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ThuMar 20

Dogs in Yellow Day – March 20, 2025

Dogs in Yellow Day on March 20 raises awareness about anxious and reactive dogs. These furry creatures need some space (and love) so that their environment seems less frightening to them. The human world can be incredibly scary for anxious dogs. Things seem unpredictable and a little too much for them to handle. That’s why such dogs need someone they can trust to help them navigate their environment. Dogs in yellow are still good dogs, even though they may not be keen on socializing with other dogs. If you encounter such a dog, be kind, give them their space, and avoid being judgemental.

History of Dogs in Yellow Day

Dogs in Yellow Day was founded by Sarah Jones whose dog Bella was attacked by another dog when she was a puppy. As a result, Bella developed a fear of other dogs. Whenever she met other dogs, it left her terrified.

Bella would growl or lunge at other dogs because she was scared. Passers-by often threw her pitiful or angry looks and dragged their dogs away from her. Jones wanted to find a way for Bella and other anxious dogs to be understood, so she started the #dogsinyellow campaign. She is a firm believer that through compassionate awareness-raising, the message will reach more unknowing dog owners and spread the understanding of anxious dogs worldwide.

For more than 12,000 years, dogs have lived with humans as protectors, hunting companions, objects of adoration or scorn, and friends.

Some historians say humans domesticated wolves around 10,000 years ago, while others claim 30,000. Some say this domestication began in Europe, others in the Middle East or East Asia. Other theories say that early human hunter-gatherers actively tamed and bred wolves.

Still, other narratives state that wolves domesticated themselves by scavenging the carcasses human hunters left behind or lingering around campfires. They grew more welcoming with every generation until they became enduring friends.

Today, dogs are regarded differently in various parts of the world. In Western society, characteristics of friendship, protectiveness, loyalty, and affection have earned dogs a prominent position while in the United States and Europe, the care of dogs has grown into a multibillion-dollar business.

However, in some of the developing nations and many regions of Asia, dogs are not regarded with love. They are used as beasts of burden, guards, or even for food.

Dogs in Yellow Day timeline

1917
An Early Vet Organization

Maria Dickin starts the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (P.D.S.A.) for the poor in a basement in the U.K.

1926
A Generous Gift

Sarah Martha Grove Hardy leaves £50,000 to the P.D.S.A.

1957
The U.K.'s First Official Vet Association

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association is formed.

2022
Origins of the Holiday

Sarah Jones comes up with Dogs in Yellow Day.

Dogs in Yellow Day FAQs

What are some common signs of anxiety in a dog?

Pacing or shaking, destroying furniture, cowering in the corner of a house, and shivering are a few indicators of canine anxiety.

Which dog is most popular in the world?

The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed since 1991.

What is the tallest dog in the world?

The tallest dog in the world was a Great Dane named Zeus who was 44 inches tall.

How to Observe Dogs in Yellow Day

  1. Involve your vet

    Ask your local vet to display awareness posters about anxious dogs at their premises. This will spread the message about dogs wearing yellow to everyone who visits.

  2. Make donations

    Plan a fundraiser in your neighborhood with the theme being focused on anxious dogs. Alternatively, donate to a dog rescue to help them continue with their noble work.

  3. Share on social

    Post a photo or video of your gorgeous anxious dog on social media. Don't forget to use the hashtag #dogsinyellow.

5 Amazing Facts About Dogs

  1. Sweet dreams

    All dogs dream, just like humans do.

  2. Puppies can't hear you

    All puppies are born completely deaf — hearing is the last sense that they develop.

  3. A nominee

    Rin Tin Tin, a famous German Shepherd from the T.V. show "The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin," was a nominee for an Academy Award.

  4. An interesting way to smell

    Dogs’ noses are wet to help them absorb scent chemicals in their environment.

  5. Three dogs survived the Titanic sinking

    Two Pomeranians and a Pekingese were rescued from the sinking ship.

Why Dogs in Yellow Day is Important

  1. Raises awareness

    Dogs in Yellow Day gives us a chance to educate others about understanding reactive dogs. Dog owners who may not know how to handle their nervous dogs learn how to make their puppets' lives easier.

  2. Dogs get extra love

    We show our dogs love every day. However, on Dogs in Yellow Day, we shower them with extra treats and affection.

  3. A boost for rescue centers

    Dog welfare and rescue centers need all the support they can get to continue caring for these lovely creatures. This day brings attention to their work and how the public can support them.

Dogs in Yellow Day dates

Year Date Day
2025 March 20 Thursday
2026 March 20 Friday
2027 March 20 Saturday
2028 March 20 Monday
2029 March 20 Tuesday