An international group of amateur radio operators is launching a month-long special event across August 2026 to celebrate International Cat Day and International Dog Day, according to the Dog Day Radio Amateur Radio Club. The event runs from August 1 through August 31, aiming to draw attention to the needs of abandoned, abused, and homeless pets worldwide while advocating for adoption and humane treatment.
Global Participation and Active Callsigns
Stations representing dogs and cats will broadcast from Latvia, the UK, the US, the Netherlands, India, and Germany. Throughout the US, a growing team of radio amateurs will share the callsign K0DOG as members of the Dog Day Radio Amateur Radio Club. Operators will utilize high-frequency (HF) bands running continuous wave (CW) and single sideband (SSB) transmissions.
Dog-station callsigns active during the month include YL1DOG, GB4DOG, VU2MGS, DLØDOG, KØDOG, and PDØØDOG. Meanwhile, cat stations will be calling CQ using the callsigns DL0CAT, GB4CAT, and DAØCAT, as reported by organizers.
Did You Know? International Dog Day—which is also observed as National Dog Day in the US—takes place annually on August 26, while International Cat Day falls on August 8. The dog day amateur radio observance originally started in 2022 before expanding globally.
Awards, Tracking, and Operating Schedules
Hunters working the special event can track progress and claim awards through the official tracking platform. The website https://hamlog.online/iddicd2026/ provides real-time data on who is currently on the air and allows operators to claim awards as they earn them. Prior to the August launch, the platform features a countdown clock.
Successful chasers can earn a colorful downloadable certificate featuring endorsement stamps for each unique callsign worked. A numeric counter will appear on endorsement stamps for operators making multiple contacts with the same unique callsign. Additionally, KØDOG plans to issue downloadable eQSL cards.
By merging technical hobbyist engagement with animal welfare advocacy, participants create a structured platform for global storytelling that amplifies rescue awareness far beyond traditional local shelter campaigns.
Finding Schedules and Sharing Rescue Stories
Operators behind the microphones are often animal lovers themselves who understand the impact of rescue work through personal involvement in animal welfare or by welcoming rescued pets into their own families. Organizers note that participants will be working like dogs and cats to share rescue experiences.
Participants and listeners can visit dogdayradio.org and catdayradio.org for further updates, operating schedules, and profiles of the rescued pets that inspired the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the special event take place?
The event runs from August 1 through August 31, 2026.
How can operators claim awards and view active stations?
Hunters can visit https://hamlog.online/iddicd2026/ to check operating activity and claim awards.
What modes and bands are operators using?
Operators are active on HF bands using CW and SSB modes.
What are your thoughts on combining amateur radio with pet rescue advocacy?