National Dog Day is August 26 every year.
Who got #nationaldogday off the ground? It was in 2004 when Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate, Colleen Paige, decided to declare the holiday. She's also the founder of National Puppy Day, National Cat Day and National Mutt Day, which I covered last month.
I don't know about you, but in my house it feels like every day is National Dog Day. My entire day centers around spending time with my dogs Oscar and Sadie, taking them for as many walks as I can (assuming the weather cooperates), and snuggling with them once the day is done.
Even so, on August 26 there will be legit things you can do to celebrate National Dog Day. But what if you want to celebrate National Dog Day in your own way?
I've put together a list of six things to do with your dog on National Dog Day or any day of the year!
1. Find a National Dog Day Celebration
Lots of cities will be celebrating National Dog Day. Many of these celebrations will be held in local parks. One such event is happening in Atlanta, sponsored by Autotrader, which invites all Atlanta dogs and their humans to its National Dog Day #ParkandBark event on Friday, August 26, at Atlanta’s Historic Fourth Ward Park, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Park and Bark event will feature pet-friendly vehicles and accessories, doggy ice cream, pet adoption sponsored by Bosley’s Place, prizes and more. Enjoy the festivities while learning valuable safety skills demonstrated by professional dog trainers and pet experts from Argos DogWorks, Frogs to Dogs and Noodle and the Pea. This event is free and open to anyone looking for tail-wagging fun.
2. Take a Road Trip with Your Pup
Autotrader, the third-party car shopping site, confirms that taking your pooch with you in the car and on a trip is quite popular. According to their survey, 52% of dog owners take their dogs on car trips at least once per week. Three in five have road tripped more than 100 miles with their pups. If you are going to hit the road with your dog, make sure you find a dog-friendly hotel where you can stay. Some chains that welcome pups include:
Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels offers more than 2,000 pet-friendly lodging options. Through 12/31 you can save 20% off pet-friendly lodging.Intercontinental Hotels
The entire Intercontinental Hotels chain is pet friendly. This includes Holiday Inn Express locations nationwide.Hilton Hotels
Some of the brands in the Hilton Hotels family that welcome pets include DoubleTree by Hilton and Home 2 Suites by Hilton.Motel 6
Pets are always welcome at Motel 6.Red Roof Inn
3. Find a Dog-Friendly Beach
One of the benefits of living at the Jersey Shore is that there is a dog beach one town away. Not only does the beach welcome dogs, but it is free to park and get on the beach. Even better during the off-season many of the beaches on the Jersey Shore allow dogs to be on the sand with their owners. Last year it was so warm on New Year's Day that we took Oscar and Sadie to the beach.
Motel 6 recently put together a list of the six most bark-worthy beaches to visit with your pet. This list includes the pet-friendly Motel 6 locations nearby.
FYI, Motel 6 welcomes up to two obedient pets per room (for free) at any of its 1,330 locations. Here's that list:
Fiesta Island Off Leash Dog Park (San Diego, California)
Have a fiesta with your fur baby on this long stretch of private beach, located on an island in Mission Bay. With small bonfire pits and picnic areas scattered throughout the grounds, Fiesta Island is a great daylong destination for all. After hours of fun in the sun, stop by the Motel 6 San Diego Downtown for an affordable pet-friendly stay.
Fort De Soto Park (St. Petersburg, Florida)
Largely recognized as one of America’s best beaches, The Paw Playground has a large fenced-in area for dogs of all sizes to roam, with refreshing showers that will cool even the hottest of hounds. If by dusk you’re both dog-tired from exploring wildlife trails, gorgeous parks and campsites, nearby Motel 6 Bradenton offers clean, modern accommodations.
Montrose Dog Beach (Montrose, Illinois)
Let your dog be the unleashed leader of the pack at Chicago's first official off-leash beach. Montrose boasts a beautiful shoreline for pets and owners to enjoy from sun up to sun down. After you’re both burned-out, sit, stay and lay at the Motel 6 Chicago O’Hare Schiller Park (which has plenty of greenery for walking your pups).
Folly Beach (Folly Beach, NC)
Fondly referred to by locals as the Edge of America, this charming destination is filled with diversity from delightful food and rich history to beautifully expansive beaches. The surrounding areas cater to pets with plenty of restaurant and lodging options including the Motel 6 Charleston SC.
Galveston Beaches (Galveston, Texas)
A short drive from Houston, Galveston Beach boasts 32 miles of dog-friendly sand and sea year-round. This gulf coast destination has a state park nearby, as well as water stations and other perks for your pup. Skip the trip home after a long day of adventure and stay at the affordable Motel 6 Galveston.
Virginia Beach (Virginia Beach, VA)
Cater to your canine companion with a vacation at Virginia Beach – a pet-friendly town offering everything from recreation to restaurants for the entire family to enjoy. From the three-mile boardwalk to the bustling Town Center, this destination has countless means of amusement. Forego costly accommodations and crash at the newly renovated Motel 6 Virginia Beach VA.
4. Take Your Dog Out for a Treat
At my local Dairy Queen I can get a super cheap, kid-sized vanilla soft serve for my pups. Another chain that serves up ice cream for dogs? Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard, which has 37 restaurants in Colorado and Wyoming. Its Pawbender doggie ice cream treat is only $1.25.
5. Wear Clothes that Show Your Love for Your Dog
One of the most dog-loving brands is Life is Good. So it's no surprise that the brand has put together a whole shop for National Dog Day. You can shop the all new National Dog Day collection at Lifeisgood.com!