Celebrate Responsible Dog Ownership Day and Month Every September
September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month, and in the middle of this celebration comes Responsible Dog Ownership Day.
The day was created by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2003 to promote (what else) responsible dog ownership.
The AKC encourages affiliated organizations to hold events during the month of September to help doggy parents accomplish that goal.
Hundreds of organizations across the country take part each year.
Scroll down for some ideas on celebrating this unofficial doggy holiday.
How to Celebrate Responsible Dog Ownership Day and Month
Well, duh! Be a responsible dog owner.
Many communities, kennel clubs and other animal related organizations have events for the day each year in September. Check with your community or nearby organizations to see what’s going on near you.
You can also check out the AKC’s searchable online event database.
The AKC’s official day seems to usually be during the third or fourth weekend in September. Other organizations around the country may hold their events on the same day, but not always. Many do seem to have it the same weekend, even if not the same date (ie.- Sunday instead of Saturday).
Activities at these events often include:
- Dog parades
- Microchip clinics
- Health screenings
- Training classes
- More
Sign the AKC’s Responsible Dog Ownership Pet Promise. In it you promise to do things like socialize your dog, make sure he has fresh water and good food, give him regular vet visits and more.
(Of course, you’re probably doing all these things anyway, but it never hurts to have a reminder. It’s so easy to lose track of things like vaccination due dates in the hubbub of everyday life).
Can’t make it to a live event? Follow the AKC Facebook page to celebrate virtually!
You may also like to check out the AKC’s Resource Materials page. It links to a wealth of information on responsible dog ownership and activities for kids. They’re actually for organizations to use in their education efforts, but you can find lots of useful information to help you in your own responsible dog ownership.
For your kids, you might also like to download:
- Bailey’s Responsible Dog Owner’s Coloring Book, and
- The Dog Listener, a book on how to be safe around dogs
(Both links take you directly to the PDF book).
Will you be learning more about being a responsible dog owner this September?
Do you have any tips or resources to share about being a responsible dog owner?
