National Golden Retriever Day: When is it and how can you celebrate?

Golden Retriever outside looking at camera happily with tongue out
(Image credit: Getty Images)

As National Golden Retriever Day gets ready to celebrate its 10th anniversary, we have everything you need to know right here, including some great ways that you can get in on all the action.

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds and for good reason! Not only are they gentle, loving and devoted, but they’re highly intelligent and great at following instructions, which is why they often work as search-and-rescue dogs.

One of the friendliest dog breeds, Golden Retrievers make for wonderful family pets and their sweet natures mean that they’re commonly used as therapy and service dogs. 

Given what a joy this breed is, we’re so happy that they have their own special day where we can celebrate the happiness they bring to so many lives. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about National Golden Retriever Day, including when it is and how you can celebrate.

What is National Golden Retriever Day?

National Golden Retriever Day is the brainchild of Kristen Shroyer who came up with the idea of a day devoted to Golden Retrievers while drinking a cup of coffee and watching the news with her own Golden, Quincy, at her feet.

Listening to a newscaster report on ‘Eat Cherry Pie Day’, Shroyer suddenly had a thought - if cherry pie had its own day, then there was bound to be a day for Golden Retrievers, right?

Well, as it turns out, there wasn’t, so Shroyer set about creating one, picking Quincy’s birthday (the 3rd of February) as the day for this important annual event. Although Quincy sadly died in 2015 from cancer at the age of seven, his love and light continues to shine every year as the world celebrates National Golden Retriever Day.

When is National Golden Retriever Day?

Circle your calendars and get ready to join in on all the fun because National Golden Retriever Day is almost here. Falling on Wednesday 3rd of February, this year marks a decade since the event first kicked off back in 2012.

How can you celebrate on National Golden Retriever Day?

Golden Retriever running across lawn

(Image credit: Getty Images)

There are so many ways that you can get in on all the fun this National Golden Retriever Day, here are just a few of our favorites:

1. Spread the word

Share photos of your Golden Retriever or information about this day across your social media platforms, using #GoldenRetrieverDay on all your posts.

2. Treat your Golden

Why not take your pup to his/her favorite park or beach for a big walk or spend some time playing a few indoor games for dogs if the weather makes venturing into the great outdoors feel less than appealing.

3. Donate to a local organization

Animal shelters and other humane organizations are always on the lookout for dog toys, food, beds and blankets, so if you have anything that you think might be suitable, why not donate it to a great cause.

4. Adopt a Golden

Don’t have a Golden Retriever in your life? Why not adopt one! If you feel you have the time, space, and financial resources to welcome a dog into your life, you won’t find a better companion than a Golden. Speak to your local animal shelter about bringing home a forever friend.

Kathryn Williams
Freelance writer

Kathryn is a freelance writer who has been a member of the PetsRadar family since it launched in 2020. Highly experienced in her field, she's driven by a desire to provide pet parents with accurate, timely, and informative content that enables them to provide their fur friends with everything they need to thrive. Kathryn works closely with vets and trainers to ensure all articles offer the most up-to-date information across a range of pet-related fields, from insights into health and behavior issues to tips on products and training. When she’s not busy crafting the perfect sentence for her features, buying guides and news pieces, she can be found hanging out with her family (which includes one super sassy cat), drinking copious amounts of Jasmine tea and reading all the books.