8 Art Studios Where You Can Paint With Your Pet

Posted by Scott Tunstall

If the idea of painting a masterpiece while Fido critiques your brushwork sounds like fun, then you’re in luck. The world is your canvas and your mutt can be your muse at these eight dog-friendly art studios.

1. Paint Your Pet/Feathers and Fur

Hillsboro, OR
“I’m way cuter than that.” Photo by Airbnb

At Paint Your Pet/Feathers and Fur, Fido can serve as your model while you paint a portrait worthy of hanging in the “Doggenheim” museum. This Airbnb Experience is hosted by a certified art teacher and bonafide animal lover who owns three rescue dogs and three bunny rabbits. Provide a pic of your pup and you’ll be on your way to becoming a true artiste. Classes are 3 hours long and rates start at $85 per person.

Complete the experience with a pet-friendly Airbnb in Hillsboro.

2. Santa Fe Art Classes

Santa Fe, NM
“I prefer the Expressionism Movement.” Photo by Facebook.com/SantaFeArtClasses

Learn to paint from the professionals at Santa Fe Art Classes. Book a two-hour session and unleash your creative mojo while your furry compadre judges from afar. Trained teachers and working artists will show you the ropes and guide you step-by-step to ensure your stunning sunflower or still-life bowl of fruit is worthy of being hung on your bathroom wall. When you’re finished putting the final touches on your masterpiece, spend some time exploring all that dog-friendly Santa Fe has to offer.

If staying in the area, the Courtyard by Marriott Santa Fe provides spacious pet-friendly rooms at an affordable price.

3. Leaping Dog Art Studios

Bordentown, NJ
A young Labrador Dali. Photo by Facebook.com/leapingdogartstudios

Inspired by the owner’s yellow Labrador Retriever, Leaping Dog Art Studios offers would-be Monets a comfy and inviting space for drawing lessons, pottery workshops and art parties. Children and adults of all ages can learn the basics or fine-tune their skills with help from a staff of talented instructors and working artists. The goal at Leaping Dog is to provide locals and visitors a place to express the creative freedom that dwells inside us all. Leashed pups are welcome to share the experience, but they must be pre-approved by contacting the studio.

Candlewood Suites Bordentown Trenton provides nearby pet-friendly rooms, and the 20-acre greenspace at Duke’s Dog Run at Freedom Park can be reached in 15 minutes by car.

4. Paint the Towne

Richmond, IN
“All this art is making me tired.” Photo by Facebook.com/Paint the Towne

Nestled in the Historic Depot District in downtown Richmond, Paint the Towne studio offers classes in canvas, pottery painting, clay sculpture and glass jewelry. Choose from more than 400 pieces of dinnerware, figurines and decor to paint. Once finished, the staff will glaze and fire your hand-decorated keepsake to give it a smooth, shiny finish. You can even craft Fido his very own food or water bowl monogrammed with his personal paw print. Book a private “Wine and Canvas” party that includes a tasting and two glasses of vino for $10 per person. Leashed pups are encouraged to join the festivities.

Pooches can rest comfortably at the nearby Best Western Classic Inn, and stretch their legs off leash at the fully fenced Hill’s Bark Park.

5. Painting With a Twist

Plano, TX
Pooches make the best subjects. Photo by Facebook.com/paintingwithatwistplano

For a relaxing, fun time in Plano, stop by Painting With a Twist in the Lakeside Market Shopping Center. Whether solo or in a group, you can flex your artistic muscles throughout the week at one of several instructional sessions. Attend a 21-and-over “Group Therapy” to enjoy a glass of your favorite wine and your choice of tasty snacks while you work on your masterpiece. The limit is one person (and dog) per seat, and advance paid reservations are required to paint. Leashed dogs are always welcome.

Sleep in style at the pet-friendly NYLO Dallas Plano Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, located only 2 miles from Painting With a Twist. Fido can add even more culture to his life by catching a flick at nearby K9 Cinemas, where leashed dogs with current vaccination records are allowed to screen the latest Hollywood blockbuster.

6. Pawcasso Art Studio and Pet Boutique

Westhampton Beach, NY
“That looks nothing like me.” Photo by Facebook.com/pawcassowhb

Pawcasso Art Studio and Pet Boutique combines a love of art and animals to form a community gathering place that opens its arms to all two- and four-legged family members. The studio offers day and night paint classes as well as after-school lessons for kids. Adults can take part in Paint and Sip sessions on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. The Pet Boutique also sells three flavors of handcrafted, all-natural dog treats. A portion of the profits from the studio and boutique is donated to animal rescue and rehabilitation centers around the world. Pups are allowed in the studio to serve as inspiration or provide moral support.

Drive 10 miles up the shoreline to the pet-friendly Southampton Inn, located in the historic Long Island village of Southampton. Pets receive yummy treats and feeding bowls upon arrival.

7. The Bull Room

Aberdeen, NC
“My skills are no bull.” Photo by Facebook.com/thebullroom

The Bull Room rolls out the red carpet for visiting “Pupcassos” and their owners. Not only are furry painters allowed, but they are spoiled with treats and hugs. Pooches can even attend craft time classes and pose for pics in the doggy photo booth. The Bull Room also hosts canine-themed events, and private parties can be booked. Beer and wine is also permitted if you need a little liquid courage before getting your paint on.

Head 2 miles north to the Residence Inn by Marriott Pinehurst Southern Pines for cozy pet-friendly rooms. Nearby Martin Park offers 50 acres of trails and creeks for dogs to explore off leash.

8. PaintSome Pottery

Allentown, PA
“I only accept treats as payment.” Photo by Facebook.com/PaintsomePottery

This one-stop studio for all things arts and crafts offers wannabe Jackson “Pawlocks” a variety of scheduled classes, or you can set up a private lesson with friends, family and furry pals. Participate in pottery making, canvas painting, glass fusing and clay sculpture. If you want to add a bit more cheer to the proceedings, BYOB events are also available after 5 p.m. Classes and events can be booked through PaintSome Pottery’s website. Leashed pets are permitted in the studio.

For clean, cozy and affordable accommodations less than 5 miles from PaintSome Pottery, book a stay at the Comfort Inn Lehigh Valley West.

Have you painted with your pet before? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by LightFieldStudios.