Dog Bucket List Ideas for a Fun Fulfilled Life

The Most Epic Dog Bucket List Ideas ↓

Do you have a “bucket list” for your life? Things you want to experience…goals you would like to achieve in your lifetime? Many people do, even if it’s not a physical list of activities, people often keep a mental list of goals/new experiences they would like to accomplish one day.

If you are reading this post, I can assume you have a dog in your life you love dearly. Consider having a dog bucket list similar to your human one. What kinds of things would you like to do with your dog during their lifetime? How could you spend more quality time together? I tried to include some fun activities an older dog could enjoy as well.

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This post will give you some awesome dog bucket list ideas and adventures

1. Run (or Walk) a 5k with your Dog

If your dog is physically-able and healthy, consider walking or running a 5k with them. The best way to find these races is to Google dog-friendly 5K near your city. I have used websites such as www.runthatmutt.com to search for races. If there is nothing around you, consider doing a dog walk monthly challenge. For example, The American Cancer Society hosts these online challenges during certain months of the year.

2. Stay at a Pet-friendly Hotel

Traveling with your dog can be an exciting adventure. Consider staying at a dog-friendly hotel if possible. Check online to find specific hotels that allow dogs to stay as guests. If you cannot find one, Airbnb’s and vrbos can be a good option.

3. Dress your Dog in a Halloween Costume

Dogs dressed for Halloween are the cutest and they make for great photos you can cherish forever. I dress my dogs in costumes while I hand out candy on Halloween night.

4. Make a Dog Instagram

Want your pup to be the next dog influencer? Consider making their own Instagram account (or any social media platform) to house all the adorable pictures/videos you take of them. If you’re anything like me, your camera roll is full of pictures of them anyway…why not share it with the world? If you are needing some caption inspiration for your dog’s Instagram, check out this post here for ideas.

5. Have your dog Take a Picture with Santa Clause

Photos of dogs with Santa melt my heart. They make an adorable decoration to put out every year or hang as an ornament on your Christmas tree. I must admit, this is one of those bucket list items that the pet parents will enjoy more than the pup…but come on, these pictures are just too cute to pass up.

6. Have a family Photoshoot with your Dog

This can be a professional photoshoot or totally DIY. I have many friends and family that include their pups in their family portraits.

7. Visit a Pet-Friendly National or State Park

Although many of America’s national parks do not allow dogs on their trails, there are still many that do. A few of these include: Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado, White Sands National Park in Arizona, Acadia National Park in Maine, etc. The Grand Canyon also allows dogs on their high-rim popular trails. There is also one dog friendly trail in Zion National Park. Always make sure to do your research before taking your pup to visit a park.

8. Earn a Canine Good Citizen Certificate

The American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen Program is a training program that teaches your dog (and dog owners) best practices and builds confidence. You can search for a program in your town. This is something on my own bucket list.

9. Visit a Dog Beach

If you are into visiting new places then road trip with your best friend to a sunny beach and watch them romp around in the sand. This unique experience would also create such special memories to hold onto forever. Before you go, make sure to research if the beach allows dogs-many beaches will have a dog-friendly area.

10. Go Paddle Boarding with your Dog

This bucket list item will definitely depend on where you live and your dog’s personality. There is a whole community of stand-up paddleboarders who take their dog along for the ride. Make sure to do plenty of research before taking your dog on a paddleboard and strap them into a dog life jacket.

11. Get a Pupcup at Starbucks

Getting a pupcup is something I have done many times with both my dogs. Lacy and Maverick love to go for short car rides through the Starbucks drive-thru. Their tails instantly wag when they see a pupcup coming their way. Many employees will ask if you would like a pupcup if they notice you have dogs in the car. If they don’t ask, feel free to tell them you would like one with your order. Best part? They’re FREE.

More Dog Bucket List Ideas

12. Dog DNA Tests

If you have always wondered about your pup’s ancestry and origin then a dog DNA kit might be a fun thing to try. There are many different companies that provide an easy at-home test kit to discover which breeds make up your best friend. This is especially interesting if your dog was adopted from a shelter and their history is unknown.

