It’s Valentine season, and that means people all around the world are planning extra-special dates with their significant others. But for dog people, Valentine’s Day means more than just romance. It’s a chance to celebrate love of all kinds, including the love you have for your dog.
We’ve rounded up 13 perfect date ideas for dog lovers. Most of these dates are dog-friendly, so you can celebrate with your romantic partner and the dog.
1. Picnic in the Park
If you live in a temperate climate, a Valentine’s Day picnic is the perfect dog-friendly date. Pack a picnic tasting menu for the humans, and some extra treats and toys for the dog.
Winter weather keeping you from enjoying a picnic outdoors? Try an indoor picnic, instead. Set up a picnic blanket and snacks. We recommend giving the dog something to gnaw on while the humans enjoy their food.
2. Dinner, Drinks, and Dogs
A romantic, candlelit meal is nice, but most fancy restaurants don’t let dogs inside. This year, include the dog in your Valentine’s Day plans: find a dog-friendly restaurant patio in your area. We’ve even got some suggestions for you in cities like Nashville, Santa Barbara, and Dallas.
Of course, you can always recreate the romantic restaurant experience at home—that way you won’t have to worry about whether or not the dog is allowed!
3. Shopping Date
Is gift-giving one of your love languages? Hit the mall with your beloved (and your dog) to find the perfect present. Seek out dog-friendly stores, or simply stroll through the shopping district in your town and window shop with your date and their dog. And if you really want to win points with your date, take them to the pet supply store to pick out a special Valentine’s Day treat.
4. Take a Romantic Hike
Hiking is one of the all-time best date activities. Best of all, it’s easy to include the dogs! Load your daypack with snacks and plenty of water, and hit the trail.
If it’s too snowy for hiking where you live, try an indoor climbing gym, instead. Call ahead to see if they’re dog-friendly. If not, you can always take the dog for a stroll post-climb!
5. Visit the Dog Park
I know what you’re thinking: what’s romantic about the dog park? For those of us who hit the dog park every day, it might not seem that special. But for dog lovers who don’t have a dog of their own, the dog park is a perfect date activity. Pick up some coffee or hot cocoa on the way, and cuddle up on a park bench to watch the pups romp.
6. Movie Night
If staying in is more your style, how about a romantic movie night at home? Pop some popcorn, pour some wine, and curl up on the couch with your Valentine (and the dog). It’s the perfect low-key Valentine’s Day date for dog people who just want to Netflix and chill. We recommend a rom-com, or perhaps a dog movie.
7. Romantic Scavenger Hunt
This date idea takes a bit more planning, but we promise it’ll be worth it. Set up a Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt for the dog-lover in your life.
Write clues that lead to meaningful spots, whether out around town or at home. The dog can come along for the hunt, and even be part of the clues! For the grand finale, lead your love to the dog itself, waiting with a special Valentine’s Day gift tied to their collar. Jewelry, anyone?
8. Hit Up the Dog Show
Valentine’s Day comes but once a year, so make your outing memorable. If you want to impress your dog-loving date, look for breed club events or dog sport exhibitions in your area.
Whether it’s a dog show, agility competition, or breed meet-up, dog-centric events are a great way to bond over a shared love of dogs!
9. Stay in a Luxury Dog-Friendly Hotel
If you have money to burn this Valentine’s Day, why not do something truly luxurious? Make a reservation at a swanky, dog-friendly hotel for you, your Valentine, and the dog (check out our recommendations in cities such as Austin, Milwaukee, and beyond).
Order room service, draw a bubble bath, or simply relax and enjoy each other’s company. You can even order room service for the dog!
Can’t find a dog-friendly spot but still want to splurge on a hotel room? No problem. Book a trusted sitter and you’re all set.
10. Dog Yoga
Yoga can be a wonderful date activity, as it helps you get in touch with your body and replenish your soul. And with dog yoga, you can include your canine Valentine, too! Just Google “dog yoga [your city].”
If you can’t find a local option, you can always set up a temporary yoga studio at home. Click here for our guide to dog yoga.
11. Valentine’s Day Photo Shoot
Boudoir photos may be all the rage, but for something sweeter, why not opt for a portrait and include the dog? A Valentine’s Day photoshoot is a fun way to spend time together and to capture memories that will last you years to come.
Many department store portrait studios are pet-friendly, or you can hire a private photographer to do a photoshoot at home. Don’t forget to pick up a Valentine’s Day outfit for the dog!
12. Wine Tasting
After flowers and chocolate, wine is the most popular Valentine’s Day treat for humans. Of course, dogs shouldn’t drink wine! But lots of wineries are dog-friendly, making wine tasting the perfect activity to celebrate love with your dog by your side. (They do also make a few dog-friendly “alcohols.”)
13. Watch the Sunset
Lots of Valentine’s Day dates cost money, but you shouldn’t have to break the bank for romance.
For a 100% free and dog-friendly Valentine’s Day date, watch the sunset together.
Drive to a scenic viewpoint, set up a blanket outside, or simply sit together in front of a west-facing window. Pour some wine, prepare some hors d’oeuvres and dog treats, and enjoy a Valentine’s Day show courtesy of mother nature.
—
Hero image via Flickr
