NATIONAL DAYANIMALS

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day

On this day, we take a moment to celebrate the joy and love our pets brought into our lives.

AUG28

Saturday, August 28Every year on August 28

days to go

Roots: Established in 2015 by Deborah B.
Vibe: A mix of sorrow and joyful remembrance.
Also on Aug 28: International Read Comics in Public Day · Bow Tie Day · Cherry Turnover Day
Hashtag: #RainbowBridgeRemembranceDay

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3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

Frame their favorite photo

Put up a picture of your pet and remember the good days together.

WITH FRIENDS

Share pet memories

Swap stories about the pets you have lost and laugh through the tears.

AT WORK OR SCHOOL

Donate to a shelter

Give food, blankets or funds to an animal shelter in their memory.

Plan ahead

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day is observed on August 28 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Fri, Aug 28this year

2027Sat, Aug 28

2028Mon, Aug 28

2029Tue, Aug 28

2030Wed, Aug 28

2031Thu, Aug 28

2032Sat, Aug 28

2033Sun, Aug 28

2034Mon, Aug 28

2035Tue, Aug 28

2036Thu, Aug 28

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Fast facts

Approximately 67%Of U.S. households own a pet.

Over 10 millionPets are lost in the U.S. each year.

The story

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day is celebrated each year on August 28, a time dedicated to honoring the memory of pets who have passed away. This observance was established in 2015 by Deborah B., who sought to create a moment for pet owners to collectively remember their beloved animals. The day is inspired by the poem "The Rainbow Bridge," which depicts a beautiful place where pets go after they leave this world, waiting for their owners to reunite with them.

Read the full story

Many pet owners find comfort in commemorating their pets by lighting candles, sharing stories, or creating memorials. The observance encourages a sense of community, as people come together to share their experiences and support one another in their grief. Local pet memorial services and gatherings often take place, allowing individuals to express their feelings in a supportive environment.

Social media has also played a significant role in spreading awareness about Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day. Pet owners share photos and stories using hashtags like #RainbowBridge and #PetRemembrance, creating a collective space for remembrance and celebration. This virtual community fosters connections among those experiencing similar losses, reinforcing the bond between humans and their pets.

As we honor our beloved pets, it’s important to recognize the unique impact they have on our lives. From providing companionship to teaching us about unconditional love, pets hold a special place in our hearts. Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day serves as a reminder to cherish those memories and the joy our furry friends brought into our lives.