National Dress Up Your Pet Day is celebrated annually on January 14. The observance was established in 2009 by Colleen Paige, a pet lifestyle expert and animal welfare advocate. It was created to encourage playful interaction with pets while raising awareness about adoption, responsible ownership, and the needs of animals in shelters.
History and Founder
Colleen Paige developed the day as part of her wider effort to use themed observances to bring attention to animal welfare. She is also the creator of National Dog Day and National Cat Day, both dedicated to increasing visibility for homeless animals and supporting rescue organizations.
When Is National Dress Up Your Pet Day Celebrated?
National Dress Up Your Pet Day is observed each year on January 14. Below is a list of upcoming dates for the observance through 2030.
| Year | Date and Day |
|---|---|
| 2026 | January 14, Wednesday |
| 2027 | January 14, Thursday |
| 2028 | January 14, Friday |
| 2029 | January 14, Sunday |
| 2030 | January 14, Monday |
Popularity and Participation
National Dress Up Your Pet Day originated in the United States but is now observed worldwide, with many participants sharing photos and videos under the hashtag #NationalDressUpYourPetDay.
Its growing visibility mirrors the expansion of the pet fashion industry. In 2024, Americans were estimated to have spent about $700 million on pet costumes.
🐾 Discover all national days dedicated to cats, dogs, and pets! Celebrate your furry friends and their special moments all year round. 🐶🐱🎉
Purpose and Meaning
National Dress Up Your Pet Day uses creativity to bring attention to the relationship between pets and their caregivers while keeping animal welfare at its core. The observance encourages participation from pet owners, shelters, and animal organizations to support adoption efforts, promote responsible care, and emphasize the importance of comfort and safety for all animals.
- Promoting pet adoption: Shelters and rescue groups often share photos of adoptable pets to increase visibility and reach potential adopters.
- Strengthening the human–animal bond: Dressing up encourages quality time and interaction between pets and their caregivers.
- Highlighting pet apparel as functional care: The day also acknowledges practical pet clothing, such as winter coats or protective wear, not just decorative costumes.
How to Celebrate National Dress Up Your Pet Day
Celebrating National Dress Up Your Pet Day does not require elaborate costumes. The focus is on fun interaction, comfort, and spending time with your pet. These ideas keep the activity simple, enjoyable, and animal-friendly.
- Pet Fashion Show – Turn your living room into a runway by dressing your pets in different outfits and letting them strut down the “catwalk” (pun intended). Invite family members or friends to judge the outfits, or just have fun snapping lots of pictures to share on social media.
- Match Your Pet’s Outfit – Create matching outfits with your pet by coordinating colors or dressing up in a themed costume, like a superhero duo or royal pair. Take a walk or snap some selfies at home to capture the moment—you’ll both look adorable.
- DIY Pet Accessories – Gather craft supplies and make custom accessories for your pet, like a bandana with their name, a sparkly bowtie, or even a small hat. It’s a fun way to bond with your pet and add a personal touch to their style.
- Themed Pet Photoshoot – Set up a creative backdrop using blankets, props, or decorations that match your pet’s costume, such as a pirate scene or a royal throne. Take some professional-looking photos and frame the best one to remember the fun.
- Treat and Dress Combo – Once your pet has shown off their outfit, reward them with some of their favorite treats. You can even create a special meal or treat-tasting session to add extra fun to the day for your furry friend.
Remembering Harry Whitter Frees
Harry Whittier Frees (1879–1953) was an American photographer known for creating staged images of live animals dressed in human clothing. Produced in the early 20th century, his photographs appeared on postcards, calendars, and in children’s books and are often viewed today as an early form of animal-centered visual humor, long before the internet era.
Frees worked exclusively with live animals—most often kittens, puppies, and rabbits—and relied on tailored costumes, miniature props, and quick exposures to capture each scene. The process was demanding and stressful, with only a small number of usable photographs from each session. Despite these challenges, his playful images became very popular and remain an important reference point in the history of pet costume photography.
