D.C. is a vibrant city on the shores of the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia, and the center of the three branches of the U.S. Federal Government. President Truman is widely attributed to saying, “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.” I am happy to report that quite a few of us Washingtonians have at least one friend! D.C. and the surrounding metropolitan area is home to numerous national parks, memorials, monuments, and landmarks, many of which allow four-legged guests to explore alongside their companions.
Many of us are always on the hunt for new play areas where our favorite doggos, puppers, and woofers can run, jump, and make new friends. Pup meetups in our nation’s capital can make for a fun outing for both you and your furry pal. Thankfully, there are a number of meetup events around the D.C. region that are hosted at dog parks and dog-friendly businesses. If you are one of the many puppy parents looking for an ideal meetup for your pooch, then here are several options to sniff out.
DOGS DAYS OF SUMMER YAPPY HOUR
We The Dogs DC is sponsoring a yappy hour for your four-legged yappies at a local business. Check the link for an update on the location as the event draws nearer. There are always drink specials and often a special surprise for your doggos!
Next Event Date: Saturday, August 11, 2018
CONTACTUALLY YAPPY HOUR
Bring your best four-legged and two-legged friends to meet up at the City Tap House patio at 1250 Connecticut Ave. NW in Dupont Circle for a fundraiser to benefit the Humane Rescue Alliance. The event is free, and a $15 donation gets you an extended happy hour and dog-themed drink specials.
Event Date: Wednesday, August 15, 2018
WAGS N’ WHISKERS
The 11th annual Wags n’ Whiskers event is a great opportunity to meet other pups and their owners at the Village at Shirlington at 2700 S. Quincy St. in Arlington. Wags n’ Whiskers will feature more than 65 exhibitors offering pet services and accessories to on-site adoptions. In addition to the onsite exhibitors, Wags n’ Whiskers will host pet photos, live music, and children’s activities such as face painting, balloon art, strolling entertainment, and more!
Event Date: Saturday, August 25, 2018
PUPS IN THE PARK
You and your furry pal can both enjoy a baseball with other dogs and dog lovers in the pet-friendly outfield reserved section. Pups in the Park is always a home run with your doggos that are all about that ball life! Human tickets are $35 and doggo tickets are $10. Proceeds from the dog tickets benefit the Humane Rescue Alliance.
Event Date: Friday, September 7, 2018 & Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Photo by DCRefined
WE THE DOGS DC’S BIPAWTISAN MARCH
We The Dogs DC is hosting the 2nd annual Bipawtisan March in Washington D.C on September 23, 2018. The rally begins on the U.S. Capitol lawn at 11:00 am and concludes at 12:00 pm for a yappy hour at Wunder Garten at 1101 First St. NW. The goal of the Bipawtisan March is to bring the community together as animal lovers and advocates. The mission to show that a group of individuals from different political and ideological backgrounds can come together and find common ground on a position that we all support: our pets. Attendees are encouraged to bring family-friendly signs and wear costumes to show “Why I March.” Registration is free, and there are various registration options ranging between $20 and $30, including options for event bandanas and t-shirts. 100% of each tax-deductible registration fee will be donated to a local animal rescue organization selected by the event participants.
Event date: Sunday, September 23, 2018
Photo by DCRefined featuring @rubycubethebulldog
IMPROMPTU MEETUPS – TWO PAWS UP
Sometimes my hectic schedule gets the best of me, and I just cannot make it to meetups during the work week, which kicks me right in the feels because my dog is a highly social little guy that loves romping with other dogs. We the Dogs DC, using their Two Paws Up map, identifies numerous restaurants, shops, businesses, parks, museums, and the like that are all dog-friendly. I try and choose two new spots each week, and I always run into new dogs and their people! It is also a fantastic tool for finding restaurant patios that allow you to bring your dog with you, some of which even have their own dog menus, like Art and Soul.
Photo by We the Dogs DC
What’s been your favorite pup meetup? Tell us in the comments!
Jeff lives in Washington D.C. with his boyfriend, dog (Luka), and cat (Digby). Jeff is a biotech patent agent by day, and a law student by night.
One comment
Pups in the Park sounds like such a fun event!!