National Puppy Day

National Puppy Day History

National Puppy Day celebrates the joy that puppies bring into our lives. This observance also raises awareness about the horrors of puppy mills and to promote adoption from shelters and rescue groups. It seeks to discourage individuals from buying puppies from pet stores or irresponsible breeders, which often have ties to these inhumane puppy mills. This day also serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with owning a puppy, such as their physical needs, their need for socialization, training, health care, and ensuring they have a safe environment.

National Puppy Day was established by pet lifestyle expert and author, Colleen Paige, in 2006. Canadians have enthusiastically embraced this day as a way to shine a spotlight on the issues concerning puppy mills and the importance of adopting from shelters. While any day is a good day to adopt a canine companion, National Puppy Day provides a particular impetus for Canadians to help in reducing the number of homeless dogs. The day also encourages Canadians to celebrate the unconditional love and joy puppies bring to our lives.

Canadians observe National Puppy Day in various ways. Some choose to adopt a puppy from a shelter on this day, while others donate time or resources to local animal rescues. Schools and community groups organize educational activities to teach responsible pet ownership. Many Canadians also celebrate the day by spending quality time with their puppies, sharing their love for their furry friends on social media, or simply acknowledging the importance of puppies in our lives. National Puppy Day is celebrated annually on March 23rd.

Facts about National Puppy Day

• According to the World Organization for Animal Health, in 2022, there are about 700 million dogs worldwide.
• Puppy mills are commercial, dog-breeding organizations that focus on profit, while ignoring the health and welfare of the animals. 3 million puppies are killed in puppy mills because they are too full and not enough have found homes.
• A dog is the only thing on Earth that loves you more than he loves himself. – Josh Billings, famous humorist
• In Canada, the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) has been known to use National Puppy Day to highlight the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for potential pet owners to consider the commitment required to care for a puppy.
• Puppies in Canada are typically vaccinated at around six to eight weeks of age, and they will get a series of shots every three to four weeks until they are about 16 weeks old. The core vaccines include distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus and rabies.

In the News and Trending in Canada for National Puppy Day

Top things to do in Canada for National Puppy Day

• Visit an animal shelter and adopt a puppy in need. Most cities have a local shelter where you can visit and adopt a pet in the same day. Remember to spay or neuter your pet in order to control the stray dog population.
• Spread awareness by using the hashtags #nationalpuppyday and #puppyday on social media and also share pictures of your dog or pictures of dogs you like.
• Participate in a Charity Walk: Many animal organizations hold charity dog walks on National Puppy Day. This is a fantastic opportunity to get some exercise, meet other dog lovers, and support a good cause.
• Dog Walk-athons: Charity walk-athons for dog-related causes often land on National Puppy Day. Participants can bring their puppies along for the walk to join in the fun.