Dogs’ Date Out: Take a Shelter Pup for a Date This Valentine’s Day
Photo by Chewy
Chewy is helping you find love this Valentine’s Day in the form of a furry, four-legged friend at your local animal shelter. Singles, couples, friends, and dog lovers are encouraged to spend their Valentine’s Day sharing the love by taking a local dog out on a date.
On these dates, you’ll never have to worry about awkward silences, splitting the bill, or if your date is actually as tall as they said they were. Chewy will provide you with a Chewy Date Kit, with everything you need for a successful first date, like toys, treats and yes, even poop bags—because when you love someone, you love all of them, right?
Whether you’re looking for long-term love or a date with a cutie, Dogs’ Date Out is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Find a shelter near you below and contact them directly to book your Dogs’ Date Out!
Photo by Chewy
Find a participating shelter near you to get matched with a pet date:
Arizona
- Arizona Humane Society, Phoenix, 602-997-7585
- Pima Animal Care Center, Tucson, 520-724-5964
Arkansas
- Good Shepherd Humane Society, Eureka Springs, 479-253-9188
California
- Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center, Riverside, 951-688-6165, ext. 3316
Colorado
- Teller County Regional Animal Shelter (TCRAS), Divide, 719-686-7707
Florida
- Humane Society Naples, Naples, 239-643-1555
- SPCA Florida, Lakeland, 863-577-4616
- SPCA of Brevard, Titusville, 321-567-3615
- Jacksonville Humane Society, Jacksonville, 904-725-8766
- Broward County Animal Care, Fort Lauderdale, 954-359-1313, ext. 7093
Georgia
- LifeLine Animal Project, Atlanta, 404-292-8800
Illinois
- Animal Protective League of Springfield and Sangamon County, Springfield, 217-827-7773
Indiana
- Dubois County Humane Society, Jasper, 812-482-7387
- Vanderburgh Humane Society, Evansville, 812-426-2563, ext. 220
Iowa
- Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Des Moines, 515-262-9503
Michigan
- Friends of Detroit Animal Care and Control, Detroit, 313-224-6356
Minnesota
- Wadena County Humane Society, Wadena, 218-443-3941
Mississippi
- Humane Society of South Mississippi, Gulfport, 228-822-3802
- Southern Pines Animal Shelter, Hattiesburg, 601-544-6632
Missouri
- KC Pet Project, Kansas City, 816-683-1383
Montana
- Humane Society of Western Montana, Missoula, 406-549-3934, ext. 204
Nevada
- Nevada Humane Society, Reno, 775-856-2000, ext. 334
New Mexico
- Farmington Regional Animal Shelter, Farmington, 505-599-8386
New York
- Animal Care Centers of NYC, New York City, 646-468-6515
- Humane Society of Walden, Walden, 845-778-5115
- Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester, Fairport, 585-223-1330
North Carolina
- Pitt Friends Rescue, Greenville, 252-561-6621
- Friends of Guilford County Animal Shelter, Greensboro, 336-337-7917
Ohio
- Humane Society of Greater Dayton, Dayton, 937-262-5920
Oregon
- Oregon Dog Rescue, Portland, 503-612-0111
Pennsylvania
- Animal Care Sanctuary, Milan, 570-596-2200
- Providence Animal Center, Media, 610-566-4575
- Humane Society of Lackawanna/Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, South Abington Township, 570-586-3700, ext. 522
South Carolina
- Charleston Animal Society, North Charleston, 843-224-0899
Tennessee
- Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County, Memphis, 901-937-3911
Texas
- SPCA of Brazoria County, Jackson, 979-285-2340
- Garland Animal Shelter & Adoption Center supported by Friends of Rescue Animals, Garland, 972-205-3570, option 2
- Friends of Dallas Animal Services, Dallas, 214-846-2861
- Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, Georgetown, 512-943-3322
- Aggieland Humane Society, Bryan, 979-775-5755
Virginia
- Portsmouth Humane, Portsmouth, 757-692-2483
- Fredericksburg SPCA, Fredericksburg, 540-898-1500, ext. 104
- Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation, Falls Church, 703-307-7706
Washington
- SpokAnimal, Spokane, 509-534-8133
Wyoming
- Cheyenne Animal Shelter, Cheyenne, 307-632-6655
Helpful Tips for Your First Date
Photo by Chewy
1. Take It Slow
The “getting to know each other” period can be the most exciting yet most stressful part of dating! Take time to get to know your pup.
Talk to the shelter staff to learn what their interests are and what their fears are. Your love language might be physical touch, but before rushing into hugs and snuggles, let the pup get to know you first and follow their cues.
2. Be Flexible
Being a good partner means adapting to the needs of your significant other. Maybe your date is high-energy and ready for a hike, or maybe your date is a couch potato who wants to decompress. Try and be flexible with what you have planned for the day so the dog is able to get the most out of their shelter break.
3. Have Fun!
This day is a much-needed break for many pups in shelters. It’s about bringing joy to each other on a day that’s meant to be filled with love.
It’s a chance to meet a local pup in need and give them love for the day—and just maybe fall in love for their lifetime!
Dog Date Ideas
Photo by Chewy
What’ll you do on your date with your dog? Depending on your pup’s likes, dislikes, and personality, one of these fun dog activities could be the perfect pick:
- Plan a dog picnic. Get creative and set it up indoors if the weather’s cold!
- Grab a pint at a dog-friendly brewery.
- Give them a dog massage. You might find it’s as therapeutic for you as for them!
- Bake homemade dog treats together. (Just be sure that the ingredients are approved by your shelter organization first.)
- Take a hike on a dog-friendly trail. Active pups will love exploring all the new sights and smells.
- Visit a nearby dog-friendly beach, if you live in a warm climate—or if you and your doggy date don’t mind a little cold!)
Bring Love Home
There’s no pressure for a long-term commitment on these first dates—but stay open-minded! This could be the start of a love connection that blossoms into an opportunity to foster or adopt a new companion.
If you’re looking for a permanent fling, visit Chewy Adoptions to find adoptable dogs near you. You can also make a difference for your local animal shelter or rescue by donating to their Chewy Wish List.
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