National Dog Day the Austin Way

In uber-dog-friendly Austin, there are a million ways to celebrate National Dog Day today (Aug. 26), whether you’re a puppy parent or just a fan. If you’re in need of inspiration, we’ve rounded up some info and a few special events to make today paw-some.

Snag Some Swag From Z'Tejas

While you're enjoying your lunch or dinner at Z’Tejas, stop by the bar to purchase a cool custom dog bandanna to help raise funds for the Austin Humane Society. Each bandanna sold sends money to AHS, and kicks your furry friend's fashion flair up a notch!
Aug. 26-29. $15.
Z'Tejas, 1110 W. Sixth location
www.austinhumanesociety.org/event/ztejas-celebrates-national-dog-day-for-ahs

Austin Eastciders Happy Hour

What better way to celebrate National Dog Day than with a leash in one hand and a drink in the other? Bring your pup for a paw-some happy hour where all proceeds will benefit Austin Pets Alive!, who'll be on-site with mobile adoptions. Paws on Chicon brings treats and doggie fro-yo, you can get profesh photos done with your pup, and there's a raffle with prizes from Drooly and Barkin' Creek.
Thu., Aug. 26, 6-8pm
Austin Eastciders Barton Springs, 1530 Barton Springs Rd.
www.facebook.com/eastcidersbartonsprings

Irene’s Yappy Hour

Raise some funds for Austin Pets Alive! and maybe even take home a best friend. There'll be on-site adoptions, a donation-based raffle, drink specials, and puppy portraits.
Thu., Aug. 26, 4-6pm
Irene's, 506 West Ave.
fb.com/events/856438061957132

Torchy's x APA!

Make it a Taco Thursday and help local shelter pets by mentioning Austin Pets Alive! when you order at Torchy's Tacos, and they'll donate 15% of sales to APA!
Thu., Aug. 26
Torchy's Tacos (multiple locations)
www.torchystacos.com

Dog Portraits & Contest

Get a puppy portrait done at Hearth & Soul, and it'll be entered in an Instagram contest with a grand prize bundle valued at $200. Message them or call the store at 512/474-SOUL to reserve a spot.
Thu., Aug. 26
Hearth & Soul, 2727 Exposition
hearthandsoul.com/austin-events

Animal Shelter Info

Local shelters are filled to bursting with adoptable pets, so maybe today’s the day you help one find its forever home. Austin Animal Center and Austin Pets Alive! are waiving adoption fees until Sept. 19 as part of the “Clear the Shelters” initiative, and Austin Humane Society has plenty of adoptable doggos for a reasonable fee. Get started on finding a buddy here:
Austin Animal Center
Austin Pets Alive!
Austin Humane Society
Not ready to make a commitment or already have a full doghouse? Donations and volunteers are always welcome!

Kristen Heaney of Yard Bar (Photo by John Anderson)

Doggie Date at Yard Bar

Yard Bar is a great place to take your pupper any day of the year, with a dog park for play dates and plenty of treats for humans and their best friends. Be sure to check the rules before you head out, and have fun!
6700 Burnet Rd.
fb.com/yardbaratx

Photo by Jana Birchum

A Day at the Park

Check out this handy guide to find off-leash areas where Fido can run and play, but beware of the risk of harmful algae in water areas; get details on that and find other off-leash guidelines here.