Get Social With US!
Get Social With US!
SHAKE SHACK NATIONWIDE FUNDRAISER
On May 20, 2026, celebrate National Rescue Dog Day with Shake Shack! For every hot dog sold nationwide, Shake Shack will donate $1 to Tails That Teach, helping us inspire children to care for pets with kindness, safety, and responsibility. Grab a hot dog, support the mission, and make a difference for kids and animals across the country.
From neighborhood events to national campaigns, shelters, companies and media outlets are coming together to celebrate National Rescue Dog Day and shine a spotlight on the importance of rescue, adoption, and humane education. Through special events, fundraising initiatives, community partnerships, on-air features, digital stories, and social media campaigns, brands and media partners are helping raise awareness for rescue dogs while inspiring kindness and compassion in communities everywhere.
Take a look below at just some of the awesome National Rescue Dog Day events taking place coast to coast in 2026. Be sure to check in your area for ways to participate in a global movement that gives rescue dogs the love, visibility, and second chances they deserve.
Have an event to share? Let us know…send an email to: lisa@tailsthatteach.org.
2026 EVENTS
ARIZONA
Verde Valley Humane Society (Cottonwood): Open adoption and take a dog out for the day event.
CALIFORNIA
Pasadena Humane Society (Pasadena, CA): Adoption fees waived for all adult dogs 6 mos. & older during the “May I Go Home With You” campaign that runs May 15-24.
Wags & Walks (Los Angeles, CA): Runway Playa Vista alongside Wags & Walks are dedicating the afternoon on May 20 to adorable rescue pups, community, and giving back. Meet adoptable dogs looking for their forever homes or bring your own furry friend.
OC Animal Care (Irvine, CA): Adoption fees waived* for dogs over 25 lbs. through the end of May for the “May I Go Home With You” campaign (*waived adoption fees do not include licensing fees or puppies 6 months of age or younger).
LA Animal Services (Los Angeles): Adoption fees waived for dogs over 4 mos. old though the month of May at five shelter locations
Hope Ranch Animal Sanctuary (Temecula): Head to 1909 in Old Town Temecula to celebrate the best day ever (National Rescue Dog Day, of course!). Meet adoptable dogs, enjoy bites and drinks from 1909 and hop over across the street to the sanctuary.
COLORADO
El Paso County CAnine Rescue (Colorado Springs): Meet your new best friend at the Paw-ty & Adoption event
FLORIDA
BarkHaven (Orlando): All rescued dogs will receive free entry for the day. We’re also working to have a local rescue organization on-site, giving guests the chance to connect and learn more.
West Palm Beach Pet Care (West Palm Beach) will be hosting a Sunset Pup Social on May 20 (5:30–8:30 PM) at Northwood Art & Music Warehouse!
ILLINOIS
Pup Social Club (Chicago): A National Rescue Dog Day Fundraising Social on May 20 at Pup Social Chicago honoring the incredible rescue dogs who have found their forever homes, and raising money for the Chicago Rescue Authority.
KENTUCKY
Raising Cane’s Fundraiser (Louisville): Raising Cane’s will donate 15% of net sales to Friends of Metro Animal Services
MARYLAND
Capital Wheel at National Harbor (Oxon Hill): Celebrate man's best friend with a spin on the wheel. Dogs ride free with a paying adult. Limit 2 dogs per adult.
Park-9 Dog Bar (Everett) Bring your rescue dogs for a night of play, connection, and celebration of their stories. All rescue dogs receive free entry for the evening!
MASSACHUSETTS
Great Dog Rescue New England (Cambridge): Dog-friendly, fundraising event at the C-Side Bar with adoptables!
TEXAS
SPCA of Texas (Dallas): Meet you new best friend at the mobile adoption event.
VIRGINIA
2026 National Rescue Dog Day 5K & 10K (Arlington): Dog-friendly 5K/10K race at Bluemont Park benefiting Lost Dog & Cat Foundation
Gone to the Dogs - 14th Annual Dog Day (Colonial Beach): Parade, contests, dog adoptions, vendors, and more!
CANADA
Dogs in Flight Exhibit + Adoption Event (Toronto): Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport will host a rescue dog adoption event as part of the “Dogs in Flight” rescue photography exhibit.