National Dog Day Happens Every Year on Aug. 26: Deals to Expect

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.

In honor of dogs and the people who love them, several retailers and restaurants offer National Dog Day deals. Purina even gives out FREE SuperPet Smart ID Tags.

Aside from helping dog owners save on pet supplies, some food chains like Dunkin’, take proceeds from your purchase to help animals in need. So it’s a win-win for us all.

Below are some deals we expect to see on National Dog Day this August.

For more smart shopping tips and savings hacks, text HACKS to 57299. Or, download the Krazy Coupon Lady app. Also, make sure to check out our tips on the best pet loyalty programs so you can earn rewards while saving money.

What is National Dog Day?

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 Human Society of The United States and West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue, to encourage new pet owners to adopt, not shop.

Related: 8 Ways to Get Pet Freebies for Your Furry Friends

National Dog Day Deals 2024

From deals on pet toys to free tattoos from Barkbox, here are some deals we expect to return in 2024.

Score a FREE SuperPet Smart ID Tag!

In celebration of National Dog Day, this August, we predict Purina will 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.

Enter a contest with BarkBox to get a free tattoo of your pet!

This year, keep an eye out for the BarkBox Dog Tattoo Contest. If you're one of the 100 winners, BarkBox will give you a $150 prepaid Visa card for a tattoo of your dog. Yes, really. Plus, your pup will receive a gift bundle for being your muse. If the contest returns this year, you can get more details and enter the Dog Tattoo Giveaway here for your chance to win.

Order an iced latte via the Dunkin’ app on Aug. 26 and Dunkin’ will donate $1 to support the Dogs for Joy program.

Dunkin’ celebrates National Dog Day by supporting the Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation Dogs for Joy program (increase in-residence dog programs in children's hospitals). When you order an iced latte (including espresso, chai, or matcha) via the Dunkin’ mobile app on National Dog Day, Dunkin' donates $1.

Stop by Krispy Kreme on Aug. 26 to grab special doggie doughnuts.

Watch for Krispy Kreme to celebrate National Dog Day with special Doggie Doughnuts on Aug. 26.

Gift your pup a subscription to Super Chewer and they’ll get treats and toys every month.

Treat your pup to a subscription to Super Chewer. Each month your dog will receive two tough toys and two full-size bags of treats. You can customize your monthly subscription box based on your dog’s size, breed, and nutritional preferences.