Never Bean Better Day – Aug. 22, 2026

Never Bean Better Day
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AppreciationDogPet
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United States
Date change rule:
Every August 22
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Never Bean Better Day, observed every August 22, is dedicated to celebrating the profound bond we share with our canine companions, especially therapy dogs like Bean. These furry friends offer unconditional love, comfort, and emotional support in various settings. Take this opportunity to appreciate the special dogs in your life, support therapy dog programs, and spread some ‘wuv’ to those who need it most.

Want to sponsor Never Bean Better Day? Learn how

Expected Never Bean Better Day Deals

While Never Bean Better Day isn’t typically a major retail sales event, many pet-focused brands and organizations use this time to promote appreciation for therapy dogs and pet welfare. Look for special promotions from companies like Petco and PetSmart offering discounts on treats, toys, or grooming services, often with a portion of proceeds benefiting animal charities. Independent pet stores may host adoption events or fundraisers for local therapy dog groups. Organizations like Pet Partners and Therapy Dogs International often highlight donation matching programs or volunteer opportunities. We will update this page with confirmed live deals and initiatives as August 22 approaches.

Platform Guide for Never Bean Better Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NeverBeanBetterDay. Share heartwarming photos or videos of your canine companions, especially if they’re therapy dogs.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NeverBeanBetterDay. Post stories about how a therapy dog has impacted your life or community.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NeverBeanBetterDay. Share facts about the benefits of animal-assisted therapy or retweet inspiring stories of service dogs.

Social Media Tips for Never Bean Better Day

Individuals

Spend quality time with your dog, treating them to their favorite activities or a new toy. Consider volunteering at a local animal shelter or supporting a therapy dog organization.

Creators

Produce content showcasing the bond between humans and therapy dogs. Interview handlers, demonstrate training techniques, or share behind-the-scenes glimpses of therapy visits.

Brands

Launch a campaign highlighting your commitment to animal welfare or supporting therapy dog programs. Partner with a local shelter for an adoption drive or offer a special discount for pet owners.

Partners & Brands for Never Bean Better Day

  1. Pet Partners

    Founded in 1977, Pet Partners is the largest non-profit registering therapy animals in the U.S. They train and evaluate volunteer teams who provide animal-assisted interventions in various settings, from hospitals to schools.

  2. Therapy Dogs International

    Established in 1976, Therapy Dogs International (TDI) is a volunteer organization dedicated to regulating, testing, and registering therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers. They provide comfort and companionship to people in institutions.

  3. Muttville Senior Dog Rescue

    Founded in 2007 by Sherri Franklin, Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco is dedicated to improving the lives of senior dogs. They rescue, foster, and find homes for older canines, many of whom go on to become therapy dogs.

  4. Chewy

    Founded in 2011, Chewy is a leading online retailer of pet food and products. They often partner with animal welfare organizations and provide resources for pet owners, supporting the overall well-being of canine companions.

  5. Purina

    With a history dating back to 1894, Purina is a global leader in pet care, producing a wide range of pet food and treats. They actively support pet adoption, responsible pet ownership, and animal-assisted therapy programs through their various initiatives.

  6. The Dogist

    Founded by Elias Weiss Friedman, The Dogist is a popular photography project and brand celebrating dogs through captivating portraits and stories. They often feature therapy dogs and promote the positive impact of canines on human lives.

  7. BarkBox

    Launched in 2011, BarkBox is a monthly subscription service for dogs, delivering toys, treats, and chews. They frequently collaborate with animal shelters and advocate for pet adoption and responsible dog ownership, aligning with the spirit of canine appreciation.

Never Bean Better Day Hero

Bean the Therapy Dog

Bean is a beloved registered therapy dog whose 'wuv' inspired Never Bean Better Day. Through her work in hospitals, schools, and shelters, Bean exemplifies the profound emotional support and unconditional love that therapy dogs bring to those in need. Her gentle presence and comforting nature have made a significant impact, highlighting the vital role these animals play in healing and well-being.

History of Never Bean Better Day

Dogs have rapidly grown to be essential members of the household and community at large. We love them for their companionship, never-ending love, not to mention they make the best cuddle buddies and look incredibly adorable while at it.

Alongside companionship, dogs are useful for so many other essential parts of human livelihood. Our canine friends can be trained as guard dogs, hunting dogs, police dogs, guide dogs for the blind, and even therapy dogs as well. However, today we are particularly emphasizing one of the functional attributes of dogs — their therapeutic quality.

Bean is a celebrity canine, who is best known for his canine chatter and ‘woo woo,’ and has made several appearances on shows, fundraisers, and even quoted in “The Wall Street Journal.” Bean grew up to be a registered therapy dog in a loving Golden Retriever home and was named Neversink’s Never Bean Better at birth. Since then, he has been spreading his ‘wuv’ at hospitals, rehab centers, long-term care facilities, and schools across the U.S. since 2011. He is one of the casts of the infamous Facebook page, “Never Bean Better” alongside his canine and human brothers and sisters, where they constantly spread the Bean ‘wuv’ worldwide. Bean’s cartoon character that has appeared throughout the Facebook page, and in the form of coloring pages shared with sick children and patients of memory care units, was the muse for the Never Bean Better toy dog.

