National Puppy Day (March 23)

ByClare Brown Updated on
Four golden retriever puppies sitting together in a wicker basket on green grass outdoors.

National Puppy Day on March 23 is basically an official excuse to talk about puppies all day without anyone questioning it.

Yes, they’re adorable. Yes, they chew things they shouldn’t. And yes, they somehow manage to look proud about it.

The day isn’t just about cute photos (although there will be plenty of those). It was created to spotlight adoption and remind people that bringing home a puppy is a long-term commitment, not an impulse decision.

If you love dogs, this is one of the sweetest weird holidays in March.

When is the Holiday?

It’s celebrated every year on March 23. Simple, no moving dates, just one dedicated day for puppies and the people who love them.

Who Invented It?

It was founded in 2006 by animal behaviorist Colleen Paige. Her goal wasn’t just celebration, it was awareness.

Specifically, awareness around shelter adoption, puppy mills, and responsible pet ownership. The cute factor gets attention, but the message behind it matters just as much.

Three brown puppies standing on hind legs investigating a large potted houseplant indoors

The History of the Holiday

Since it began, the day has grown mostly through word of mouth and social media. Shelters, rescues, and everyday pet owners have helped spread it.

Over time, it’s become a reminder to adopt rather than shop, to spay and neuter, and to think carefully before bringing home a dog.

Puppies are wonderful. They’re also work. This day manages to hold both truths at once.

Small brown and black puppy sitting in a wicker basket looking at the camera

Top 5 Facts About the Holiday

  1. It was created to encourage adoption from shelters and rescues.
  2. It draws attention to the reality of puppy mills.
  3. Many shelters run adoption events or reduced fees around March 23.
  4. Social feeds fill up quickly with puppy photos every year.
  5. Some workplaces even host puppy visits for morale (with mixed productivity results).

Coloring Page

If you want something simple to go along with the day, this free National Puppy Day coloring page is an easy way for kids (and adults) to join in on the puppy celebration.

National Puppy Day Coloring Page
Puppy Coloring Sheet

Activities to Celebrate

If you’ve genuinely been thinking about adopting, this can be a good time to start the conversation with a local shelter. Not because it’s trendy, but because you’re ready.

If adoption isn’t in the cards, there are plenty of other ways to mark the day. Volunteer to walk dogs at a shelter. Drop off blankets, food, or toys. Even sharing a local rescue’s posts can help them reach someone looking to adopt.

At home, it can be simpler. Take your dog on a longer walk. Teach a new trick. Rotate their toys so they feel “new” again. Or just sit on the floor and give them the attention they always assume is theirs.

And if you don’t have a dog? Visit a friend who does. You’ll still get the tail wags.

Black and white husky puppy chewing a plush toy on hardwood floor

Related Recipes

  • Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats – An easy mix of peanut butter, flour, and eggs baked into simple shapes. Basic, but most dogs will be thrilled.
  • Puppy-Themed Cookies – A regular sugar cookie recipe dressed up with paw prints or bone shapes. Fun for kids who want to celebrate without the cleanup of a real puppy.
  • Mint Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) – The classic chocolate-and-cereal snack mix with a mint twist. Not for dogs, despite the name, just for sharing while you scroll puppy photos.

Links to Resources

  • Puppy Adoption Information. Learn about the adoption process, find a local shelter, and understand the responsibilities of bringing home a puppy.
  • Basic Puppy Training Tips. A comprehensive guide covering crate training, housebreaking, socialization, and obedience commands to help your puppy develop good habits.
  • KONG Puppy Chew Toy. Made from soft rubber, this chew toy is designed for teething puppies, helping to soothe sore gums while providing entertainment and reducing destructive chewing.
  • Blue Buffalo Puppy Food. A high-quality, natural dog food with real meat, wholesome grains, and essential vitamins, specifically formulated to support a growing puppy’s development.
  • Puppy Training Pads. Super absorbent, leak-proof pads that make house-training easier by providing a designated area for your puppy to relieve itself.
Brown and white puppy running across green grass with tongue out on National Puppy Day

Related Holidays

  • National Dress Up Your Pet Day (January 14) – A lighthearted excuse to pull out the sweaters, bandanas, or full costumes. Whether your dog tolerates it is another story.
  • National Love Your Pet Day (February 20) – A broader celebration of all pets, not just puppies. It’s less about adoption awareness and more about appreciating the animals already curled up at home.
  • International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day (February 23) – Focused entirely on treats. A good reason to try a new recipe or splurge on something special from the pet store.
  • National Pets in Film Day (June 19) – Celebrates the animals who’ve stolen scenes in movies and TV shows. Perfect for a dog-themed movie night.
  • National Take Your Dog to Work Day (Friday after Father’s Day) – Some offices participate, some definitely don’t. Either way, it highlights the bond between pets and their people.
  • National Dog Day (August 26th) – A larger, well-known celebration that promotes adoption and responsible ownership for dogs of all ages.

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Fluffy puppy sitting inside a white wire basket on wooden floor for National Puppy Day March 23