National Fetch Day for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Saturday, October 15th. There are until the next observance.

Grab your dog and the nearest Chuckit! toy, because October 15 is National Fetch Day, an opportunity to get out in the yard, get some exercise, and make memories. Fetch may be one of the oldest ways for people and dogs to spend time together, but Chuckit!, the company behind National Fetch Day, has made it more fun for everyone.

πŸ“† When is National Fetch Day?

This year, National Fetch Day is on October 15th. It is the 3rd Saturday in October; in 2023, it is on Sunday.

Countdown to National Fetch Day

β†’ Did you know: Rescuers in the Bahamas discovered a dog that had survived Hurricane Dorian for 20 days. He was trapped under an air conditioner for three weeks in Marsh Harbour, Abaco Islands. Miracle is his new name.

You can also learn all interesting things you didn’t know about and facts about October 15, 2022.

πŸ“œ History of National Fetch Day

This is when fetch enters the picture. Dogs served numerous functions as hunting partners, one of which was to fetch foodβ€”think of the bloodhound from Duck Hunt, but without the snide laughs. The breeds that excelled at this key component were more likely to survive and become the retrieve enthusiasts we know and love today. The necessity to obtain food was eventually supplanted by considerably less survivalistic efforts (ya know, like snuggling and taking up the whole bed). So, the action of fetching turned into the game of fetch, but with a stronger element of bonding.

So, why do dogs engage in fetching? They are biologically and mentally predisposed to the game, it turns out. It feels wonderful for them to play fetch. The activity produces a “runner’s high,” which activates the reward centers in their brains. The tickling of the reward areas becomes self-sustaining. Dogs who enjoy playing fetch are more likely to do so.

There’s also the bonding element. Dogs are typically loyal animals, and the link formed while playing catch between a dog and his owner has a tremendous influence on that relationship. It gives the dog (and, who are we kidding, the person) much-needed exercise while also physiologically and psychologically reinforcing the bond. Dogs enjoy playing fetch. They like to play fetch with their owners. Dogs adore their owners. What great mathematics, eh?

β˜‘οΈ National Fetch Day facts

βœ… Red, white and barking!
Americans adore dogs, and we own almost 75 million of them! France has the second highest number of dog owners.

βœ… Dogs actually get jealous
According to research, your dog may become envious when they watch you engaging with another animal. This National Fetch Day, spend some quality time with them!

βœ… Doggie inheritance?
Around one million dogs are identified as the major beneficiaries in their owners’ wills!

✨ Things to do on National Fetch Day

⚑ Party at home; Win a shopping spree.
The Chuckit! celebrates the national holiday with a Chuckit! Champ’s Shopping Spree is a $500 guided shopping experience on Petmate.com. To enter for a chance to win, go to www.chuckitsweeps.com and follow the instructions. Remember to use the hashtag #nationalfetchday and tag @chuckitfetchgames!

⚑ Support some local business and score some swag.
National Fetch Day is always more enjoyable when celebrated with others. Chuckit! collaborates with local companies every year, and this year is no exception. Get some free Chuckit! stuff by eating, drinking, or shopping locally. only at the curb. For more information, visit petmate.com/nationalfetchday.

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πŸ“… National Fetch Day Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2023 October 15 Sunday
2024 October 15 Tuesday
2025 October 15 Wednesday
2026 October 15 Thursday
2027 October 15 Friday

See all October holidays, including Animal and other Dog holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about National Fetch Day. So be sure to check back soon.