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National Fetch Day

October 17

National Fetch Day

Celebrate National Fetch Day with your pup - get out and play a game of fetch in the park for some quality bonding time!

Yearly Date
Third Saturday in October
Observed in
United States
Category
Animals
Subcategory
Dogs
Holiday Calendar
Last updated February 7, 2026 by the Holiday Calendar Team
Have an update or spot an error?

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate National Fetch Day on the third Saturday in October! This holiday is all about celebrating our furry friends and encouraging them to get out and enjoy some quality time, whether it's at a park, beach or even your own backyard. The history of fetch dates back centuries and is said to have originated from a game of stick throwing between English lords during the 17th century. Today, fetch has become a popular way for dogs and their owners to spend time together outdoors. So grab your pooch, a stick or ball and head outside for some fun!

National Fetch Day Timeline

1600s
Fetch: The Beginnings
The origins of fetch are traced back to 17th century England where English lords played a stick-throwing game that laid the foundation for fetch.
1800s
Recognized as Dog Play
By the 19th century, fetch had transformed from a human game into a popular dog activity, forming an essential part of canine play and training.
1940s
Inclusion in Dog Training Literature
Fetch was increasingly mentioned in dog training literature and guides, signifying its growing significance in advice on pet care and training.
1985
The First Dog Frisbee Championships
Fetch took sporting form with the organization of The World Canine Frisbee Championships, emphasizing the entertainment and competitive potential of fetch.
2018
First National Fetch Day
Petmate, the pet product company, founded National Fetch Day highlighting the importance of exercise for dogs and cementing fetch as a beloved activity for pets and their owners.

How to Celebrate National Fetch Day

1

Play fetch with your pet

What better way to celebrate National Fetch Day than by playing a game of fetch with your pet! Make sure to use a toy that your pet enjoys, and have fun.

2

Go to the park

Take a trip to the park and play fetch with friends and their pets. Enjoy the fresh air, exercise and some good old fashioned fun.

3

Make a fetch themed party

Create a fetch themed party complete with fetch themed decorations and food. Invite friends and their pets for a fun and festive day.

4

Compete in a fetch tournament

Find out if your local pet store or animal shelter is hosting a fetch tournament. Put your skills to the test and compete for a prize.

5

Go for a fetch walk

Go for a walk around the neighborhood, playing fetch with your pet as you go. Enjoy the outdoors and the company of your furry friend!

Why We Love National Fetch Day

A

Fetch is fun!

Playing fetch is a great way to spend time with your furry friend. It's also a great way to tire them out, as they have to run back and forth between you in order to get the toy. Plus, it's so much fun to watch your pup excitedly sprint around trying to find the toy!

B

Fetch encourages good behavior

Playing fetch can help train your dog to obey commands such as 'Sit', 'Come', or 'Drop.' Through repetition, your dog will learn that if they do something correctly for you, they'll be rewarded with a treat or their favorite toy - which makes them more likely to repeat the behavior again in the future.

C

Fetch is an excellent form of exercise

Playing fetch with your pet is an excellent way for them (and you!) to stay active. Not only does it keep both parties mentally stimulated, but it provides physical exercise - perfect for burning off some energy while having fun at the same time.

Holiday Dates

Year Date Day
2023 Saturday
2024 Saturday
2025 Saturday
2026 Saturday
2027 Saturday