Yes, National Dog Day is a real holiday. It was first created in 2004 by Colleen Paige, a dog trainer and pet adoption activist. We celebrate National Dog Day every year on Aug. 26 with deals and freebies for our favorite pups.
What can you expect for this pet holiday in 2026? Here are all the deals to watch for next Aug. 26.
Offers, prices, and local participation may vary.
National Dog Day is an annual holiday with cheap and free deals for dogs.
National Dog Day was founded in 2004 by pet expert Colleen Paige as a way to celebrate dogs of all breeds.
The holiday also brings awareness to dogs in shelters and honors dogs that help law enforcement or provide aid to people who need it.
Colleen chose the date, Aug. 26, because it signifies the day Colleen’s family adopted her dog, Sheltie, when she was just 10 years old.
Nowadays, Colleen partners with large rescue organizations, like The Humane Society of the United States and West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue, to encourage new pet owners to adopt, not shop.
The next National Dog Day will happen on Aug. 26, 2026.
Every year, National Dog Day is celebrated on Aug. 26. In 2026, this pet holiday is today, Wednesday, Aug. 26.
Predicted National Dog Day Freebies and Deals 2026
From free pup cups (typically whipped cream or ice cream) to free ID tag and a doggie bandana, here are some deals we anticipate for next year.
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Bruster's : Bruster's will likely celebrate National Dog Day in 2026, like they do everyday with a FREE Doggie Sundae for your canine companion.
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Caribou Coffee : Perks members can look forward to a FREE pup cup at Caribou Coffee on National Dog Day next year.
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Chill-N : In 2026, we predict Chill-N will offer FREE pup cups for the entire month of August.
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Culver's : Order a free pup cup at Culver's.
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Dunkin' : Fido can enjoy a free Dunkin' pup cup.
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Dutch Bros. Coffee : Get a free pup cup at Dutch Bros. Coffee.
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FidoAlert : Celebrate National Dog Day 2026 with a FREE FidoAlert Pet ID and tag.
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Petco : We anticipate Petco will offer a free Pumpkin Spice pup cup, no purchase required for National Dog Day 2026.
Other places that offer pup cups free year-round, including on National Dog Day:
Score a FREE SuperPet Smart ID Tag.
In celebration of National Dog Day 2026, watch for Purina to offer a completely free, web-enabled smart tag from DynoTag. All you'll have to do is fill out a short form, and you'll receive the tag in about six weeks.
Each tag has a QR code that links to a private cloud drive where you can store vital information about your pet, including vet records and more detailed contact information. If your fur baby gets lost, anyone with a phone and internet access can view the documents you uploaded. Plus, you’ll get an instant email notification (with location information!) whenever your pet’s tag is viewed.
Visit Scooter's Coffee for a free fall-themed pup cup for National Dog Day.
Watch for Scooter's Coffee to offer a FREE special fall pup cup with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top and a dog treat with any purchase. Plus, they'll likely offer a freebie like a doggie bandana. Note free pup cups are always available at Scooter's Coffee with any purchase year round.
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