Dog Boarding in Suffolk

Mutt Strut

Coming up on its 10th year, the Mutt Strut Dog Walk and Festival kicks off summer by raising thousands for the Suffolk Humane Society! At a reasonable $15 to register, the race organizers also offer generous prizes to those who do the most fundraising for their team should you decided to join one instead of running it solo. Mutt Strut is held at Bennetts Creek Park annually each spring, and doubles as a large pet exhibition with local vendors, music and food to be enjoyed by you and your furry companion before and after the race. If you find that you and your furry friend would prefer to just spectate, Suffolk Humane Society encourages you to pick your favorite team to sponsor for any amount you’d like.

Lake Prince

Calling all fishermen - Lake Prince is one of the oldest lakes in the Suffolk area! It stays well stocked with trophy bass and sunfish year round. If casting a line with your canine is one of your favorite things, do not miss out on a serious catch at Lake Prince. There is a launch for boats of all different sizes, or you can set up shop around the perimeter near the ramp. Pack bait, some snacks, and a life jacket for your pooch because Lake Prince is open from dawn until dusk! It is one thing to see the swamps in Southern Virginia, but this is truly experiencing them.

Yappy Hour

We’ve said it once, we’ll say it one thousand times: what is better than a dog in a costume? Hosted by Suffolk Parks and Recreation at Lake Meade Dog Park, Yappy Hour is a public costume contest for humans and pups alike to strut their spooky stuff. Naturally, there are prizes to be won in competitions like "Best Costume". When you aren’t strutting your stuff with Fido, kick back with your neighbors, listen to music, and enjoy a beverage before Virginia gets too cold! While this event is free, it is only available to dog park members. For those that are not, memberships can be acquired easily through a one-time fee of $10 to Suffolk Parks and Recreation. This not only buys you access to a poocherific dog park but also to events like this that make your heart smile.

Dog Days of Summer Pet Fair

Join the local community at the Dog Days of Summer Pet Fair at North Suffolk Library for an afternoon of fun! There will funny animal videos on repeat, storytime, and crafts. Additionally, announcements will be made regarding the winners of the photo contest for the online competition hosted by the library in the month leading up to the event. The Pet Fair is the perfect mid-summer opportunity to meet new pups and people while enjoying music, food, and activities for the whole family!

Great Dismal Swamp

The Great Dismal Swamp is quite literally one of the largest swamps in the country and is much more remarkable in person than the word ‘swamp’ would lead you to believe! The historical integrity alone can make your head spin. The Great Dismal Swamp was often trekked through by slaves escaping plantations, making it an archaeological destination to this day. The trails and wildlife, particularly the birdwatching, are extensive for those who appreciate the great outdoors. A part of the United States National Wildlife System, the Great Dismal Swamp is carefully maintained to ensure that its delicate ecosystem is undisturbed, so dogs must stay on a leash at all times. With its winding route of trails, there is enough room for hikers, cyclists, and dogs to enjoy the peace and quiet amongst the cypress trees of a decades-old feature in Virginia!