If you're on the hunt for ways to include your pet on a date, this is the list for you. Whether you've just met someone or you've been with your partner for years, one thing that many of us find challenging is coming up with new and exciting date ideas – particularly if we want to include our pet in the fun.
Thankfully, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to try with your pet and beloved that are fun, easy to plan, and won't break the bank.
From first-date walks to a weekend camping with your long-term partner, you'll find so much inspiration in this guide that the hardest part will be deciding which activity to choose!
We've rounded up a great selection of date ideas below, including ones you can do in the comfort of your own home and others where you'll definitely want one of the best cat harnesses or dog leashes at the ready. So, without further ado, let's dive in...
32 ways to include your pet on a date
1. Take a walk
Yes, it might not feel like the most imaginative option in the world, but sometimes the simple things truly are the best. If you have a canine companion (or even a super adventurous cat!) why not try heading out on a walk?
Going for a walk with your date isn't just a fantastic way to get to know each other better, it's also one of our favorite tips to help keep dog walks fun – not only does your pup get some additional human interaction but if your date also has a dog, it can be a good chance to provide them with some fun social time.
2. Cook together at home
Cooking with your date is a wonderful opportunity to test out how you work together as a team – and even if your meal doesn't turn out quite like you planned, we bet you'll have a blast creating it together. Cooking at home is also brilliant if you want to include your pet, just make sure you read up on which human food cats can eat or what human foods are safe for dogs if you have a fur friend who's known for counter surfing when your back is turned.
3. Create a pet-friendly patio for alfresco dining
A great summer-time option, why not try alfresco dining? If you have a pet-friendly patio (or an outdoor cat enclosure) your beloved bundle of fluff will be able to join in on the date.
4. Try standup paddleboarding
Looking for ways to workout with your pet that will also make a fabulous date option? If you and your partner love being active, standup paddleboarding can be a really fun way to connect – plus your dog can come along, too!
5. Have a yoga or pilates session in your living room
If you hate yoga, you're not alone — but trying dog or cat yoga might just change your mind. A great activity for bonding with your partner (and your pet), yoga or pilates is also an inexpensive way to spend time together, which is brilliant if you're both looking for a way to connect that won't break the bank.
6. Attend a concert in the park
If the weather is favorable, why not attend a concert or local theatre production at a park in your town or city? Not only will you be able to bring your dog along, but if you and your date are music or theatre lovers, you can connect over a shared interest. These sorts of events also tend to be very laid back and low-key, making them a brilliant choice if you want to spend time together in a relaxed way.
7. Hit up a dog-friendly brewery
Did you know that some breweries have started serving dog-friendly beer? It's true! When it comes to the most surprising things dogs can eat and drink, we didn't see beer making the list – but rest assured, this type of beer is perfectly safe for your fur friend to drink. Completely alcohol-free, these drinks are typically made with ingredients like bone broth and vegetables, and ordering one for your pup can be a fun way to include them on your date.
8. Head out on a hike
You're probably already well aware that hiking with your dog can offer you both a wonderful physical workout, but believe it or not, hiking with cats is also starting to become popular. Outgoing breeds like the Bengal and the Maine Coon often adore being in nature, so if you have an adventure-loving fur friend, why not hit the trails with your partner and your pet.
9. Enjoy a picnic in the park
There are few things more relaxing than sprawling out on a blanket in the park, eating delicious food, and feeling the sun's rays on your face. And your pet is sure to love it, too. Just be sure to take a few of toys with you to keep your pet occupied.
10. Have a game of frisbee
This date idea ticks so many boxes. Not only is it super fun (let's face it, having a laugh together is one of the best ways to connect) but it's also a brilliant way to get a workout in while you get to know each other. Plus, your pup will absolutely love it and as a bonus, they'll be so tired by the time you get home they'll likely fall straight to sleep.
11. Go for a swim
While at first glance this may seem like a date idea that would only be suited for dogs, there are many cat breeds that like water, and some could well enjoy taking a dip in a calm lake or stream. When it comes to our canine companions, there are so many ways your dog benefits from swimming – for starters, it's brilliant for sore joints as it's low impact. If you and your date are real water babies, swimming could be a great choice of activity.
12. Try indoor rock climbing
Fancy bringing out your inner Spiderman or Spiderwoman? Why not give indoor rock climbing a go? While not all indoor climbing centers allow pets, some are quite happy for you to bring a well-behaved dog along so do check the local centers in your area.
13. Curl up on the couch and watch a movie
Nothing beats a quiet night with a good movie and a big bowl of popcorn. Just be sure to have a few of the snacks on hand so your fur friend can enjoy a tasty tidbit while they're snuggled up on the couch with you and your date. Why not try one of our favorite movies for animal lovers?
14. Wine tasting
If a delicious glass of vino in a serene setting sounds like your idea of heaven, why not head to a local vineyard for a wine tasting? Some places even combine a tour of the vineyard with a dog walk, making it wonderfully pooch-friendly. Or, if you live in the city and don't have a vineyard nearby, many wine bars also offer tasting sessions – and some even offer non-alcoholic doggy wine.
