Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day date ideas to do with your pup and significant other in Pittsburgh? With so much to explore and experience together, you don’t have to miss out on spending quality time together just because you happen to be a dog mom (or dad). That’s why I’ve compiled some of the best ways for couples with dogs to spark a little romance of their own. Read on for three dog-friendly date ideas that both dog owners in Pittsburgh and their furry companions will love!
1. Spend the Night In With Pupcorn and a Movie.
Rent a movie, grab some popcorn, and snuggle up with your sweetheart and your dog for a cozy movie night at home. As a homebody myself, an evening curled up together on the couch with my favorite snacks and a dog-themed rom-com is right up there with my ideal Valentine’s Day. And not just because it’s more socially acceptable to pass out mid-movie by 7 p.m. at home…although I’m certainly not going to argue with that perk.
In need of some movie suggestions? Check out these sweet and slobbery flicks:
- There’s Something About Mary
- You’ve Got Mail
- Legally Blonde
- Love to the Rescue
- The Truth About Cats and Dogs
- Lady and the Tramp
- Eat, Play, Love
- Must Love Dogs
- As Good As It Gets
- Love at First Bark
Related: 8 Winter Activities to Strengthen Your Bond With Your Dog
2. Delight in a Dog-Friendly Ice Cream Date.
Treat your four-legged love to a pup-friendly dessert at Salty Paws, Pittsburgh’s first doggie ice cream bar. Situated in the heart of Lawrenceville, this unique and delightful interactive ice cream bar and bakery caters to your furry Valentine with a wide range of gourmet dog-approved ice cream and toppings that are sure to get tails wagging and drool dripping.
Inside the turquoise-colored storefront wafts the sweet aroma of waffle cone bowls and freshly made ice cream that pairs perfectly with popular toppings like dehydrated chicken, rabbit, and sweet potato. Owner Jessica and her staff are always happy to help your dog choose his preferred flavors by offering samples and suggestions from a variety of flavors, including vanilla, peanut butter, blueberry, maple bacon, pumpkin, and banana, each made using all-natural, healthy, lactose-free, and sugar-free ingredients.
In addition to its one-of-a-kind ice cream, Salty Paws also carries a range of tasty treats, decorated doggie biscuits, CBD products, antlers, and pup-cakes. Each is made with the same high-quality, fresh ingredients as its ice cream and are perfect for satisfying your pup’s sweet tooth. And, yes—you can bet your wiggly bottom there’ll be Valentine’s Day-themed treats!
While you technically can share your dog’s dessert, the ice cream’s flavor isn’t quite what you’re used to (think far less sweet thanks to its dairy-free and sugar-free ingredients), so I recommend making a quick stop for yourself at NatuRoll Creamery, located just a short away on Butler Street. Its brownie rolled ice cream and cheesecake milkshake are worth a taste…as are any of its 60,000 creative combinations. After all, Valentine’s Day just isn’t the same without chocolate and strawberries—and maybe a little cheese!
Related: 10 Ways To Make Healthy and Delicious Homemade Treats Your Dog Will Love
3. Share the Love at Your Local Shelter.
If that extra big heart of yours is overflowing with love, consider volunteering at your local animal shelter. Pittsburgh’s shelters and rescues are always in need of volunteers to walk dogs, cuddle kittens, clean cages, and help with day-to-day tasks.
Giving back alongside your sweetheart not only makes a tremendous difference for these animals, but can pretty much guarantee those cold noses will warm your heart. Plus, there’s just something super sexy about kindness and compassion, know what I’m saying?
If your Valentines’ Day plans don’t allow you to rack up volunteer hours that day, you can instead opt to put together care packages for its animals. You can often find a list of requested items, like gently used towels and blankets, unopened pet food, new bedding, dog sweaters and coats, paper towels and cleaning supplies, treats, new dog and cat toys, leashes and collars, office supplies, puppy pee pads, or gift cards through the shelter’s website. Drop them off on your way to dinner for a pre-date pick-me-up, but just know if you just so happen to fall in love with one of those puppy-eyed faces while doing so, don’t say I didn’t warn you…
Love Ends With a Wagging Tail
If you’ll be including your pet in your Valentine’s Day date, I’d love to hear more about how you’re celebrating! Drop your plans in the comments below. Hunter’s already putting in his request for an evening “barkuterie board.”
Did you enjoy this post? Great, there’s more coming your way because it’s part of a photography blog circle featuring photographers specializing in a variety of niches! With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there’s no denying that love is in the air. Our weekly theme, “Valentine’s Day Ideas for…,” has rounded up even more ideas to keep the sparks flying. Up next is Gretchen Decker with Gretchen Decker Photography, sharing unique Valentine’s ideas to celebrate that special someone. Continue to click the link at the end of each post in the blog circle until you eventually find your way back here. If you get lost along the way, just look for the trail of dog hair. I won’t be far off…
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