National Mutt Day

Next celebratedSaturday, July 31, 2027

Celebrate National Mutt Day by adopting a furry friend! Give a rescue pup the loving home they deserve and experience unconditional love.

See how to celebrate

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Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar TeamHave an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEJuly 31

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAnimals

SUBCATEGORYDogs

INTRO

Introduction

Celebrate National Mutt Day on July 31 and give your furry four-legged friend the attention they deserve! This special day was created to raise awareness about all the wonderful mutts out there, who often get overlooked for purebred dogs. It's also a great opportunity to learn more about rescuing and adopting these amazing animals from shelters or rescue organizations.

DEALS & OFFERS

2026’s deals have wrapped

See who celebrated this year, and browse offers from past years.

Offers wrapped for 2026

National Mutt Day ran on July 31. Here’s who celebrated with offers this year.

1 brand offered a deal this year

Humane Society for Greater Lafayette

See past offers

TIMELINE

National Mutt Day Timeline

Beginnings of Dog Shelters

In the 1800s, the concept of a dog shelter originally emerged as a response to stray dogs in urban areas.

Popularity of Purebreds

Throughout the 1900s, purebred dogs gained popularity, often overshadowing their mutt counterparts.

No-Kill Movement

The no-kill movement began in the 1970s, advocating for no-kill animal shelters and promoting adoption over euthanasia.

First National Mutt Day

The inaugural National Mutt Day was celebrated in 2007, introduced by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige to promote adoption and acceptance of mixed breed dogs.

Increased Mutts Adoption

During the 2010s, more people have started to adopt mutts, recognizing their unique traits, increased lifespan, and the necessity of providing homes for these often-overlooked animals.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Mutt Day

Adopt a mutt

Visit your local animal shelter or rescue organization and find the perfect pup for you. You may even meet your new best friend.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a shelter

Many shelters are always in need of volunteers to help out with walking the dogs, cleaning cages, or just providing companionship to the animals.

ORGANIZE

Organize a fundraiser

Organize a fundraiser to benefit your local animal shelter. Ask your friends and family to donate items that can be auctioned off or raffled off at the event.

Share photos online

Share photos of your own dog on social media, tag them with #NationalMuttDay, and encourage all your followers to do the same.

HOST

Host a Mutt Pawty

Gather all your pup pals and host an outdoor party complete with games, treats, and plenty of belly rubs!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Mutt Day

Mutt dogs come in all shapes & sizes

From short fur to high energy, there's a mutt out there that has just perfect for anyone. There's no need to worry about finding the 'right' breed when adopting a mutt - you can customize your pup based on whatever personality traits and physical characteristics you desire!

Mutt dogs are loving and loyal companions

Mutt dogs are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and unconditional love. They make great family pets as they provide humorous entertainment as well as companionship - always up for an adventure or just snuggling on the couch with their people!

Mutt dogs represent rescue & adoption

Adopting a mutt dog (or any animal for that matter!) is so important to helping reduce overcrowding in shelters and giving these once homeless four legged friends a chance at a loving home. Not to mention, these animals learn quickly and usually have the best personalities you can imagine!