Dogs’ Date Out: Take a Shelter Pup for a Date This Valentine’s Day

Share the love with a shelter dog this Valentine's Day, and Chewy will provide all the essentials you need for the best date ever.
Chewy
By
Chewy
Updated
Feb. 14, 2025
Photo of a woman on a dog's date out, having picnic in a park with a rescue dog

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!

Aerial photo of a shelter dog on a dog's date out, with Chewy dog toys, dog treats, and dog poop bags

Photo by Chewy

Find a participating shelter near you to get matched with a pet date:

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Florida

Georgia

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nevada

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Oregon

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Tennessee

Texas

Virginia

Washington

Wyoming

Helpful Tips for Your First Date

Photo of a woman and rescue dog on a dog's date out, sitting on a bench in the park

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 of a woman walking a rescue dog on a dog's date out

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.

Attributions

Chewy

Chewy

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