National Dog Mom's Day lands on the second Saturday of May every year — that's May 9, 2026, and May 8, 2027. Created in 2018 by the dog-lovers' dating app Dig, this unofficial holiday celebrates the women (and honestly, anyone) who love, spoil, and care for their dogs like family. It falls the weekend before human Mother's Day.
When is Dog Mom Day each year?
Dog Mom Day is tied to a day of the week rather than a fixed calendar date, so it moves a little each year. It is always the second Saturday in May, which keeps it neatly one week ahead of Mother's Day (Dogster). Here are the upcoming dates to circle:
- 2026: Saturday, May 9
- 2027: Saturday, May 8
- 2028: Saturday, May 13
- 2029: Saturday, May 12
Because it always falls on a Saturday, Dog Mom Day is easy to build a whole weekend around — a morning hike, a patio brunch, and a lazy afternoon of belly rubs all fit the theme.
Is it "Dog Mom Day" or "National Dog Mom's Day"?
You will see both, and they refer to the same holiday. The official listing on the National Day Calendar registry is "National Dog Mom's Day," while plenty of people shorten it to "Dog Mom Day" or "National Dog Mom Day" in everyday use and on social media (Days of the Year). Whichever spelling you use, the hashtag to search on the day itself is usually #NationalDogMomsDay or #DogMomDay.
Who created Dog Mom Day, and why?
National Dog Mom's Day was launched in 2018 by Dig, a dating app built for dog lovers. The team behind the app wanted a dedicated day each year to thank the millions of women who pour time, money, and affection into their dogs, and they petitioned to have the observance added to the National Day Calendar for the second Saturday in May (National Today).
The timing was intentional. Placing Dog Mom Day the weekend before Mother's Day gives dog parents — many of whom consider their pups genuine family members — their own moment in the spotlight, without competing with celebrations for human moms. Since then it has grown into a full-blown social media event, with brands, shelters, and dog parents flooding feeds with photos of their four-legged kids.
Why Dog Mom Day resonates with so many people
The rise of Dog Mom Day mirrors a bigger cultural shift: dogs have moved firmly from the backyard to the center of the family. Surveys consistently show that the vast majority of dog owners describe their pets as family, buy them birthday and holiday gifts, and factor them into travel, housing, and daily routines. For people who are not parents to human children — or whose dog simply is their baby — the holiday offers a genuine, guilt-free reason to celebrate that bond.
It also doubles as a feel-good moment for the rescue community. Many organizations use the day to thank foster families and dog parents and to spotlight adoptable dogs still waiting for their own moms and dads. If you have been thinking about adding a dog to your life, the days around Dog Mom Day are a wonderful time to visit a local shelter.
How to celebrate Dog Mom Day
There is no wrong way to celebrate, but here are some of the most popular ideas, from low-key to all-out:
- Take an adventure together. A special hike, a beach trip, or even a long, unhurried walk somewhere new is the classic way to mark the day (PetsRadar).
- Go out to eat. Book a table at a dog-friendly spot and let your pup join the party. If you are in the Twin Cities, our guide to the best dog-friendly restaurants in Minneapolis is a great place to start, and it helps to brush up on summer patio etiquette before you go.
- Bake homemade treats. Whip up simple dog-safe biscuits at home — just remember the veterinary "10% rule" that keeps treats to no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories (American Kennel Club).
- Schedule a spa day. A grooming appointment, a new plush bed, or an at-home bath-and-brush session pampers both of you.
- Capture the memory. Do a mini photo shoot and share it with #DogMomDay, or commission a keepsake you'll have long after the day passes.
- Give back. Donate to or volunteer with a local rescue in your dog's honor.
Dog Mom Day gift ideas
If you are shopping for a dog mom in your life — or dropping hints for yourself — the best gifts celebrate the specific dog, not just dogs in general. A few crowd-pleasers:
- A custom pet portrait of her dog
- Matching human-and-dog accessories, from bandanas to sweaters
- A subscription treat or toy box
- A cozy upgraded dog bed or a heated blanket for winter
- A DNA or breed-and-health test for the mystery-mutt moms
Stuck for inspiration? Our roundup of 60 gifts for dog lovers is packed with ideas at every budget.
Frequently asked questions
When is Dog Mom Day in 2026?
National Dog Mom's Day is Saturday, May 9, 2026. It always falls on the second Saturday of May, the weekend before Mother's Day.
Is Dog Mom Day the same as Mother's Day?
No. Dog Mom Day is its own holiday on the second Saturday of May, deliberately placed one week before Mother's Day (the second Sunday in May) so the two don't overlap.
Is National Dog Mom's Day an official federal holiday?
No. It is an unofficial observance recognized by the National Day Calendar, not a public or federal holiday, so there is no day off work — just a fun reason to spoil your dog.
Is there a Dog Dad Day too?
Yes. National Dog Dad Day is celebrated separately, typically in mid-June around Father's Day, giving dog dads their own turn to be honored.
How did Dog Mom Day get started?
The dog-lovers' dating app Dig created it in 2018 and successfully petitioned to have National Dog Mom's Day added to the National Day Calendar for the second Saturday in May.
The bottom line
Dog Mom Day is the second Saturday of May — May 9 in 2026 — a growing, unofficial holiday that gives dog parents a heartfelt reason to celebrate the pups they love like family. Whether you mark it with a hike, a patio brunch, homemade treats, or a donation to a shelter, the only rule is to make your dog feel like the family member they are.
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