August 26 is International Dog Day. But for some of us, every day is dog day. After all, our four-legged friends are so much more than just pets: Studies have shown that companion animals can improve our physical activity levels, improve our mental health, lessen anxiety, lower blood pressure and decrease feelings of loneliness or isolation.

International Dog Day gives us even more reason to celebrate all breeds. After all, the day is dedicated to increasing awareness for dogs that need to be rescued each year, whether that be from public shelters, rescues or pure breed rescues. Mattress Firm is celebrating our canine pals by waiving adoption fees for several dogs at one New York City–area shelter and by offering a special promotion at NYC-area stores this weekend.

You may be wondering what International Dog Day has to do with sleep: Studies have shown that people who sleep with a dog in their room, but not in their bed, experience objectively good sleep efficiency and report subjective feelings of improved comfort and security.

And this year, Mattress Firm stores in the New York City area want to help improve the sleep of both you and your dog with a special promotion.

Mattress Firm is helping humans and dogs alike get quality sleep by giving away a free dog bed with the purchase of a human bed valued at $1,000 or more. By visiting our in-store Sleep Experts, you’ll be able to find out what mattress, base and pillow work best for your sleep habits all while also getting a new bed for your dog to sprawl out on. The below Mattress Firm locations in the New York City area are participating, but you can visit any store to learn more about the human-and-dog sleep upgrade.

Participating stores:

Brooklyn

Atlantic Center
718-622-1318
625 Atlantic Avenue Suite 217
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Livingston Street
718-246-7957
268 Livingston Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Greenpoint
718-383-1218
759 Manhattan Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11222
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Montague Street
718-852-4140
116 Montague Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Kings Plaza
718-692-4241
2484 Flatbush Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11234
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Park Slope
718-788-1723
498 5th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Manhattan

200 Chambers
332-208-8445
200 Chambers Street
New York, NY 10007
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Union Square
212-995-0044
874 Broadway
New York, NY 10003
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

7th Avenue
212-627-9373
92 7th Avenue
New York, NY 10011
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Lexington
212-991-6559
192 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

9th Avenue
646-581-9257
616 9th Avenue 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10036
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

3rd and 57th
212-223-4319
969 3rd Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 9pm and Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Ready to Adopt a Dog?

What better way to embody International Dog Day than to provide a dog with a safe and loving home. Mattress Firm is teaming up with St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center to cover the adoption cost for nine adorable dogs in search of their forever home, including these adoption-ready dogs photographed for us at St. Hubert's by The Dogist.

More Ways to Celebrate Your Furry Friend

Looking for ways to celebrate? Here are a few ideas.

Pick up a Toy or Treat

While preparing for your fun-filled day, pick up your pet’s favorite treat or a new toy to kick your day off right. If you won’t be home much on the day of or your schedule is jam packed, this is the perfect way to spoil your dog until you can get home to spend some quality time with your pooch.

Take Your Dog on an Adventure

Grab your furry friend and go to a new hiking spot, check out a different dog park or simply go a different route on your usual walk. Letting your dog run around your backyard or courtyard is a great supplement for walks; however, going somewhere new provides your dog with opportunities for mental and social enrichment.

Teach Your Dog a New Trick

Even if your dog is on the older side, you can still teach them a new trick. Not only is this a great way to keep your dog’s mind active, it also prevents dementia potentially extending your pup’s life span. An added benefit is that it’s fun for you too!

Snuggle Up

Don’t forget to end your day off with some quality snuggles. If you’re one of the many pet-owning Americans who sleep with their dog in bed, consider the following tips:

• Stay up to date on your pet’s preventative medications.
• Have your pet sleep above the covers. 
• Train your pet to be invited into bed and sleep on a pillow or designated area of your bed. 
• Wash your sheets once a week.
• If you can, make sure your mattress is large enough to comfortably accommodate you and your pet. 
• Consider a ramp for your pet.