What and When Is National Rescue Dog Day?

National Rescue Dog Day is observed each year on May 20th. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the thousands of dogs in shelters across the United States who are waiting for loving, permanent homes.

According to national estimates, approximately 3.1 million dogs enter shelters annually. Tragically, due to overcrowding and limited resources, around 390,000 of these dogs are euthanized each year. National Rescue Dog Day exists to spotlight this urgent issue—and to inspire action from compassionate pet lovers nationwide.

A joyful, diverse group of people smiling beside their adopted rescue dogs at a sunny outdoor adoption event

The History of National Rescue Dog Day

National Rescue Dog Day was founded in 2018 by Lisa Wiehebrink—a children’s book author and Executive Director of Tails That Teach. Her inspiration came from Cooper, the loyal rescue dog she adopted. Their deep bond and Cooper’s resilient, joyful spirit moved Lisa to launch a movement that celebrates shelter dogs and supports the organizations caring for them.

Since its founding, National Rescue Dog Day has grown into an annual initiative that raises funds for animal shelters, promotes responsible adoption, and hosts community adoption events nationwide—all powered by FurPetVo’s ongoing support and outreach through furpetvo.com.

Lisa Wiehebrink sitting with her rescue dog Cooper on a cozy living room floor, both looking warmly at the camera

The Best Ways to Observe National Rescue Dog Day

You don’t need to wait for May 20th to make a difference—every day is an opportunity to help. But this special day offers a powerful moment to rally friends, family, and your community around a shared mission: giving rescue dogs the love and stability they deserve.

  • Adopt or Foster a Dog: Bringing home a rescue dog is the most direct way to change a life—including your own. If you’re ready for the commitment, visit local shelters, browse adoptable pups on furpetvo.com, or connect with trusted rescue groups in your area.
  • Donate or Volunteer: Shelters rely heavily on donations of food, supplies, and time. Consider organizing a supply drive—or spend a few hours helping walk dogs, clean kennels, or support adoption events.
  • Spread Awareness: Share stories of rescue dogs on social media using #NationalRescueDogDay. Highlight success stories, share facts about shelter statistics, and encourage others to explore adoption through FurPetVo’s verified shelter directory.
  • Support Responsible Breeding Alternatives: Choose adoption over purchasing from breeders or pet stores. FurPetVo helps families find healthy, well-socialized rescue dogs—and provides free post-adoption resources to ensure lasting success.
Volunteers walking multiple leashed rescue dogs along a tree-lined neighborhood street during a community foster program event

Whether you adopt, foster, donate, or simply share a story, your actions contribute to a kinder, more compassionate future for dogs in need. National Rescue Dog Day reminds us that every dog deserves safety, dignity, and love—and with FurPetVo’s tools, guidance, and community, making that vision real has never been easier.

A heartwarming side-by-side photo: one image shows a lonely dog in a shelter kennel; the other shows the same dog, now relaxed and happy, curled up on a sofa with their new human family