National Rescue Dog Day: Tips & Treats to Support Shelter Dogs

May 20 is National Rescue Dog Day - a perfect chance to support shelter dogs through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness. 

This day isn’t just for people ready to adopt. It’s for anyone who cares about animals and wants to give a dog without a home a little extra love, attention, or comfort - helping them feel like part of a family. Every action, big or small, brings a rescue dog one step closer to the happy, safe life they deserve.

This guide will show you how to support shelter dogs with the right food, comforting products for anxiety, and treats that make them feel loved and cared for.

What is National Rescue Dog Day?

National Rescue Dog Day was started in 2018 by Lisa Wiehebrink, children's book author and Executive Director of Tails That Teach - a nonprofit that helps children learn the kind and responsible care of their pets. They raise awareness about shelter dog overpopulation and encourage people to take action in whatever way they can.

Around 3.1 million dogs enter U.S. shelters every year. Most of them are healthy and loving, but a lot of times they’re there because of things beyond their control, like behavioral issues, their owners struggling with money, or having to move and not finding a pet-friendly place to live.

Tips to Celebrate and Support National Rescue Dog Day

Shelters are often over capacity, which can lead to longer stays, stressed animals, and sometimes even euthanasia. The issue isn’t a lack of compassion - it’s a lack of awareness and easy ways to help. That’s exactly what National Rescue Dog Day is here for. Here’s how you can make a difference:

1. Visit Your Local Shelter - Even Just to Look

You do not have to leave with a dog today. Simply showing up at your local shelter, spending time with the animals, and learning about their stories helps shelters in more ways than one.

2. Consider Adopting a Rescue Dog

If you have been thinking about bringing a dog into your life, today is a meaningful day to make that move. Rescue dogs come in all sizes, ages, and personalities. Many are already vaccinated, microchipped, and house-trained.

3. Foster a Dog If You Are Not Ready to Adopt

Fostering is one of the most valuable things you can do for a rescue dog that is not widely talked about. Foster families provide a temporary home between shelter stays, helping dogs recover, build social skills, and become more ready for adoption.

4. Volunteer a Few Hours at a Local Shelter

Shelters always need extra support. Walking dogs, spending time with anxious animals, or helping at adoption events all make a direct difference to the well-being of animals waiting for homes. Even a few hours of your week has more impact than you might think.

5. Donate Dog Food, Blankets, Toys, or Funds

Rescue organizations run on very limited budgets. Donating dog food, blankets, toys, or financial support goes directly toward the daily care of shelter animals. Check with your local shelter about what they need most - sometimes a bag of food or a box of treats for rescue dogs.

6. Share Adoption Stories on Social Media

Social media is one of the most powerful tools in the rescue community. Sharing a shelter dog's photo, posting an adoption story, or using the hashtag #NationalRescueDogDay can introduce a dog to thousands of potential adopters in seconds.

If You Do Adopt - Supplies & Treats to Have Ready

Decided to take the leap? Having the right supplies for your rescue dog before they arrive makes those first days much more comfortable. Begin with:

• Special Dog food matching what they were eating at the shelter - sudden changes upset their stomach.
• A dog bed with raised sides - gives anxious dogs a safe, enclosed feeling.
• A collar, leash, and ID tag - get it on immediately, even if they are already microchipped.
• Chew toys release feel-good hormones and reduce anxiety and stress naturally.
• Anxiety relief products like calming chews - for dogs that need extra support settling in (always check with your vet on side effects first).

Every Action Counts

Whether you adopt, foster, volunteer, donate, or simply share a post today, you are part of something bigger. Every action on National Rescue Dog Day creates a ripple through the rescue community - reaching dogs still waiting in kennels and the people working hard to support them.

Happy National Rescue Dog Day! Show your rescue dog love with HardyPaw’s special dog products, making every meal, cuddle, and walk even more special.