Get Your Leap On: 7 Ways to Spend Leap Day With Your Dog

Posted by Scott Tunstall

The time-honored tradition that takes place every four years is almost here. No, not the Presidential Election, but Leap Day. Due to the Earth taking longer to orbit the sun in 2020, you and your four-legged astronomer have an extra day on February 29 to party hard or at the very least, go on a hike. Slip on Fido’s leapin’ shoes and celebrate the day at these seven dog-friendly events.

1. Woofbowl's Bark to the Future

Washington, DC
"Can we get bark to to the treats, please?" Photo by Facebook.com/wooftruck

Arguably there's no better day than Leap Day to time travel. At least, that's what the good folks at Woofbowl believe. The food truck's Bark to the Future event is an immersive experience for you and your furry friend. Dress up your "Marty McFur" in character and enjoy a variety of themed activities. Fido can dive into a Clock Tower toy pit and pose next to a replica of the iconic DeLorean time machine. Best of all, he can sidle up to the '50s-style diner seats and order a themed Woofbowl, which includes a main treat, side, dessert and drink. Woofbowl's Bark to the Future will take place from noon to 5 p.m. at Hook Hall in Washington D.C. Admission is $25 per person and dog, with an additional $10 per adult and $15 per dog. Children under 12 can time travel for free.

You and your canine explorer can leap "bark to the present" at this pet-friendly 2-bedroom rental just a few blocks from Hook Hall.

2. DogFest Phoenix

Scottsdale, AZ
Here come the pups! Photo by Facebook.com/caninecompanions

Gather your four-legged friend and leap for joy during the 6th Annual DogFest Phoenix at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The fun-filled day includes a canine costume contest, pooch parade and dog agility course. All proceeds from the event benefit Canine Companions for Independence to help their mission of matching assistance dogs with children, adults and military veterans with disabilities. Fundraising is encouraged, and those who raise $250 or more will receive a special DogFest prize. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and admission is free.

Located only a few blocks from the Center for Performing Arts, Hotel Valley Ho welcomes two pets of any size for no additional fee and offers plenty of yummy treats to furry guests.

3. Leap Year Adoption Day

Winston-Salem, NC
Waiting to come home with you. Photo by Facebook.com/PetSmart

PetSmart Charities will be hosting a Leap Year Adoption Day event at their Winston-Salem location in North Carolina. Stop by with your furry pal if you’re looking to add another four-legged member to your family, or if you just want to fawn over the adorable adoptable pups looking for loving homes.

Treat your new best friend to a luxurious first night with his “furever” family at the nearby Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, which accepts two pets of any size for no additional fee.

4. Leap Day 5K

Thornton, CO
Ready. Set. Bark! Photo by Facebook.com/3Dubu

Lace up Fido’s running sneakers for the Leap Day 5K in Thornton, Colorado. Leashed dogs are permitted to race with you as long as they are well-behaved and don’t impede other runners. To add a little extra Leap Day flavor, there will be hay bales stationed at the halfway point on the course to “leap” over if you and your pooch are up for a challenge. Dress accordingly and be prepared for cold temperatures and possible snow. The race begins at 10 a.m. near the Carpenter Park Boathouse. Registration costs $39 per person.

Thaw out at the pet-friendly Candlewood Suites Denver North Thornton, which provides cozy overnight accommodations just 5 miles from the race course.

5. Leap Day Hike

Chesterton, IN
Hounds love hiking. Photo by Facebook.com/INDUNES

Fido can squeeze his paws into a pair of hiking boots and hit the trail for a Leap Day Hike at Indiana Dunes State Park in Chesterton, Indiana. Leashed dogs are permitted on the 2-mile trek that winds across sand dunes and through the thick lakefront forest. All participants must gather at the Nature Center prior to the start. The hike will run from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and is free of charge. There is a $7 park admission fee for in-state vehicles and $12 for out-of-state vehicles.

After the race, relax in the outdoor hot tub at The Miami, a pet-friendly lakeview apartment located 10 miles up the coast.

6. Leap Day Vaccine & Microchip Clinic

Springdale, AR
Saving lives every day. Photo by Facebook.com/SpayArkansas

If your precious pup is in need of shots or other attention, drop by the Leap Day Vaccine & Microchip Clinic in Springdale, Arkansas. Hosted by Spay Arkansas, skilled techs will be on hand to administer life-saving shots and microchips. Vaccines cost between $10 to $15, and microchips are $20 with a lifetime registration. The clinic runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All dogs must be spayed or neutered to receive a rabies vaccine.

Get a restful night’s sleep at the pet-friendly Residence Inn by Marriott Springdale, which offers rooms with full kitchens, an indoor swimming pool and a complimentary hot breakfast.

7. Leap of Kindness Day

Multiple Locations
Be kind to those in need. Photo by Facebook.com/vintagepaws

The goal of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce’s Leap of Kindness Day is to join forces with 50 other chambers across 30 states and make the most of the extra calendar day by giving time or money to those in need, no matter where you live. For dog lovers, this could be donating to your favorite pet charity, volunteering at a local shelter or adopting a senior pup seeking a loving home. There is no shortage of things you can do this Leap Day to improve the life of a furry friend.

How are you and your dog spending Leap Day? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Ron Fung on Unsplash.