Last updated: August 12, 2026
Celebrate your canine friends this National Dog Month
The University of Washington is ably represented by our top dog, Dubs. His floof and Husky spirit bring smiles to all he encounters. For many staff, getting their picture with Dubs is a highlight of working at the UW. It was for this author.
Dogs enrich our lives in so many ways. This August, recognize the awesomeness of dogs for National Dog Month. Founded by Milk-Bone brand in 2020, National Dog Month is an opportunity to celebrate all the ways dogs make our lives better. And although October is National Adopt a Dog month, anytime is a good time to adopt if you are looking for a new best friend.
Research demonstrates that living with dogs makes us happier, less stressed and more optimistic. Dogs and other companions animals can help lower blood pressure, ease anxiety and provide social support.
Ways to recognize National Dog Month
- Donate to your local shelter or to a larger dog nonprofit through payroll deduction or a one-time gift with the UWCFD.
- Volunteer! Nearly every local animal shelter and service provider has started accepting volunteers again. Walk and socialize dogs, organize donations, help out in the office, attend events – whatever engages your interests. Not only will the dogs appreciate the support, but so will their future human companions.
- If you’d like to support or volunteer at a safe haven for pets of people experiencing relationship violence, search the Safe Havens Mapping Project.
During National Dog Month we also celebrate International Assistance Dog Week, beginning Monday, August 3. Consider fostering an assistance dog in training.
Companion animals in need/empty bowls
The rising cost of food impacts the whole family – pets included. Pet food prices have grown roughly 24% to 28 % compared to pre-pandemic prices. This has led to growing food insecurity among animals. The increased costs strains the budget of many households and impacts the ability of local shelters to provide food.
In King County, that burden is eased a little by Oogie’s Ohana Pet Food Bank at Seattle Humane. They collect and distribute pet food donations to pet owners in the community. The program provides nearly 1 million meals each year of donated pet food to families and food banks throughout the region. Oogie’s serves more than 23,000 clients annually through Seattle Humane and about 90 partner organizations. By providing pet food, they help pets stay with their families during hard times and helps reduce the number of animals surrendered to shelters.
The Seattle Animal Shelter served more than 1,200 clients last year and Homeward Pet Adoption Center expects to exceed 155,000 pounds of food distributed to food banks and animal shelters. Seattle Area Feline Rescue hosts the Stay SAFe pet pantry providing food and other supplies for cats and dogs.
Companion animals are an important part of many families. If you or someone you know is struggling to feed your pet, there are a variety of pet food banks and other services available to help keep your pets in your home. Have some food a picky pet won’t eat? Donate it. There is a pet out there who will be happy to have it.
Putting our best paw forward
Through the UWCFD, you can support nonprofit organizations doing impact work by connecting dogs and other animals with people and keeping their bowls full. Make a one-time gift or set up an ongoing payroll deduction by searching for a charity by name or cause. If you don’t see the organization you’re looking for, reach out at uwcfd@uw.edu and we’ll work to get them added.
Your gift makes a difference.