National Puppy Day 2026

Introduction to National Puppy Day

National Puppy Day is a highly anticipated special day here at Bark ATL. It is a national holiday that takes place on March 23^rd, founded in 2006 by animal behaviorist and author, Colleen Paige. Monday is the 20^th anniversary of National Puppy Day.

National Puppy Day is not only a day designed to celebrate the unconditional love that our great furry friends bring into our lives, but also a day created to bring awareness to the orphaned puppies that are in need of love and homes.

10 Ways to Celebrate National Puppy Day

While not a complete list, here are 10 of our favorite ways to celebrate this warm and fuzzy holiday:

1. Buy your pup a new toy.
2. Give your pup extra attention and playtime.
3. Invite other puppies and their owners over for a puppy play date.
4. Bake homemade treats.
5. Have a nice cuddle session with your puppy to show them how much you appreciate them!
6. Adopt a puppy from a local shelter. A few local options include:
   • PAWS Atlanta: A No-Kill Animal Shelter in Metro Atlanta
   • Atlanta’s Largest No Kill Animal Shelter & Rescue | Dog & Cat Adoption | Furkids – Georgia’s Largest No Kill Animal Rescue & Shelters
   • Atlanta Humane Society | Dog & Cat Adoption | Pet Rescue
   • Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends (AARF) – Non Profit in Atlanta facilitating Pet Adoptions, a Pet Food Pantry, and Community Programs for Pets
7. Explore a new trail or dog park – get your fur baby (and yourself) out of the house.
8. Don’t leave your puppy at home alone when you’re at work, give them a treat and bring them over to Bark ATL so they can be taken care of with love and care and play with new friends.
9. Donate money, food, toys or volunteer time to a local shelter.
10. Read some adorable quotes about puppies.

In the spirit of this holiday, we wanted to share two of our favorite quotes about puppies:

• “Puppies are the most trusting, innocent and joyous creatures on the planet. Oh, how I strive to be more like a puppy.” -Colleen Paige
• “There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.”- Bern Williams

Another way you can celebrate National Puppy Day is enjoying cute and “punny” memes that can be found all over the web:

Are you feeling the puppy spirit? Post your favorite photos of your furry friends on our Facebook page.

Happy National Puppy Day!