15. Go to your favorite coffee shop
Heading to a coffee shop is one of those dates that may sound a little unexciting at first but there's a reason it's such a popular choice – it's low-pressure, so if you're relatively new to your relationship (or it's your first date) the relaxed atmosphere can help put you both at ease. Plus, if there's any jitters or lulls in conversation, you can simply enjoy people-watching together. Just be sure to take a long lasting dog chew to keep your pup from getting restless – or you could order them a puppucino!
16. Go out for ice cream
There are certainly plenty of foods that dogs should never eat and human ice cream is one of them. But doggy ice cream is definitely on the menu. This concept has really exploded in recent years, so why not hit up your favorite ice cream parlor with your date and treat your pup while you're at it?
17. Have a game night
If you have a feline friend in your family then you don't need us to tell you how much they love joining in on a good games night. Granted, Monopoly, Scrabble or Cluedo isn't the easiest to play when you have a cat sitting in the middle of the board, but it's bound to give you and your date a good laugh.
18. Do some baking
Do you love baking? Why not hit the kitchen with your date and whip up a batch of homemade dog treats. There are plenty of great kitty-friendly recipes too, so regardless of whether your fur friend is of the canine or feline variety, you'll find plenty of inspiration for delicious and nutritious treats your pet is sure to love.
19. Go for a romantic stroll on the beach
If you happen to live near one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the US, then why not take a romantic stroll? Not only will you get to spend some quality time with your beloved in a peaceful and beautiful setting, but your pup will get a good workout at the same time. Now that's what we call a win-win.
20. Drive-in movie
Yes, you can watch a movie at home, but if you have a drive-in theatre in your local area, why not mix things up a little? Drive-in movies are a nostalgic experience and the atmosphere tends to be really magical. There are few things more romantic than an evening under the stars.
21. Take a camping trip
We've long known that camping with a dog can be a wonderful experience, but don't rule out camping with your cat either. If your fur friend is a lover of the outdoors and your date is too, then heading away for a weekend and enjoying nights around the campfire can help you connect free from the stresses and pressures of home.
22. Head to a sports event
Do you love baseball? Are you a huge football fan? Then checking out a game could be a great way to spend a few hours. Plus, it's something you can include your dog in and because you and your date will be so busy watching what's happening on the field, there's no pressure to engage in tons of conversation.
23. Do some arts and crafts
For those who love something crafty and creative, a local art class could make for a wonderful date. From pottery and painting to photography and ceramics, the hardest part will be deciding which one to choose.
24. Put on some classical music
Classical music isn't just soothing for us humans, it can be wonderfully calming for our pets, too. If you and your date are fans of Mozart, Vivaldi, or Beethoven, why not pop some on at home and spend an afternoon or evening relaxing?
25. Take a boat trip
Whether it's letting someone else do the driving and joining a trip that lets you take to the water and sightsee in your local area or you rent a small boat and do some rowing with your date, this can be such a calming way to spend time together. There's something about water that's good for the soul, and we have a feeling your dog (or sea-loving kitty) will enjoy it too. Just be sure to fit them with a life jacket!
26. Head off on a weekend getaway
Keen to take a break from daily life? Why not head off on a weekend getaway and explore a new area together? Traveling with pets can take a bit of planning but there are lots of reasons to take your pet on vacation with you – such as giving you an opportunity to make memories with both your fur friend and your beloved.
27. Check out your local farmers market
There's something lovely about a relaxed Sunday morning stroll around your local farmers market. Not only is there plenty to see and talk about, but you and your date will be able to pick up some delicious goodies that you can turn into a mouth-watering meal once you're back home.
28. Have a spa day
Yes, it's possible to have a spa day with both your pet and your partner! Many facilities now offer doggy sessions (and some will even tend to your cat) so your beloved bundle of fluff can now get a piece of the pampering action.
29. Pet-friendly festival
Not all pets enjoy loud noises, so going to a festival doesn't necessarily mean you have to hit up Coachella. Instead, why not try something a little more low-key, like a lantern or arts festival?
30. Book a photoshoot
We might take more photos than we used to now that so many of us have a smartphone to hand, but we're not always great at printing them off and displaying them. If you and your partner are guilty of keeping all those snaps on your phone, why not book yourselves and your pet in for a photoshoot? This is such a fun date idea and at the end of it all, you'll have prints that you can place around your home and treasure forever.
31. Explore your neighborhood
We often over-complicate dates, so don't be afraid to do something that seems relatively simple and spend a few hours exploring your neighborhood together. It's easy to think we've already discovered everything there is to discover when we've lived somewhere for a while, but you'll be amazed at what new things you might stumble across when you pretend to be a tourist for a day.
32. Go to a pet charity event
Looking to expand your fur family? There are so many reasons to adopt a dog or adopt a cat – for starters, you're saving a life and that's a pretty great feeling. But as you know, pets also provide us with so much joy and companionship. So if you and your partner are looking to add another pet to your home or you want to welcome your first, why not head to a pet charity event and see if you can find your new forever friend? Or if you’re not ready to commit, here are some reasons to volunteer at your local animal shelter.
