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National Dogs in Politics Day

Celebrate National Dogs in Politics Day by taking your pup for a walk and showing your support for canine civic engagement!

Wednesday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 23

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAnimals

SUBCATEGORYDogs

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to bark for joy on National Dogs in Politics Day on September 23! This special day celebrates the important role that canines have played throughout history as political figures, with some dogs even becoming elected officials. It's also a great way to pay tribute to all the furry friends out there who are making their mark in politics. So grab your pup and join us in celebrating National Dogs In Politics Day!

TIMELINE

National Dogs in Politics Day Timeline

"Checkers Speech"

Richard Nixon refers to his family's dog, Checkers, during a nationally-televised address. This moment is commonly known as the "Checkers Speech".

Sputnik 2

Laika, a stray dog from Moscow, became the first animal to orbit Earth as part of Soviet mission Sputnik 2.

Him and Her

President Lyndon B. Johnson drew public criticism after lifting his pet beagle, Him, by the ears on the White House lawn.

Murphy Brown

Murphy Brown, a Labrador Retriever, unofficially "served" as chief of staff to Mayor Wilbur of Sunol, California.

Bo Obama

Bo, a Portuguese Water Dog, was gifted to the Obama family and became the 'First Dog' of the United States when President Obama took office.

Duke the Mayor

Duke, a Great Pyrenees, famously won the mayorship of Cormorant, Minnesota, serving until 2019.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Dogs in Politics Day

Organize a rally

Gather up your friends and organize a rally to promote dogs in politics. Have people dress up as their favorite political pooches and march from one end of your town to the other.

WRITE

Write a letter

Write a letter to your local and state representatives advocating for dogs in politics. Explain why you think they should be included in the political process.

HOST

Host a debate

Invite some of your friends to a debate party on National Dogs in Politics Day. Discuss the pros and cons of allowing canine candidates into the political arena.

VOTE

Vote for your pup

Register your pup as an official candidate for any upcoming election, even if it is just for local office. It's not the same as being elected, but it's still fun.

DONATE

Donate to animal rights organizations

Find an organization or charity that works towards giving animals a voice in politics and donate to them on National Dogs in Politics Day.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Dogs in Politics Day

Dogs can help de-stress

The demands of high office can be taxing, both mentally and physically. Having a canine companion around can provide much needed stress relief for hardworking politicians – who deserve all the moral support they can get! And don't forget, petting a friendly pup has scientific evidence that it reduces levels of stress hormones and increases feel good hormones like oxytocin.

Dogs bring joy to politics

Having a dog on the campaign trail or in the Oval Office can bring some levity and joy to what is often a stressful and exhausting job. The presence of a four-legged friend can lighten the mood, ease tensions, and create memorable moments between politicians, staff, and voters alike.

Dogs can be powerful symbols

Many presidential dogs have become powerful symbols of their administrations, from Franklin D. Roosevelt's beloved Fala to Barack Obama's pup Bo. These furry friends help humanize their owners and give them an emotional connection with average Americans – which can be invaluable in times of crisis or during an election campaign.

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