Learn more fun facts on the National Rescue Dog Day Video Page.
- Categories:
- Animal
- Tags:
- DogPet
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every May 20
- Holiday emoji:
- 🐶
National Rescue Dog Day rallies support every May 20 for the millions of dogs awaiting their forever homes. This day highlights the plight of abandoned animals and the immense joy they bring to families. Consider fostering, volunteering at a local shelter, or donating to animal welfare organizations to make a difference.
Want to sponsor National Rescue Dog Day? Learn how
Expected National Rescue Dog Day Deals
National Rescue Dog Day inspires a wave of compassion, with many organizations and brands focusing on adoption drives and fundraising. The ASPCA often partners with local shelters for adoption events, while Best Friends Animal Society hosts nationwide campaigns to clear shelters. Retailers like Petco and Chewy frequently run promotions where a portion of sales benefits rescue groups or offer discounts on adoption starter kits. Look for local shelters to waive or reduce adoption fees on May 20, sometimes supported by corporate sponsors like Subaru, known for its long-standing commitment to pet adoption. We will update this page with confirmed live events and donation match programs as May 20 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Rescue Dog Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalRescueDogDay. Share heartwarming stories of adopted dogs or highlight adoptable pups from local shelters.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalRescueDogDay. Join community groups dedicated to rescue dogs and share resources for adoption or fostering.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalRescueDogDay. Amplify urgent adoption pleas from shelters or share news about successful rescue efforts and legislative wins for animal welfare.
National Rescue Dog Day Hero
Henry Bergh
History of National Rescue Dog Day
The National Rescue Dog Day on May 20 was founded by Lisa Wiehebrink. She is an author as well as the founder of “Tails That Teach.” Much of Wiehebrink’s works center around humans and their connection with animals. Her books, whose target audience is children, talk about the value of kindness, unconditional love, patience, empathy, etc. She believes that instilling children with said virtues towards animals will help them later on in life when they deal with humans in adulthood. Wiehebrink came up with the concept of the day after she rescued her dog Cooper and several others in 2009.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), which is a nonprofit organization established in 1866, more than three million dogs enter shelter homes every year. Many of these dogs are also a result of overpopulation due to dogs not being spayed or neutered. Dogs face a lot of difficulties when on the streets. They do not have proper access to food, shelter, and safety. Furthermore, they are subjected to human cruelty in the form of maltreatment by humans and being run over by vehicles. However, once these dogs are rescued and provided with care and love, they can be adopted/fostered. Rescue dogs can prove to be great friends, teachers, and helpers, especially as service dogs. They can also provide emotional support to those suffering from mental issues relating to depression, PTSD, anxiety, etc. Additionally, young kids can learn to provide care, love, and affection to other living beings through caring for rescue dogs, as is the aim of Wiehebrink’s campaign regarding this day.
National Rescue Dog Day timeline
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is established in Britain to provide welfare services to abandoned dogs.
The veterinarians at ASPCA perform the first open-heart surgery on a dog.
The ASPCA partners with the NYPD to answer calls relating to animal cruelty in the city.
More than 70,000 of Lisa Wiehebrink’s “Tails That Teach'' books reach more kids all over the U.S.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Rescue Dog Day
Local businesses can champion National Rescue Dog Day by partnering with nearby animal shelters for adoption events, offering discounts to new adopters, or hosting donation drives for pet supplies. Pet stores can feature success stories of adopted pets, while veterinary clinics can offer free initial check-ups for newly adopted dogs. Restaurants and cafes might host ‘Paws on the Patio’ events, donating a portion of proceeds to local rescues. Businesses can also encourage employees to volunteer at shelters or share their own rescue dog stories to inspire community involvement.
National Rescue Dog Day FAQs
When is National Rescue Dog Day?
In 2027, National Rescue Dog Day will be observed on Thursday, May 20. This annual observance is a crucial reminder of the millions of shelter dogs awaiting their forever families.
How many dogs are in shelters each year?
While the exact number fluctuates, around 3.1 million dogs are estimated to enter shelters annually in the United States. National Rescue Dog Day serves as a vital platform to reduce this number through community action.
How many rescue dogs are adopted annually?
Each year, approximately 2 million dogs find new homes through adoption from shelters and rescue organizations. This consistent rate of adoption is a testament to the tireless work of animal welfare advocates and loving families.
What is the difference between a rescue dog and a shelter dog?
While often used interchangeably, a shelter dog is specifically one residing in an animal shelter, whereas a rescue dog is one saved from neglect, abandonment, or abuse, often by a rescue group that might place dogs in foster homes rather than a central facility.
How To Observe National Rescue Dog Day
Adopt/foster a dog
This is your sign to adopt a furry friend. One of the best ways to celebrate the day is by adopting or fostering a rescue dog. You will be providing a safe place filled with love and kindness to the animal and, in return, you will receive friendship and unconditional love.
Volunteer at a shelter
Volunteer your services and time at a rescue dog shelter. This is the second-best way to celebrate the day. You can shower dogs with love and care by taking them out for walks, or playing a game or two of fetch with them, or feeding them during their mealtimes, and so forth.
Spread awareness
Use the internet to spread awareness about the day. Use hashtags like #NationalRescueDogDay on social media platforms. Start a conversation about the campaign with others.
5 Facts About Animal Cruelty That Will Blow Your Mind
Dogs are the most abused
Of all animals facing abuse and neglect, 65% are dogs, making them the most abused animals.
Domestic violence and animal abuse
Animal abuse often goes hand in hand with domestic violence as 71% of the domestic violence cases also involve animal abuse.
Three million mink murders
In the U.S., three million minks are killed for their fur every year.
Animal hoarding victims
One of the worst forms of animal abuse is animal hoarding and, each year, around 250,000 animals are victims of animal hoarding in the U.S.
Sloths death due to tourism
A majority of sloths, caught for tourism, often die within six months of being kept in captivity.
Why We Love National Rescue Dog Day
It’s a celebration of dogs
Pop culture often talks about the loyalty of dogs. Apart from this, dogs are also quite popular for their friendly and loving nature. These qualities and much more call for a celebration of dogs and what they symbolize.
It’s a celebration of animal-human friendship
One of the main aims of the day is to encourage and foster friendship between humans and animals. By becoming friends with animals, humans can learn the meaning of patience and unconditional love.
It’s a celebration of empathy
Empathy is a much-needed, timeless quality. Understanding somebody’s struggle and pain in life, and just being there for them is one of the greatest gifts humans can give to others. This is why, whether you choose to adopt, or foster, or volunteer your time for a rescue dog, you will be doing a great deal for the emotional wellbeing of that animal.
Social Media Tips for National Rescue Dog Day
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