National Walking the Dog Day - Want to celebrate Walking the Dog Day in style? We got the best activities, recipes, discounts, and deals to make your day great.

National Walking the Dog Day 2025 – February 22, 2025

February 22 is National Walking the Dog Day! This day combines two of the most happy-making things we have in this life: dogs and exercise. Humans love walking with their four-legged friends, and pooches love their strolls with their people. So grab your walking shoes, a leash, and some treats for the road, and take your favorite pooch for a stroll to celebrate National Walking the Dog Day!

National Walking the Dog Day timeline

September 17, 1884
The American Kennel Club Opens

The world’s largest and oldest not-for-profit pure-breed dog registry is founded.

1960
Open for Business!

Jim Buck starts his profession as a professional dog walker in New York.

1961
Puppy Love

In “101 Dalmatians” Roger and Anita meet while taking their dogs Pongo and Perdita for a walk.

September 8, 2015
Dog Myths Revealed

The theory that dogs are color blind is found to be a myth.

National Walking the Dog Day Activities

  1. Share a special treat

    Dogs love their treats, and one special way of rewarding them on this day is by providing a unique dog snack for them during their walk. Keep some treats in your pocket for spontaneous snack breaks or reward them with a favorite snack at home.

  2. Try a different trail

    Dogs love exploring new terrain. If you are a city dweller, venture out to the nearest nature park, or simply try a different route than normal. Your dog will love exploring the new sights, scents, and sounds.

  3. Take a walk

    Don’t have a dog of your own to walk on National Walking the Dog Day? Maybe it’s time to remedy that by visiting your local animal shelter. Take some dogs in need of adoption on a stroll, or even better, ask about adopting, and enjoy walking the dog, every day.

Why We Love National Walking the Dog Day

  1. The perfect start to the day

    Is there any better way to begin the day than by going on a walk with your dog? Picture a cup of coffee in your hand, your dog’s leash in the other, dew on the grass and the sun coming up over the rooftops. It’s a great way to get your blood flowing, your mind moving, and for you and your dog to get some light exercise before breakfast.

  2. The best bonding exercise

    Walking the dog offers an opportunity for dogs and their people to connect while exploring the neighborhood together. A dog on a walk is also a great way for humans to meet each other, and for dogs to socialize with other animals out on walks of their own.

  3. A well-walked dog is a calm dog

    Dogs have a lot of energy and need to exert it daily. If a dog has not been walked, he may become restless and cause chaos around the home. We love taking our dogs for as many walks as possible to ensure that their time at home is relaxing and restful.

National Walking the Dog Day dates

Year Date Day
2023 February 22 Wednesday
2024 February 22 Thursday
2025 February 22 Saturday
2026 February 22 Sunday
2027 February 22 Monday