Activities For Dogs In Virginia On Hot Days

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Introduction

There is a famous saying that goes “Virginia is for lovers” and this saying also works for pet lovers. As a matter of fact, in any part of the state, there is bound to be a fun and exciting activity for dogs and their pet parents. In Virginia, there is a vast range of pet-friendly activities, ranging from landmarks and cruises to shopping malls and pet-friendly diners and restaurants. However, Virginia is known not only for its many tourist attractions but also for its rich history, diverse culture and picturesque landscapes. On a hot, sunny day out, you will find the streets of Virginia filled with dog owners and their pups basking in the sun and taking in the beautiful sights.

Dog-friendly Cruise

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Moderate
Easy
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Dog Waste Bags
Leash
Activity description

What better way to celebrate the sun being out than by going on a cruise? Yes, in Virginia, it is possible to go on a cruise with your furry friend tagging along. In fact, some cruises are specially made to cater to dogs and their owners. For those who want to see the Assateague and Chincoteague islands with their furry buddies in tow, then Daisey’s Island Cruises is the perfect cruise trip for you. In this charter cruise, patrons will get to see the renowned Chincoteague ponies, birds and dolphins. Another cruise that might be interesting for you is the Potomac Riverboat Co. Canine Cruise. This is a special cruise that is only available every second Thursday of the months during the summer season. 

Step
1
Find a cruise that suits your needs
There are so many dog-friendly cruises available in Virginia that you may choose to go on with your four-legged friend. Which one you choose is reliant on your personal preference; some pet owners are after a certain site while some would simply like to go on a cruise that falls within their budget. For instance, if you want to see the Potomac River in all its glory, you can enjoy the 40-minute cruise by Potomac Riverboat Co.
Step
2
Go cruising!
When you find the cruise that you want to do, make the necessary arrangements and reservations. Also, find out what you need to bring with you or if there are any rules and restrictions that you should know about. When everything is settled, hop on board and enjoy the cruise with your dog.
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Visit Virginia Beach

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Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
1 to 2 hours
Items needed
Leash
Dog waste Bags
Activity description

Virginia Beach is often mistaken for a single beach located in the state of Virginia. However, it is actually an entire city found on the southeastern coast of the state, hence how it got its name. It is also known to be a very dog-friendly city, with tons of attractions that allow dogs, such as dog parks, restaurants, and even doggy day spas. However, the main draw for the city is the beaches. True to its name, Virginia Beach is practically a resort city that is home to numerous beaches, including the Sandbridge Beach, Buckroe Beach and Cape Charles Beach. 

Step
1
Choose a beach to go to
Looking for a beach to relax in should be a piece of cake. Virginia Beach has a lot of pet-friendly beaches for dog owners and their pups. During the off-season, most beaches allow dogs to be off-leash when strolling along the boardwalk. During the holidays, however, dogs must be kept on a leash. Make sure to check the rules of the beach and abide by them.
Step
2
Soak up some sun
When you find the right beach, pack your needs as well as the essentials for your dog. Since Virginia Beach is a popular destination for pet lovers, it is common to find other dogs in the area. Enjoy your day at the beach by playing with your dog, swimming or simply relaxing by the shore.
Step
3
Enjoy the other attractions
Why limit your bonding time to some beach fun? Aside from the beach itself, Virginia Beach also features a number of other dog-friendly attractions such as dog parks, dog-friendly hotels and even some dog sitting businesses that you may check out with your pup. For example, the Woodstock Community Park is a favorite spot for dog owners because dogs can run around off leash here.
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Dog-friendly Restaurant

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Moderate
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Leash
Dog Waste Bags
Activity description
Dining out used to be a luxury only enjoyed by humans. Previously, dog owners would have to leave their best buds behind if they ever wanted to grab a meal out. Luckily, the situation has changed throughout the years as restaurants have become more and more progressive. The growing number of pet owners also played a role in this. Since many of Virginia’s residents own dogs, restaurants gradually converted into dog-friendly dining destinations. Regardless if you are in Northern or West Virginia or are visiting Alexandria or Hampton, you will surely find a dog-friendly restaurant to visit.
Step
1
Do your research
With the age of the internet, finding just about anything you want to can be done with a touch of the fingertips. It has become so easy to do research on where to go; all you have to do is do a quick internet search of the top dog-friendly restaurants in Virginia to find what you are looking for. Apps such as Yelp are also useful for this task. If you want to do things old school, you can go and ask around for tips from locals.
Step
2
Enjoy a meal out with your pooch
Once you have settled on a restaurant, call ahead to verify if they allow pets in their establishment. Make your way to the restaurant and enjoy a hearty meal with your dog. Most dog-friendly restaurants have a dedicated outdoor area where dogs can hang around. Some even have a doggy menu where you can order for your dog. Examples of such restaurants are Charlottesville’s Threepenny Café, which hosts “Yappy Hours” for dogs.
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More Fun Ideas...

Visit a Dog Park

The state of Virginia boasts an impressive list of dog-friendly parks across multiple cities. Parks such as Ben Brenman Dog Park in Alexandria and Shirlington Dog Park in Arlington are known to allow dogs to be off their leashes. There are also some parks with good hiking trails that you and your dog can visit, such as the Mount Vernon Trail. 

Pet-friendly Hotel

Because Virginia is slowly establishing itself as a top destination for pet lovers, it is no surprise that hotels across the state have started to meet the demand of dog owners. There are numerous hotels that allow pets to check in with no extra charge. In fact, there are a select few hotels that feature specially made pet-friendly rooms. However, before booking, make sure to check the rules and regulations of the hotel as there are some hotels that only have limitations on how many pets you can bring. 

Conclusion

A hot day in Virginia is generally considered a good day because of the number of activities you and your pooch can do in the outdoors. Virginia is a beautiful state with attractions that cater to dogs of all shapes and sizes. The abovementioned activities are great ideas on how to make the most of a sunny day out with your best buddy tagging along.