The dog days of summer don’t have to be miserable with free and discounted goodies for pups on National Dog Day, Aug. 26.
The national holiday was started by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige as a chance to celebrate all breeds and encourage people to adopt dogs from animal shelters and rescues.
Free “wag” (with an s)Chick-fil-A: Several locations offer dog treats and pup cups.Dutch Bros.: Dutch Bros. offers free pup cups at most locations, but on National Dog Days, locations are also offering free dog bandanas with the purchase of a medium or large drink (as long as supplies last).McDonald’s: The treat available to pups can vary by franchise owner, but dog owners can often get a free pup cup, cup of ice cream or even an unsalted hamburger patty.Starbucks: Puppuccinos, aka small cups of whipped cream, are always available for furry friends.Wendy’s: Dogs going through the drive-through can enjoy a free pup cup (a small vanilla Frosty) or a Milk-Bone, depending on the locationServices
The Fresno Animal Center, which is operated by the city of Fresno, offers free microchips and tags, as well as free pet ID tags, for all city of Fresno residents. For people who live outside the city limits, the cost is $10 for a microchip and tags, and $5 for pet ID tags.
For those looking for a new friend to take home, the Fresno Animal Center is also offering fee-waived adoptions through Aug. 31 as part of NBC’s Clear the Shelters 2026 campaign. All adoptions include spay/neuter, first vaccines, microchip, Hill’s Science Diet starter food bag and flea/tick treatment.
The Fresno Bee
Amber Hair (they/them) is the food and restaurants reporter and influencer. Amber has been in professional journalism for more than a decade, writing for outlets like the Orlando Sentinel, The Villages Daily Sun, the Pacific Coast Business Times and others. In their spare time, they enjoy going to concerts, reading and spending time with their cats.