13. Make a Pawprint Stone or Ornament

This a great keepsake to do with your dog. There are many kits you can buy at craft stores or online that allow you to make a garden stone or ornament from your dog’s pawprint.

14. Include your Dog in your Engagement or Baby Announcement

If you have exciting news to share-like an upcoming wedding or new baby- why not include your dog in the announcement? I have seen this done in so many cute and creative ways on Facebook and Instagram. If you are needing some inspiration, check out Pinterest for some cute photo op ideas!

15. Include your Dog in your Wedding Ceremony

Your wedding day will be one of the most special days of your life. Every crazy obsessed dog mom would love to feature their pup in their wedding in some shape or form. If you can’t include your dog in your actual ceremony for whatever reason, consider having something that still incorporates them without them having to physically be there. I have seen couples name their signature cocktails after their dogs or include their dog in the cake topper figures.

16. Bring your Dog on a Picnic

This bucket list item is simple and can be done with a senior dog as well. Find a nice shady spot on a gorgeous day and have a picnic with your pup. Let your dog soak in the sunshine.

17. Visit a Pet-Friendly Restaurant Patio

If your dog is well-mannered and good around people, consider taking them to dog-friendly restaurants. This will depend greatly on your city but websites such as www.bringfido.com can be great resources when researching pet-friendly venues.

18. Visit a Dog-Friendly Brewery or Winery

If you are somebody who loves a trip to a beautiful winery or brewery, consider taking your dog along with you. There is a local winery in my city that is very dog-friendly and brings out bowls of water for your pup while you sip on a nice glass of wine.

19. Bake your Dog a Cake for their Birthday Party

This idea can become an annual tradition. I bought my dog, Maverick a cake from a local doggie bakery for his birthday in January and he absolutely loved it. He would have devoured the entire cake in one sitting if I had let him. If you prefer to go the homemade route, this dog-friendly carrot cake is a fan favorite among my pups. Instead of cake, try subbing it out for dog-friendly ice cream instead. If you are not sure of your dog’s birthday, celebrate their adoption day (gotcha day) every year instead.

20. Take your Pup to a Dog Park

There are a lot of mixed opinions regarding dog parks. If you are not a fan then maybe skip this one on the list or just take your dog to a local park instead. If you do decide to take your dog to a dog park, make sure they are following your city’s rules and guidelines. Our local dog park requires dogs to show proof of vaccinations and they even have employees monitoring the park. Make sure to do your research and know if your dog has the personality for a dog park.

21. Play with your Dog in the Snow

If you are not much of a hot weather lover, I have a cooler option for you. If you live in an area that snows, there is nothing cuter than watching your pup have a great time romping around in the snow. Bonus points if snow is actually falling and you get adorable snowflake pictures.

22. Order a Custom Silhouette or Drawing of your Dog

This is another great way to have an amazing keepsake of your pup. Etsy has so many adorable options of custom dog portraits. Place your portrait or silhouette drawing in a frame and display it in your house. This also makes for a great gift for any dog lover.

23. Attend a Dog Event

Look for local dog expos, fairs, dog yoga class, or competitions/agility course around your area.

24. Visit a Pumpkin Patch

During the fall, take your pup to a pumpkin patch and capture adorable photos among the pumpkins. I’m telling you, pumpkin patches make the cutest backdrops for photos.

25. Attend a Dog-Friendly Outdoor Concert

This will greatly depend on your city but look for outdoor concerts or music events that welcome dogs. Look on local Facebook pages or google live music events and see if they have a pet policy listed on their website.

26. Create a Dog-Friendly DIY Toy

This one is perfect for the DIY lovers. Craft a custom new toy for your dog using safe materials, incorporating textures and scents they love.

Conclusion

So, go ahead and check off these adventures one by one, tailoring them to your dog’s personality and preferences. My hope is that you find some new activities and ideas to include in your doggy bucket list. Remember, you are your pup’s whole entire world. Whether you have a new puppy or an elderly dog, most pups are fully content just being by their mama’s (or dad’s) side. They will certainly be happy partaking in these adventures with you.