Dogs are social creatures, much like the people who love them, and both canine and humans thrive on making and keeping connections with friends. Thankfully for pet parents, there are more ways than ever to connect with fellow pet lovers who share their interests.
Meetup is our go-to place for finding dog-friendly clubs and events. This social platform organizes online groups based on similar interests, which helps dog parents find fun dog-centric events and group meetings all across the country--and there are plenty to choose from!
Here are just a few of the diverse pooch and people groups available on Meetup.
Tails on the Trails
This energetic St. Louis, MO group of dog lovers is ready to go "Beyond the Sidewalk" with their furkids. Their goal is to find fun alternatives to trudging around neighborhood sidewalks with their dogs, and their focus is on low-key ways to spend high-quality time with their pups.You don't need to be a pet parent to come along, but you do have to enjoy hanging out with furry friends!
Dogs Out Getting Social
Based in Arlington, TX, Dogs Out Getting Social (DOGSDFW) organizes doggie/human meet-ups at pet-friendly events and venues throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth and Metroplex areas. Enjoy dog parks, hiking trails, restaurants, and more with new friends of both the furry and people kind. Dogs of all sizes are welcome on every adventure!
Scenic Urban Hikes with Dogs
Outdoor enthusiasts in Seattle, WA will love taking their dogs along on adventures with this group. Scenic Urban Hikes with Dogs focuses on promoting health and wellness by spending time in nature, even in an urban setting. The group meets up to explore scenic trails in and around Seattle and Eastside’s metropolitan areas. No dog? No problem! If you like hanging out with pooches and long walks around the city, you’re invited!
Pints and Pups (& other Pop-Ups)
This Raleigh-based group provides a fun, laid-back way for pups and their people to meet new people and visit fun new venues around town. Pints and Pups (& other Pop-Ups) often hosts meetups at pet-friendly Raleigh-area breweries, so pet parents can sip a favorite craft beer with new friends, while their fur kids sniff, wiggle, and meet new pooches. This group has a real passion for promoting animal welfare, and frequently host events that support pet rescues, shelters, and animal welfare groups--both locally, and around the country.
San Diego Pittie Parents
This San Diego, CA group is dedicated to eradicating the stigma that surrounds pit bulls and bully breeds by educating people on the “PAWSitive” side of these all-too-often often misunderstood dogs. San Diego Pittie Parents also helps individual pet parents and their furry kids build strong bonds and trusting relationships, creating a path toward successful “Pit Bull Parenting”.
Puppies and Coffee
Created specially for Nashville, TN-area pet parents, Puppies and Coffee creates opportunities for pet parents to spend quality time with their furry kids, while meeting new people and pups in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
Phoenix Holistic Dog Meetup
Located in Phoenix, AZ, this training-oriented group is about fun, relationship building, and helping your dog reach his fullest potential. Phoenix Holistic Dog Meetup is focused on providing a safe, loving environment where pet parents and their furkids can learn holistic, integrated pet parenting methods. This inclusive group welcomes all kinds of dogs on their outings--even "bully" and larger-sized breeds that may be unwelcome in other pet groups.
Downward with Your Dog
This Miami, FL-based group helps you stay fit and centered, with your dog! Meetings are held on the first Saturday of each month at parks around Greater Miami area. Members are invited to start with one thirty-minute yoga session alone, and a second 30-minute session that includes your pooch. Downward with your dog is focused on pet parent wellness, and believe that healthy and happy pet parents have pups that are healthy and happy, too!
Sniff around, do some digging, and find meetups in your area! No group that’s just right for you and your pup? Why not create your own!
Photo credit: istock/Ksenia Raykova