So you found a potential date on the FetchaDate app. Can your dog sniff out if your date is a keeper? We want to help your WingPet with the initial date introductions at one of these dog-friendly date spots.
When I’d take my Greyhound, Shiraz, to dog parks in New York City some years ago, many were simply pea gravel and dirt. Now the new trend is more of a hangout that’s modern, posh, and fetching (as in attractive, not the game), with food/treats for humans and canines. In these settings, you can wear a mask and safely social distance while mingling. Here are a few places to meet in person.
1. Dogwood Play Park: Seattle, Washington
Your pup can burn some energy in either the indoor or outdoor dog park at Dogwood Play Park located in Seattle, Washington. With a total of 1,600 square feet of the play area, your pet will work up an appetite for a special treat from The Seattle Barkery located inside Dogwood. Yes, there’s a bakery just for dogs. And while your dog is plays, you and your date can sip on an adult beverage and enjoy food from one of Dogwood’s local pop-up kitchens. Reservations are required because there is an indoor limit. They have a drop-in fee of $12.
2. The Dog Bar: St. Petersburg, Florida
This bar and dog park boasts more than 5,000 square feet of dog play area indoors and outdoors with separate areas dedicated to low-energy and high-energy pups. Leave it to St. Pete to have an area with a bone-shaped pool. You and your dog will love the 2,000 square foot off-leash park where you can they can take a dip. Enjoy a housemade Tito’s Moscow Mule on tap, or try one of 31 rotating taps of craft beer. Although The Dog Bar doesn’t serve in-house food, you and your date won’t go hungry with the food trucks on-site every day. Need a fun way to break the ice? Locals can check out their punch pass or annual membership. Check out the off-leash game room complete with a pool table, skeeball, and darts. They offer a one-day pass for $5.
3. Boris and Horton: New York City, New York
Visit New York City’s very first dog cafe, Boris and Horton. You and your date can choose to sit on the human-only side of the cafe to take in other pups from a distance. Or, bring along your furry third wheel and sit on the dog-friendly side. We’ve heard the human treats include an all-vegetarian menu and house-made coffee syrups. The dog-only Red-Velvet Pupcakes are not to miss. Boris and Horton also serves a selection of craft beer and wine. A date night could include attending a trivia or burlesque event, too.
4. Mutts Canine Cantina: Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas
You and your date can sip margaritas while Mutts Canine Cantina staff watch over and clean up after your pup. With two separate parks dedicated to dogs over and under 30 pounds, you both can relax knowing your pup is playing with friends. You’ll be able to do some hand-holding during one of their movie nights. It’s so popular that they have two new locations coming to Austin and Allen, Texas.
5. Java Hound Coffee Bar: Portland, Oregon
If coffee with your pup sounds like the perfect first date, look no further than Java Hound Coffee Bar. You and your date can enjoy a local specialty coffee. In addition to delicious human treats, your pup will beg for the Puppuccino, a specialty dog drink made with goat’s milk, and munch on treats. Are you feeling a little nervous about your date? A cannabidiol (CBD)-infused drink or food may relax you. Don’t forget to stop by the partner pet store, Hip Hound, for a special treat for your loved one too.
6. Yard Bar: Austin, Texas
Choose to eat at the outdoor patio with your leashed furry third wheel, or have a drink at Yard Bar’s 21-plus, off-leash dog park. The park comes complete with agility and play equipment, and staff to clean up after your pup and keep the peace. This dog park aims to be a hands-off experience for you and your date. They also feature their own Puppy Bowl event. Drop-ins at this bar park are $9 per dog, or sign up for a monthly or annual pass.
Check back for updates on more Best Doggone Date spots, and make your free profile on Fetchadate in the App Store and Google Play
