- Categories:
- Animal
- Tags:
- FunPet
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every September 30
- Holiday emoji:
- 🐾
Pet Tricks Day arrives every September 30, inviting pet owners to deepen their bond with beloved animals through playful training. This day encourages discovering new ways to spend quality time, whether teaching a dog to fetch, a cat to high-five, or a hamster to navigate an obstacle course. Grab some treats, practice a new skill, and share your pet’s amazing talents!
Want to sponsor Pet Tricks Day? Learn how
Expected Pet Tricks Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows that Pet Tricks Day inspires a flurry of deals from pet supply retailers and training services. Expect major brands like PetSmart and Chewy to offer discounts on training treats, interactive toys, and agility equipment. Local pet stores and doggy daycares may host special trick workshops or offer introductory rates on obedience classes. Keep an eye out for online promotions from companies like BarkBox and Kong, which often feature bundles tailored for active pets. Even smaller brands like Good Boy treats might have special offers. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September 30 approaches.
Platform Guide for Pet Tricks Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #PetTricksDay. Film a short, engaging video of your pet performing their favorite trick, or show a ‘before and after’ training montage.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #PetTricksDay. Share adorable photos or reels of your pet’s clever antics. Ask followers to share their pets’ best tricks in the comments.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #PetTricksDay. Create a community post asking for user-submitted pet trick videos and photos, fostering engagement.
Pet Tricks Day Hero
Karen Pryor
History of Pet Tricks Day
In 2021, dog trainer Joe Nutkins created National Pet Tricks Day to honor the joy that pets can bring to us. The day was created to honor the joy of spending time with pets of all kinds, sizes, and talents. Every year, according to the Humane Society of the United States, 13 million cats and dogs enter shelters. People who have pets should take good care of them and spend time with them.
Tricks are behaviors, and teaching them to your pets puts them in a learning state. Tricks are activities that can be done for fun, such as praying, or for physical activity, such as weaving poles or spinning, or as valuable practical skills. Trick training is becoming increasingly popular, and many Canine Good Citizen Testers include a few tricks in their seminars.
‘Trick dog training’ as we know it started in the 1920s with Rin Tin Tin, the cinema dog. “Lassie” was produced for feature films in 1943 by a Rough Collie named “Pal.” Rudd Weatherwax, Pal’s trainer, published a trick dog training textbook in the 1940s. Positive reinforcement and food rewards for correct behavior were used in the handbook, which was an unusual training strategy at the time. Captain Arthur Haggerty trained dogs for movies in the 1960s and co-authored the book “Dog Tricks” in 1977. There are at least 10 trick dog training books and D.V.Ds available now.
Pet Tricks Day timeline
Trick dog training as we know it starts with Rin Tin Tin, the cinema dog.
Rudd Weatherwax, Pal's trainer, publishes a trick dog training textbook.
‘Stupid pet trick’ is introduced to the David Letterman morning show.
Dog trainer Joe Nutkins creates National Pet Tricks Day.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Pet Tricks Day
Local pet stores and training centers can host ‘Trick of the Day’ workshops, offering free demonstrations or discounted classes for new tricks. Groomers might offer a ‘Best Behaved Pet’ discount for animals who perform a trick during their visit. Even cafes could feature a ‘Paws-itively Talented’ photo contest, inviting patrons to share pictures of their pets doing tricks for a chance to win a gift card. The key is to celebrate the bond and intelligence of pets.
Pet Tricks Day FAQs
When is Pet Tricks Day?
Pet Tricks Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, September 30, offering a mid-week opportunity to engage with your furry, feathered, or scaled companions.
How many pets can learn tricks?
Virtually any pet can learn tricks, from dogs and cats to birds, rabbits, and even fish. The key is patience, positive reinforcement, and understanding your pet’s unique learning style and capabilities.
How popular are pet tricks?
Pet tricks are incredibly popular, both as a bonding activity for owners and as entertainment on social media. Millions of videos showcasing pets performing amazing feats circulate online, inspiring others to teach their own companions.
What are some easy pet tricks to teach?
Some easy tricks include ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ ‘paw’ (or ‘shake’), ‘lie down,’ and ‘come.’ These foundational commands can be taught with consistent positive reinforcement, using treats and praise.
Pet Tricks Day Activities
Adopt an animal
If you've been thinking about getting a pet, today might be the day. Keep in mind that you're not limited to dogs and cats. House bunnies are easy to litter train, and talking birds can be entertaining.
Record your pooch or kitty
Persuade your adorable cat or pooch to do things like posture, pounce, primp, pout, or play the piano. Use your social media accounts to share the video.
Pamper your pets today
What does your pet enjoy doing? A belly rub or a squeaky toy? Today, spoil your pet by having them perform a few tricks for you.
5 Interesting Facts About Pets
Pets make people happy
More than once a day, 94% of pet owners say their animal companion makes them smile.
Animal oral illness
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, by the age of three, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have indications of oral illness.
Continuous self-grooming
Cats groom themselves for around 30% of their waking hours.
$75 billion for pet care
Pet care and goods cost around $75 billion each year.
Cats have no collarbone
One of the reasons cats are so adaptable is that they lack a collarbone.
Why We Love Pet Tricks Day
A time to bond
The majority of American families have a pet. This day serves as a reminder of the value of spending time with and bonding with our pets.
Pets are members of the family
According to a survey, 95% of pet owners consider their pets to be family members. This represents a seven-point improvement over 2007.
Pets are entertaining
Only a pet can fetch a ball, pounce on a laser pointer, or chew carrots from your palm. Enjoy seeing your hamster load its cheeks, your guinea pig chew up a T.P. tube, your cat purr on you, and your dog high-five you.
Pet Tricks Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 30 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | September 30 | Thursday |
| 2028 | September 30 | Saturday |
| 2029 | September 30 | Sunday |
| 2030 | September 30 | Monday |
Social Media Tips for Pet Tricks Day
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