Your Valentine has sweet brown eyes, likes long walks on the beach and is the best cuddler ever. That's right, we’re talking about Fido, of course. Here are 10 fabulous pet-friendly date ideas to celebrate the special bond between you and your “Pawlentine” this V-Day.
Dog-Friendly Date Ideas for This Valentine's Day
Posted by Erin Ballinger
1. Dig for Diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park
This Valentine’s Day, bring your little digger to Crater of Diamonds State Park. Be prepared to get messy as you dig for diamonds, minerals and other gemstones in a 37-acre field on the site of an ancient volcanic crater. The largest diamond ever unearthed in the U.S. was discovered here, and more than 33,000 have been found since the park opened in 1972. The park has a unique ‘finders, keepers’ policy, so any diamond or gem Fido sniffs out is his to keep. When you get tired of digging, explore the walking trails together and enjoy a packed lunch in one of the picnic spots.
After Fido has bagged the jewels for his new diamond-studded collar, retreat to the Codex Cabin at Parker Creek Bend Cabins. Your pup will feel right at home with the Beagle-themed decor, covered deck, and fire pit.
2. Treat Your Pup (and Yourself) to a Valentine Brunch
A good meal is the way to a man’s best friend’s heart, and The Dog Bar in St. Petersburg is a lovely spot to dine out with your dog. This February 14, the canine hangout is hosting Paws & Pierogies: Dinner for Two with Your Dog from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy a special dog-friendly dinner menu from The Kielbasa Bus Food Truck, alongside their signature pierogies, sausages, and bratwurst, and capture sweet memories at a themed Valentine’s photo op featuring a cozy, decorated teepee. Whether you’re single, a dog lover, or just looking for a fun night out, this event promises great food, good vibes and tail wags. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Pinellas, making it a “pawsitive” way to spend the evening! Dog Bar is a 21+ venue and first-time visitors must bring proof of their dog’s immunizations.
You won’t have far to go after eating your heart out at Paws & Pierogies. The dog-friendly Tru by Hilton St. Petersburg Downtown Central Ave offers free breakfast and a comfortable sleep just a few blocks away.
3. Get Crafty With Your Canine
Combine your love of art with your love for your very own “Pawcasso.” The Paint and Sip Pet Portrait Fun - Valentine's Day event at Barking Dog invites you and your pooch to create a work of art together - no artistic background necessary. The event will be held in an outdoor, heated area from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on February 14 at Barking Dog. Admission is $65 and includes all supplies needed to create your masterpiece.
For an affordable and pet-friendly stay in the Big Apple, book a room at The MUSE New York, where your small dog can stay for no additional fee.
4. Celebrate Your “Pawlentine” with a Private Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
Visit the Danish Capital of America and book a private tour of the charming town with The Solvang Trolley and Carriage Co. this Valentine’s Day. You and Fido can sightsee while on The Honen, a replica of an 1800s Danish streetcar pulled by two powerful and always friendly Belgian draft horses. Tour guides will share the town's history, explain the origin and significance of many sights and buildings, and entertain visitors with folk tales and cultural notes from Denmark.
Canines are just as welcome at the Royal Copenhagen Inn in Solvang as their owners.
5. Pawty at the I Love My Dog Festival
Fido will be happy to be your plus-one at the I Love My Dog Festival. Bring your pups to Shipgarten in McLean, VA, for a special event filled with fun for two- and four-legged loves! Treat your dog to deluxe homemade goodies from local vendors, playtime in the dog park, or a bite from a special dog menu. Enjoy sampling beers from over 40 breweries, competing for prizes, and snapping memories in the photo booth—there’s gonna be something for everyone to enjoy!
Afterward, relax nearby at the upscale Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, which will spoil your pup with treats on Valentine’s. There are also bowls to use during your stay and a pet relief area on the property.
6. Grab Your Pals and Pups for a Galentine’s Day Picnic
Roses are red
Tongues are red, too
Your pup wants to go
On a special picnic with you.
Join the Tampa Bay Dog Moms and their pups the Sunday before Valentine’s Day for a fun afternoon filled with good food, drinks and crafts with new friends at Dog Moms of Tampa Bay Galentine's Picnic at Keel Farms. Admission is free for the Dog Moms of Tampa Bay members, but tickets for the general public are available for $25 and include a taco buffet, drinks and a charitable donation. Guests are encouraged to bring Valentine’s Day cards and treats to exchange with friends. Don't forget to bring a box to collect yours! The fun takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on February 9, 2025, at Keel Farms.
After the picnic, snuggle up with your puppy love at the Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa East Casino Area for a comfy and affordable stay.
7. Strike a Pose and Capture Memories
You know your pup is absolutely adorable, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to capture that preciousness. Bring Fido to the Valentine's Day Kissing Booth Photo Op at Asbury Park Brewery for a canine photoshoot from noon to 3 p.m. on February 8, 2025. Dress your pup in V-Day dog gear like this festive bandana, and capture memories (and images) with your pooch that will last “furever.” Admission is $10 and includes a digital photo. Proceeds from the event go to benefit Shore Saves, making this date full of extra love.
When Fido is done striking a pose, head back to a pet-friendly room at Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel.
8. Build a BarKCuterie Board
The weekend before V-Day, bring your hungry hound to Bar K Dog Bar in Kansas City for BarKCuterie Board Build: My Furry Valentine. Build a special treat for Fido at this Valentine's Day event. Boards will be loaded with delicious dog treats as you learn a few garnishing skills and get some pup-friendly snack ideas from the experts. Admission is $20 and includes entry to Bar K (your first dog is free and additional dogs are $5 each), all the materials needed for your custom BarKCuterie Board, one complimentary beverage for you, and a chance to win a raffle basket. The event will run from 2 to 3 p.m. on February 8, 2025.
Relax at Origin Kansas City a Wyndham Hotel where your pooch can play in the off-leash area.
9. Give Back Cupid’s Chase 5K
Every February, Cupid's Chase 5K brings together creatures on two legs and four at Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park in Council Bluffs, and at locations all across the United States, to run, celebrate, and help Community Options raise funds and awareness to support housing and employment for people with disabilities. Everyone is welcome to participate, including runners and walkers of all levels, those in wheelchairs and pushing strollers, and leashed pups! Registrants will receive a Cupid's Chase shirt, a finisher's medal upon completion of the race, a drawstring bag and other giveaways while supplies last. The top three overall finishers will receive trophies. Cupid's Chase 5K Council Bluff takes place at 9 a.m. on February 8, 2025. Registration starts at $45 and benefits Community Options, Inc.
Rest weary bones at BridgePointe Inn & Suites located just a short jog away.
10. Valentails: Singles Social for Pet Pawrents
Can it get any more epic than possibly meeting your match on Valentine’s Day? Take a chance and step out to Valentails: Singles Social for Pet Pawrents at Dallas’ Community Beer Co. from 3 to 6 p.m. on February 8, 2025. At this singles social and fundraiser, you and your pup can “pawticipate” in activities like a doggy kissing booth, BINGO, Valentine-making for foster animals, and petting adoptable foster dogs. Tickets are $25 and include a goody bag, beer ticket and raffle entry. Proceeds benefit Dallas Pets Alive.
If you’re coming in from out of town, Spark by Hilton Dallas Market Center is a comfortable and affordable place to stay with your pet.