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 FurPetVo will provide all the essentials you need for the best date ever.
FurPetVo 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 all invited to celebrate by taking a local dog out on a meaningful, heartwarming date.
On these dates, you’ll never have to worry about awkward silences, splitting the bill, or whether your date is *actually* as tall as their profile says they are. FurPetVo provides a complimentary FurPetVo Date Kit, packed with everything you need for a successful first date — including toys, tasty treats, and yes, even biodegradable poop bags. Because when you love someone, you love all of them — tail wags, muddy paws, and all!
Whether you’re hoping for long-term companionship or simply want to brighten a pup’s day with kindness and connection, Dogs’ Date Out is the perfect way to honor the spirit of Valentine’s Day. Find a participating shelter near you below and contact them directly to book your date!
Find a Participating Shelter Near You
- Arizona
Arizona Humane Society, Phoenix — 602-997-7585
Pima Animal Care Center, Tucson — 520-724-5964 - Arkansas
Good Shepherd Humane Society, Eureka Springs — 479-253-9188 - California
Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center, Riverside — 951-688-6165, ext. 3316 - Colorado
Teller County Regional Animal Shelter (TCRAS), Divide — 719-686-7707 - Florida
Humane Society Naples, Naples — 239-643-1555
SPCA Florida, Lakeland — 863-577-4616
SPCA of Brevard, Titusville — 321-567-3615
Jacksonville Humane Society, Jacksonville — 904-725-8766
Broward County Animal Care, Fort Lauderdale — 954-359-1313, ext. 7093 - Georgia
LifeLine Animal Project, Atlanta — 404-292-8800 - Illinois
Animal Protective League of Springfield and Sangamon County, Springfield — 217-827-7773 - Indiana
Dubois County Humane Society, Jasper — 812-482-7387
Vanderburgh Humane Society, Evansville — 812-426-2563, ext. 220 - Iowa
Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Des Moines — 515-262-9503 - Michigan
Friends of Detroit Animal Care and Control, Detroit — 313-224-6356 - Minnesota
Wadena County Humane Society, Wadena — 218-443-3941 - Mississippi
Humane Society of South Mississippi, Gulfport — 228-822-3802
Southern Pines Animal Shelter, Hattiesburg — 601-544-6632 - Missouri
KC Pet Project, Kansas City — 816-683-1383 - Montana
Humane Society of Western Montana, Missoula — 406-549-3934, ext. 204 - Nevada
Nevada Humane Society, Reno — 775-856-2000, ext. 334 - New Mexico
Farmington Regional Animal Shelter, Farmington — 505-599-8386 - New York
Animal Care Centers of NYC, New York City — 646-468-6515
Humane Society of Walden, Walden — 845-778-5115
Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester, Fairport — 585-223-1330 - North Carolina
Pitt Friends Rescue, Greenville — 252-561-6621
Friends of Guilford County Animal Shelter, Greensboro — 336-337-7917 - Ohio
Humane Society of Greater Dayton, Dayton — 937-262-5920 - Oregon
Oregon Dog Rescue, Portland — 503-612-0111 - Pennsylvania
Animal Care Sanctuary, Milan — 570-596-2200
Providence Animal Center, Media — 610-566-4575
Humane Society of Lackawanna/Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, South Abington Township — 570-586-3700, ext. 522 - South Carolina
Charleston Animal Society, North Charleston — 843-224-0899 - Tennessee
Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County, Memphis — 901-937-3911 - Texas
SPCA of Brazoria County, Jackson — 979-285-2340
Garland Animal Shelter & Adoption Center supported by Friends of Rescue Animals, Garland — 972-205-3570, option 2
Friends of Dallas Animal Services, Dallas — 214-846-2861
Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, Georgetown — 512-943-3322
Aggieland Humane Society, Bryan — 979-775-5755 - Virginia
Portsmouth Humane, Portsmouth — 757-692-2483
Fredericksburg SPCA, Fredericksburg — 540-898-1500, ext. 104
Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation, Falls Church — 703-307-7706 - Washington
SpokAnimal, Spokane — 509-534-8133 - Wyoming
Cheyenne Animal Shelter, Cheyenne — 307-632-6655
Helpful Tips for Your First Date
1. Take It Slow
The “getting to know each other” period can be the most exciting — and most stressful — part of dating! Give yourself and your pup time to build trust and comfort. Talk to shelter staff to learn about your date’s favorite activities, past experiences, and any sensitivities. Your love language might be physical touch, but before rushing into hugs and snuggles, let your pup set the pace. Watch their body language — relaxed ears, soft eyes, and a wagging tail mean they’re ready to connect.
2. Be Flexible
Being a great partner means adapting to your date’s needs. Maybe your pup is full of energy and ready for a brisk walk through the woods — or maybe they’d rather curl up beside you with a chew toy and some quiet time. Stay open to adjusting your plans so your pup feels safe, engaged, and truly enjoys their special day.
3. Have Fun!
This day is more than just a fun outing — it’s a much-needed break for many shelter dogs. It’s about sharing joy, laughter, and warmth on a day built for love. You’ll bring kindness and attention to a pup who may rarely experience one-on-one time — and you might just discover a friendship that lasts a lifetime.
Dog Date Ideas
What will you do on your date? Tailor the day to your pup’s personality and energy level. Here are some joyful, low-pressure ideas:
- Plan a dog picnic. Pack pup-friendly snacks and find a cozy spot — indoors or out, depending on the weather.
- Visit a dog-friendly brewery or café. Many local spots welcome well-mannered pups on patios or in designated areas.
- Give them a gentle dog massage. It’s calming for them — and surprisingly soothing for you too.
- Bake homemade dog treats together. Use simple, vet-approved ingredients (check with your shelter first!).
- Take a hike on a dog-friendly trail. Let your pup explore new scents, sounds, and sights at their own pace.
- Visit a dog-friendly beach. Perfect if you’re in a warmer climate — or if you and your pup don’t mind a little chill!
Bring Love Home
There’s no pressure for a long-term commitment on these first dates — but stay open-minded! This could be the beginning of a beautiful bond that blossoms into fostering, adoption, or lifelong friendship.
If you’re looking for a permanent companion, visit furpetvo.com/adoptions to browse adoptable dogs near you. You can also support your local shelter or rescue by donating to their FurPetVo Wish List — every item helps make life better for animals waiting for their forever homes.
