While dog owners might say that every day of the year is a holiday because you have a furry friend by your side, August 26 is National Dog Day, which means it’s time to plan something extraordinary for you and your dog plan. Even if you don’t own a dog, you might want to check out one of the many dog-friendly experiences available to book on the Airbnb website, as many of them involve dogs – literally .
Not only can you spend hours playing with a variety of rescue dogs across the country, but you can also adopt them if you're in the market for a rescue and connect with one of the dogs and get approved by a rescue shelter . But whether you're looking to add an angry friend to your home or want to volunteer some of your time to help the greater dog community, you need to check out some of these Airbnb experiences.
Of course, if you're looking for dog-friendly travel for a pup you already have, you can browse Airbnb's variety of accommodations that will be more than happy to host you and your pup. That said, be sure to let the owner know in person that you will be arriving with your dog to ensure the message is clearly conveyed. Also, if you plan on bringing your dog with you to a rescue dog experience, please check with the owner first to see if this is okay. Here are some top-rated dog walking experiences you should definitely check out.
Walking a rescue dog on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Lucky Dog Rescue offers a $30 trip to Washington, D.C. (on a leash). You'll spend two hours with a rescue dog and guide, giving the pup some fresh air and exercise, and taking you on a tour of the capital's locals. Book now here .
SUP PUP Paddleboard Tour, Ft. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
For $47, you get 90 minutes of paddle boarding time, some beer or wine, and a photo album worth of memories you'll cherish or laugh at forever. While you and your adventurous pup aren't guaranteed to stay dry on this adventure, fun and sunshine are guaranteed. A human life jacket is included, but you should bring a dog life jacket for your puppy if he is uncomfortable in the water. Book now here.
Explore Franklin, TN with a Rescue Dog
A portion of your $19 ticket price will be donated to the rescue dog nonprofit Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue, and your hiking companion will be from the shelter. The two-and-a-half-hour walking tour around Franklin will give rescue pups a chance to get out and exercise, and give you a chance to explore a new city with local community members. Book now here.
Paint your pets/feathers and fur, Hillsboro, OR
If you've always dreamed of being able to paint your puppy, but didn't have the studio art skills to actually make it happen, you'll be fascinated by this experience. For $85, you get a three-hour painting class with a professional art teacher, along with a canvas and plenty of snacks. Before class, your teacher will pre-draw an outline of your dog on canvas (you will email a photo) so you can start the class with some guidance. At the end of the three hours, you'll have a puppy portrait that's more impressive than anything you could have imagined. That said, you might also walk away with a new hobby or passion. Book now here.
Hiking Runyon Canyon with a Rescue Dog, Los Angeles, California (Social Impact)
Free Animal Doctors is hosting this social impact event where 100% of proceeds will go to help dog owners with veterinary bills. For just $45, you can hike Runyon Canyon for two hours with a group of rescue dogs while getting exercise and charity at the same time. Book now here.
GoPro dogs at the Golden Gate, San Francisco, California
This dog event is hosted by a professional GoPro dog action photographer who has tons of amazing dog action photos in her portfolio to show you what you and your dog are getting into. For $35, you can get your pup two hours to socialize and have a drink with other dog owners in the community while hanging out at the iconic Crissy Field beach, with the Golden Gate Bridge as the backdrop background. Dog treats and all equipment provided on site. Book now here.
Beach Day with Rescue Dogs, San Diego, CA (Social Impact)
Free Animal Doctors is a non-profit organization that helps those with hefty veterinary bills raise funds to cover the costs. As part of Airbnb's social impact program, all proceeds from the $45 event will be donated to charity. Upon admission, you'll walk on the beach with a group of rescue puppies, enjoy a refreshing drink, and play with other dog lovers in the community. Book now here.
Drink draft beer with a rescue dog at Mutt Mixer in Kenmore, WA
Twice a month, for just $25 per person, you can hang out at a microbrewery while playing with rescue dogs. Your registration fee will be donated to Dog Gone Seattle, a no-kill rescue shelter in partnership with Cairn Brewing, so you can support the rescue by just showing up, but give them even more by spending some time with their rescue dogs Support, providing them with opportunities to be socialized and cared for before returning to shelter. Whether you're looking to adopt a dog or just want to volunteer to help a good cause at some point, this bi-monthly event is for the most dedicated dog lovers and supporters. Oh, and the craft beer is good too. Book now here.