August 22 is a special day set aside to appreciate the renowned therapy dog, and the unconditional love of all our canine friends. This is the perfect day to reciprocate and share the ‘wuv’ of our best canine companions.

Never Bean Better Day timeline

2009
Bean is Born

Neversink’s Never Bean Better is born in Morgantown, Pennsylvania on August 22.

2011
Therapy Dog

Bean becomes a registered therapy dog at the age of two.

2012
Presidential Dog

Bean becomes a member of the Presidential Canine Party, making a cross-country tour during the presidential election.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Never Bean Better Day

Local businesses can honor Never Bean Better Day by recognizing the incredible work of therapy dogs and supporting pet welfare. Pet supply stores could host a ‘Therapy Dog Appreciation Day’ with special discounts for owners of registered therapy dogs or donate a percentage of sales to local therapy animal organizations. Veterinary clinics might offer free wellness checks for therapy dogs, while coffee shops could organize a pet-friendly patio event to raise funds for a local shelter. Restaurants could highlight pet-friendly menu items or create a ‘Bean’ themed treat, encouraging patrons to share photos of their dogs.

Never Bean Better Day FAQs

When is Never Bean Better Day?

Never Bean Better Day 2026 falls on Saturday, August 22, offering a perfect weekend opportunity to celebrate our furry friends and the special therapy dogs who bring so much comfort.

How many therapy dogs are there in the U.S.?

While exact numbers fluctuate, organizations like Pet Partners and Therapy Dogs International register tens of thousands of therapy dog teams across the U.S. These dedicated dogs and their handlers visit countless individuals annually, providing comfort and support.

What is the difference between a service dog and a therapy dog?

A service dog is trained to perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability, granting them public access rights under the ADA. A therapy dog, conversely, provides comfort and affection to many people in various settings like hospitals, but does not have the same public access rights.

What does 'Bean wuv' mean?

‘Bean wuv’ refers to the unconditional love and comfort offered by therapy dogs, inspired by the original therapy dog, Bean, for whom the day is named. It embodies the gentle affection and emotional support these special canines provide.

Never Bean Better Day Activities

  1. Share the Bean ‘wuv’

    The best way to celebrate puppy love is by showing it yourself. Take some time out today to spread some love and kindness to anyone who needs it, especially to and with your canine friend.

  2. Follow the Never Been Better tail

    You can follow Bean’s tail across all social media platforms and on their website as well @neverbeenbetter or @neverbeenbetterwoowoo. You can purchase one of their products or, even join the fun by using the hashtags #beanwuv #NeverBeanBetterDay or #neverbeanbetter.

  3. Go to a dog park

    When was the last time you visited your local dog park? Today will be the perfect day to take your dog to the dog park, play around and engage in several fun-loving activities with them. If you don’t have a pet, today will still be a great day to show other pets love or adopt one from a local shelter.

5 Important Facts About Therapy Pets

  1. Therapy dogs are as old as World War II

    Therapy dogs were used as early as WWII to boost the spirit of recovering soldiers with P.T.S.D.

  2. They ease mental and emotional disorders

    The simple act of petting or even being around a pet can reduce mental and emotional disorders such as anxiety, depression, stress, and even lower our blood pressure and heart rate.

  3. Fish tanks in doctor’s offices

    Fish tanks are quite prevalent in waiting rooms because studies have shown that watching fish can actually calm people down, slow heart rates, lower blood pressure, and reduce anxiety and muscle tension.

  4. Some therapy animals start out in prison

    Certain programs pair up inmates with budding assistance dogs, to train these dogs under the guidance of a professional dog trainer — and in doing so, learn skills to assist in their own rehabilitation.

  5. They can help kids with learning disabilities

    Children with learning disabilities can often feel self-conscious when learning to read aloud, but reading to a dog can give them an avenue to do so without fear of being judged for their mistakes.

Why We Love Never Bean Better Day

  1. It highlights the importance of therapy and pets in therapy

    Therapy is an essential part of our emotional and mental development as humans. Never Bean Better day emphasizes that, and even more so, how essential our pets can be in the entire process as well.

  2. The love always overflows

    Never Bean Better Day is a celebration of unconditional love from our dogs and pets in general. This gives us a reason to appreciate, reciprocate and share that love with them and others around us as well.

  3. It is a great reason to adopt a pet

    What better day is there to get a new pet than the Never Bean Better Day? There are so many pets out there, stray or not, in need of a new home. If you needed a sign to get a pet, this is it.

Never Bean Better Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 August 22 Saturday
2027 August 22 Sunday
2028 August 22 Tuesday
2029 August 22 Wednesday
2030 August 22 Thursday