Orlando, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Local Orlando restaurants are marking National Dog Day with pet-friendly promotions and fundraising to raise awareness for dogs in need of homes. BarkHaven will welcome canine guests with a complimentary puppy cupcake and offer half-price dog park entry with any food or drink purchase. Lazy Dog Restaurant in Kissimmee will donate $1 from every Dog Bowl sold during a limited promotional period to Pet Partners and issue a future-visit Dog Bowl redemption card to diners. The promotions aim to support adoption and therapy dog programs. Coverage also highlights Monty, a champion Giant Schnauzer, and his notable show record and upcoming retirement.
Orlando: Local Restaurants Mark National Dog Day with Promotions and Fundraising
Local restaurants in the Orlando area are observing National Dog Day on August 26 with special promotions and fundraising efforts aimed at raising awareness about dogs available for adoption from shelters and rescues. Two establishments are running distinct programs: BarkHaven in Orlando will offer treats and discounted dog-park access on the holiday, while Lazy Dog Restaurant in Kissimmee will donate to a nonprofit for every special menu item sold during a limited promotional period.
Key promotions and dates
BarkHaven is offering a free puppy cupcake to dogs on August 26 and a 50% discount on dog park entry with any food or drink purchase that day. Lazy Dog Restaurant in Kissimmee will donate $1 from every Dog Bowl sold from August 26 through August 31 to Pet Partners, a nonprofit organization that supports therapy dog teams.
Where and how the promotions work
The BarkHaven location is listed as 724 Brookhaven Drive, Orlando, with a contact number of 407-787-2275. BarkHaven’s offer applies specifically on the holiday, and the half-off dog park entry requires any food or drink purchase at the facility.
Lazy Dog Restaurant’s Kissimmee location is listed as 8019 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, with a contact number of 689-228-4418. The restaurant’s Dog Bowl menu items are prepared with grilled chicken or beef served over brown rice and vegetables. Guests who dine at Lazy Dog during the promotion will receive a card that can be redeemed for a free Dog Bowl on a future visit when an entrée is purchased. Lazy Dog Restaurants operate dog-friendly patios and have 52 locations nationwide.
Fundraising and beneficiary information
Lazy Dog’s donation program will run for six days, and all qualifying sales of the Dog Bowl during that period will trigger a $1 donation per bowl to Pet Partners. Pet Partners supports therapy dog teams working in settings such as hospitals, schools and community centers; the promotion aims to direct funds to that organization without requiring additional action from diners beyond ordering the promotional menu item.
People and animals involved
BarkHaven’s executive chef is identified as Chris Hernandez, who is noted to have a rescue dog named Milo and who recently became a father. The personal details are included to explain staff connections to rescue pets and community engagement; they are not part of the promotional terms.
Related dog-show news
The local celebration of National Dog Day coincides with recent national-level dog-show coverage involving a Giant Schnauzer named Monty from Chaplin, Connecticut. Monty won the Working Group at the 2024 National Dog Show and has an active competition record spanning roughly 130 to 140 shows, with 63 best-in-show awards over a four-year career. Monty’s preparation for shows has included physical therapy and training practices such as water treadmill sessions. The dog is scheduled to retire from competitive shows after the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in February. Monty’s routine also includes leisure activities such as playing with a favorite soccer ball and spending time with a handler and family.
Background on the holiday
National Dog Day is observed on August 26 and was founded in 2004 by author and advocate Colleen Paige. The holiday’s stated purpose is to raise awareness about the number of dogs that need homes and to encourage adoption from shelters and rescue organizations. Local promotions tied to the holiday commonly combine consumer-facing offers—such as treats or menu items—with fundraising or awareness-raising efforts for animal welfare groups.
How residents can take part
Participation can be as simple as visiting the participating venues during their listed promotion periods and following the stated terms for offers or donations. BarkHaven’s offers are specific to the single day of August 26; Lazy Dog’s donation program runs August 26–31 and is tied to sales of the Dog Bowl menu item. Contact numbers and addresses for the two locations are provided above for verification or more information on hours and capacity.
Contact information (for reference)
- BarkHaven — 724 Brookhaven Drive, Orlando. Phone: 407-787-2275.
- Lazy Dog Restaurant, Kissimmee — 8019 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway. Phone: 689-228-4418.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Dog Day and when is it observed?
National Dog Day is observed on August 26. It was founded in 2004 and aims to promote awareness about dogs available for adoption from shelters and rescues.
What promotions are happening locally for National Dog Day?
BarkHaven in Orlando will offer a free puppy cupcake on August 26 and half-price dog park entry with any food or drink purchase. Lazy Dog Restaurant in Kissimmee will donate $1 from every Dog Bowl sold from August 26 through August 31 to Pet Partners.
What is included in the Lazy Dog Dog Bowl?
The Dog Bowl is made with grilled chicken or beef served over brown rice and vegetables.
Are the restaurant patios dog-friendly?
Lazy Dog Restaurants feature dog-friendly patios. Terms for BarkHaven’s dog park discount apply to that facility’s dog park and require a food or drink purchase to receive half-off entry on August 26.
Who benefits from the Lazy Dog promotion?
Lazy Dog’s donation program benefits Pet Partners, a nonprofit that supports therapy dog teams.
What are the addresses and contact numbers for the participating locations?
BarkHaven: 724 Brookhaven Drive, Orlando — 407-787-2275. Lazy Dog Restaurant (Kissimmee): 8019 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway — 689-228-4418.
What recent achievement did Monty the Giant Schnauzer have?
Monty won the Working Group at the 2024 National Dog Show. He has competed in approximately 130–140 shows and has 63 best-in-show awards. He is scheduled to retire after the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in February.
Visual summary: Promotions and Monty’s competition record
Simple charts summarizing promotion durations and Monty’s competition record. The first chart shows promotion length in days. The second chart compares estimated total shows to best-in-show wins.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Central Florida Faces Intense Heat and Possible Storms
Chaos Erupts at CDC Headquarters as Shooter Opens Fire
Psychologist Faces Lawsuit for Fraudulent ESA Documentation
Fancy Fashion Frenzy Set to Empower Young Models in Orlando
Freedom of the Press Foundation Challenges DOJ Over Jet Memo
Delays Announced for Orlando’s PopStroke Opening
Increased Black Bear Sightings Reported in Orlando
PopStroke Mini-Golf and Dining Delayed in Orlando
Florida Panthers Boost Local Economy During Stanley Cup Run
Massive Protests in Florida Against Trump Administration
Additional Resources
- Orlando Sentinel: National Dog Day 2025 – Local Restaurants
- People: National Dog Day Coverage
- NCAdvertiser: Monty the Giant Schnauzer
- Click Orlando: National Dog Day Photo Submission
- WFTV: Share Your Dog Photos for National Dog Day
- Wikipedia: National Dog Day
- Google Search: National Dog Day
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dog
- Google News: National Dog Day
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
