12 At-Home Dog-Friendly Date Ideas for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is the international day of love, so of course, you don't want to count Fido out. These dog-friendly at-home date ideas will ensure your pup can tag along for the festivities, and maybe even make it the best Valentine's Day yet! From a Fido-friendly fondue party to a virtual date in Paris, here are 12 creative at-home Valentine's Day date ideas that don't require a dog sitter.

Is it even Valentine's Day if you don't enjoy a decadent meal? Have your annual candlelight dinner in your living room! Order delivery from your favorite joint and set the scene at home. We're talking white table cloth, candles, soft music, and the good plates. Don't forget to order a dog-friendly entree for your best bud (we recommend something like grilled chicken, fish, or a plain baked sweet potato for Fido!)

Playing couch co-op is a great way to bond with a gamer in your life, but did you know they make games specifically for dogs too? While your pup probably won't make top ranks in an RPG, they'll master nose-touch games like catching fish and popping bubbles! While your pup plays their own tablet games, grab the controllers and have some healthy competition with your significant other!

What better time to try something new than on Valentine's Day? Pottery throwing is a great (and non-toxic) craft to try with your loved ones. Take turns creating free-form masterpieces like plates, vases, and even dog bowls for your fur-baby.

Pottery throwing is an inexpensive craft with limitless possibilities. Involve your pet by pressing their paw into your creation for a one-of-a-kind design. You can even paint your creations with colorful food-grade glazes before you dry them.

Pro tip: Make sure you buy air-dry or oven-dry clay if you don't have access to a kiln. You can find moredog-friendly Valentine's crafts here. 

Put a different spin on movie night, with a "drive-in" right in your living room! Order a pizza and fire up the projector for some of your favorite classics. Your pet family will eat up the snuggles — the flick is just a bonus.

Need some ideas on what to watch? Check out some of our favorite movies and shows!

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Can't go on that V-day getaway? No problem! Do an internet search for virtual tours of your bucket list destinations. You can find virtual tours of everything online, from the Louvre to the Roman Colosseum. So, snuggle up with Fido and your boo while you explore the faraway places you dream of visiting.

Fondue is such a fun way to eat food, so why not bring your pup along for the Valentine's Day deliciousness? Steer clear of the chocolate and opt for a delicious cheese dip recipe.

Choose bread, meats, and dog-safe veggies to dip. Pups can have all sorts of root vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, and roasted potatoes, all of which make great dipping foods. As for the cheese, you can find kits for pretty cheap at most grocery stores. But if you can't find one, try this recipe:  

Dog-friendly Swiss fondue recipe

Ingredients:

•  2 cups lightly packed shredded Gruyere cheese
•  1 ½ cups lightly packed shredded Swiss cheese
•  2 tablespoons cornstarch
•  1 cup low-sodium, good-quality chicken broth
•  ¼ teaspoon ground black or white pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix your cheese and corn starch in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly coated.
2. Mix all your ingredients except the cheese into a pot on medium heat.
3. Add the cheese mixture into the pot, stirring constantly.
   
4. Continue stirring until your cheese is a stringy, molasses-like consistency, then reduce the heat to low, and dip away! 

If you've never made a charcuterie board, you're missing out! This dog-friendly Valentine's Day activity will have your pup asking, "Will you brie mine?"

Charcuterie is just a fancy word for an assortment of cured meats and cheeses — all things your pup can enjoy right alongside you. You can keep this simple with prepackaged deli meats, or get creative with your artisanal faves. You're only limited by your palate, so get creative, spread out a blanket, and enjoy your feast!

There's no better way to relax than with a soothing massage, but humans aren't the only mammals that enjoy them. Diffuse some lavender essential oil to promote relaxation, then take turns giving each other rubdowns. You can even warm stones and give stone massages a try.

Check out these doggy massage techniques if you need some pointers. We're sure your pup won't mind you practicing on them!

Trivia is a fun and often hilarious game to play with loved ones. Add a new twist to this activity with all dog questions! Take turns asking each other questions like "What is Queen Elizabeth's favorite breed of dog?" Spoiler alert: it's the Welsh Corgi!

Up the stakes by ordering a prize ahead of time for the winner. Make sure you get a prize for Fido, too — you know, for being the cutest team player.

Obviously, your pup can't drink human wine, but who says they can't have a tasting of their own? Buy a bottle of doggy wine (yes, that is a real thing!) to go along with your bottle of Shiraz and enjoy a tasting in the comfort of your home! 

If you really want to go all out, make a few small batches of homemade dog treats and store them in the freezer. When the big day comes, get a couple of each type out and let them defrost. Line them up on a fancy tray and let your pup decide which is best!

The cool thing about homemade dog treats is they last for ages in the freezer, so you'll have plenty more for next time! While your pup is busy snackin', sip your wine and have your very own adult tasting! Need some ideas for a yummy V-Day dog treat that your pal will love? Check out this super simple peanut butter dog treat recipe!

Gear up for a howling good time with a Valentine's Day inspired karaoke night. Sing your favorite love songs at the top of your lungs and let Fido join in on backup vocals. Your pup will have as much fun letting loose as you will! 

Few things are more romantic than a quiet sunset with your loved ones. Grab a blanket and some coffee and head outside with your human and fur-babies. Soak up the sunset, take some pics, and enjoy being close.

Related: Tips and Tricks for Taking Dog Pics like a Pro