop, promoting a humane choice that potentially saves a life. Through the years, it has turned into a nationwide event, with several individuals, pet organizations, and media sources participating, bringing awareness and prompting action towards canine welfare issues.

Americans celebrate National Puppy Day in a myriad of ways. Many host special adoption events at local shelters, while others use it as an opportunity to volunteer time or donate resources to residential animal charities. Social media is filled with pictures of beloved puppies, furthering awareness through hashtag trends like #NationalPuppyDay. There are also educational programs organized to teach people about responsible pet ownership and care. National Puppy Day is celebrated on the 23rd of March each year.

Facts about National Puppy Day

• According to worldanimalfoundation.org, 6.5 million pets are abandoned or lost every year, out of that number only 3.2 are adopted, and many returned to shelters within a year.
• Puppy mills are commercial, dog-breeding organizations that focus on profit, while ignoring the health and welfare of the animals. 3 million puppies are killed in puppy mills because they are too full and not enough have found homes.
• A dog is the only thing on Earth that loves you more than he loves himself. – Josh Billings, famous humorist
• According to the American Kennel Club, the most popular dog breeds in 2022 were:
  1) Labrador Retriever
  2) French Bulldog
  3) Golden Retriever
  4) German Shepherd Dog
  5) Poodle
• It is estimated that there are at least 10,000 puppy mills operating in the United States.
• Puppies Behind Bars is a training program that helps inmates raise service dogs in prisons.

In the News and Trending in the US for National Puppy Day

Top things to do in the US for National Puppy Day

• Visit an animal shelter and adopt a puppy in need. Most cities have a local shelter where you can visit and adopt a pet in the same day. Remember to spay or neuter your pet in order to control the stray dog population.
• Spread awareness by using the hashtags #nationalpuppyday and #puppyday on social media and also share pictures of your dog or pictures of dogs you like.
• Watch the documentaries I’m Alive (2008), Madonna of the Mills (2010), and Dog By Dog (2015) to learn more about the realities of puppy mills.
• Share a picture of your puppy (or dog as a puppy) on Facebook where you will be entered to win a complimentary nail trim, toy and treat from Briar Wood Animal Hospital.
• Donate your time or money to a local animal shelter or an organization that supports stray animals. There is always a need for help walking, feeding, playing with and cleaning up after the animals. You can also make a financial donation to organizations such as ASPCA and the Humane Society.