How to Celebrate Valentine's Day with Your Pup
Valentine's Day Outfits for Dogs
Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate hearts, flowers, and, of course, extra snuggles and adorable photos of your dog! If you want to dress up your dog for the occasion, we've compiled a list of the best Valentine's Day dog dresses as part of our roundup of gear and accessories to help you and your dog celebrate the holiday in style.
Remember, as with all dog clothing, take your pet's measurements before shopping to ensure the best and most accurate fit (for more information on outfitting your dog in sweaters and jackets, read our guide to dressing up your dog (even if they despise wearing clothes) and follow along with our step-by-step tutorial further below). Continue reading!
Date Ideas for Dog Owners on Valentine's Day
1. Park Picnic
If you live in a temperate climate, Valentine's Day picnic is the ideal dog-friendly date. Prepare a picnic tasting menu for the guests, as well as extra treats and toys for the dog.
Are you unable to enjoy a picnic outside due to inclement weather? Consider an indoor picnic instead. Set up a picnic blanket and some refreshments. We propose that the dog be given something to chew on while the humans eat.
2. Dogs, Dinner, and Cocktails
While a candlelit dinner is romantic, most upscale restaurants do not allow pets. Include your dog in your Valentine's Day celebrations this year by finding a dog-friendly restaurant patio in your area.
Of course, you can always recreate the romantic restaurant experience at home—you won't have to worry about whether or not your dog is welcome!
3. Shopping Date
Is gift-giving one of your preferred love languages? Visit the mall with your significant other (and your dog) to find the perfect gift. Look for dog-friendly restaurants or simply stroll through your town's commercial district with your date and their dog. If you really want to wow your date, take them to a pet supply store to pick out Valentine's Day treats.
4. Go on a Romantic Hike
Hiking is one of the most popular dating activities ever. Most importantly, incorporating the dogs is simple! Pack snacks and plenty of water in your daypack before setting out on the trail.
If the weather in your area is too cold for trekking, consider joining an indoor climbing gym. To ensure that they are dog-friendly, make a reservation in advance. If not, you can always take the dog for a post-climb walk!
5. Take A Stroll In The Dog Park
I know what you're thinking: what is it about a dog park that makes it romantic? This may not seem significant to those of us who visit the dog park on a daily basis. The dog park, on the other hand, is an ideal date activity for dog lovers who do not own a dog. Stop for a coffee or hot cocoa on the way and curl up on a park bench to watch the puppies play.
6. Movie Night
If you prefer to stay at home, how about a romantic movie night? Make some popcorn, pour some wine, and snuggle up on the couch with your Valentine (and the dog). It's the perfect low-key Valentine's Day date for dog lovers who want to relax with Netflix. We recommend a romantic comedy or a film about dogs.
7. Romance Scavenger Hunt
This date requires a little more planning, but we guarantee it will be well worth it. Make a Valentine's Day scavenger hunt for your dog-loving friend.
Create cues that will lead readers to relevant locations, whether in the city or at home. The dog is welcome to join in on the quest and possibly provide hints! Finally, take your love to the dog, who will be waiting with a one-of-a-kind Valentine's Day gift attached to its collar. Is anyone interested in jewelry?
8. Go to a Dog Show
Valentine's Day only comes around once a year, so make the most of it. If you want to impress your dog-lover date, look for breed club events or dog sports exhibits in your area.
Whether it's a dog show, agility competition, or breed meet-up, dog-centric events are a great way to meet other people who share your love of dogs!
9. Stay in a Luxury Hotel That Accepts Dogs
If you're flush with cash, why not treat yourself to something truly luxurious on Valentine's Day? Make a reservation at a posh, 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, take a bubble bath, or simply relax and enjoy each other's company. There's even a service for your dog's room!
Do you want to splurge on a hotel room but can't find a dog-friendly establishment? There is no problem. If you hire a reputable sitter, you'll be fine.
10. Dog Yoga
Yoga is a great date activity because it allows you to reconnect with your body while also revitalizing your soul. You can also incorporate your canine Valentine into dog yoga! Simply Google "dog yoga [your city]."
If you can't find a nearby yoga class, you can always set up a makeshift yoga studio in your home. Our dog yoga guide is available here.
11. Valentine's Day Photo Shoot
While boudoir photography is popular, why not choose a portrait with your dog? A Valentine's Day photoshoot is a great way to spend time together and make memories.
Pets are welcome in many department store photo studios, or you can hire a private photographer to photograph your pet in your home. Don't forget to dress up your dog for Valentine's Day!
12. Wine Tasting
After flowers and chocolate, wine is the third most popular Valentine's Day treat for humans. Dogs should, of course, abstain from alcohol! However, many vineyards welcome dogs, making wine tasting an ideal activity for celebrating love with your dog.
Is the weather unfavorable? Give your dog-loving sweetheart this 12-ounce stainless steel wine tumbler from the Rover Store, which comes with a bottle of bubbly, to host a cozy party at home.
13. Observe the Sunset
Many Valentine's Day dates are expensive, but romance should not be prohibitively expensive.
For a completely free and dog-friendly Valentine's Day date, watch the sunset together.
Drive to a beautiful viewpoint, set up a blanket outside, or simply relax with your friends in front of a west-facing window. Pour some wine, make some hors d'oeuvres and dog treats, and sit back and enjoy Mother Nature's Valentine's Day show.
Valentine Dog Quotes
You do not own a dog. You have a dog. And the dog has you. " – Chelsea Handler
"The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs." Charles de Gaulle
"The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him, and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too." Samuel Butler
You’ll never walk alone because I’ll always be with you. Love, your dog. " – Unknown
"Dogs are better than human beings because they know but do not tell." – Emily Dickinson