Bark Out the Candles! 19 Ways to Celebrate Fido’s Birthday

Posted by Scott Tunstall

Your beloved pup’s birthday is right around the corner, and you’re stumped on where to throw the party. Don’t press the panic button just yet! We’ve got you covered. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or an off-leash beachfront bash, here are 19 ways to host a dog birthday party to remember.

1. Shop BringFido’s 19th Birthday Sale in Our Ruff Guide Store

Photo by BringFido

To celebrate BringFido's 19th trip around the sun, this week only, 19 of Fido's Favorite gifts are on sale. Plus, save 19% on all birthday-themed merch for your pup’s big day. No discount code required.

2. Check Into a Dog-Friendly Vacation Rental

If You're Happy and You Know It Show Your Tongue. Photo by Facebook.com/happydogsboston

You could host a gala at your house or mix things up by booking a pet-friendly vacation rental home for the festivities. You and Fido can choose from some of the coolest dog-friendly vacation homes in North America, a secluded getaway, a sun-soaked oceanfront retreat, a unique houseboat experience, or a relaxing cabin for the fiesta. As long as the renters permit multiple dogs and the rowdiness is contained, furry guests can dance to the music until the crack of dawn (or until they pass out). As a bonus, rental homes with large fenced yards or surrounding woods provide pups with extra space to play and explore. Just make sure you keep the noise level turned down. No dog wants to live with the embarrassment of having their party shut down by the canine cops.

3. Party at a Doggy Daycare Pet Resort

“Bring out the cake!” Photo by Facebook.com/Waggingtailspetresort.net

Doggy Daycare facilities open their doors to precious pooches daily, so it only makes sense that they would go out of their way to host a birthday extravaganza. The pup-loving staff at Wagging Tails Pet Resort in Hadley, MA, knows how much pet parents enjoy spoiling their four-legged friends. Their exclusive “pawty” packages include yummy cakes, a private play room adorned with festive decorations, a giant birthday card, treat bags, party hats and two chaperones to oversee the proceedings. Best of all, they handle all the cleanup! Call ahead at least two weeks before to schedule a time and day that will accommodate both you and the daycare.

4. Visit a Dog Bakery

“Wait, we have to share?” Photo by Facebook.com/TopDogBarkeryUSA

Dog bakeries will not only bake your pup a yummy cake, but select locations will let you party inside like it’s 1999. Super dog-friendly businesses like Top Dog Barkery in Huntington Beach, CA, specialize in “Barkday” parties. Design a personalized bone-shaped cake and let Top Dog do the rest. The staff will have your cake ready to serve when pup and pals arrive, and will even sing “Happy Birthday” and snap photos to capture memories of the special day. Each furry guest also receives a “pawty” favor doggie bag packed with delicious cookies.

5. Celebrate at the Dog Park

Welcome to Dogapalooza! Photo by Facebook.com/BeausDreamDogParkBuchanan

Unless a paid membership is required, the appeal of a dog park is that it provides a free space for pooches to play off leash. Find one with a covered pavilion and picnic tables for a staging area to bark out the candles and sing “Happy Birthday,” and you’ll also have protection from any sudden rainstorms. Some epic dog parks even feature extra perks like agility equipment, sprinkler hydrants, dog paddling areas and on-site treats for sale. If your pup’s birthday is in the winter, find an indoor dog park, which are usually chock-full of toys, tires and tennis balls. And for pet parents who want in on the fun, a dog park bar can offer a pawty experience for humans, too! But for pups who enjoy the comfort of home, you can trick out your own backyard and make it into a place where Fido can play year-round.

6. Explore a State Park

“My hat game is unbeatable.” Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash

If you live near a dog-friendly state park, you’ll have access to loads of nature for feasting and revelry. Four-legged party-goers can take advantage of large grassy areas to run and play, wooded hiking trails to explore and refreshing swimming ponds to take a dip. Most picnic areas are open to canines, and those equipped with charcoal barbecues will allow you to spice up the proceedings by grilling a platter of mouthwatering doggy cheeseburgers. Select state parks feature on-site pooch parks, while others permit pups to stay in cabins and villas if you decide to make it a birthday weekend.

7. Splash Around in a Water Park

“I totally got this.” Photo by Facebook.com/countykennelsca

Perfect for a summer shindig, water parks are a cool alternative to a more traditional setting. Several pools and parks across the country host Paws in the Pool and other events in August and September. Fido and friends can doggy paddle in the fun zone, play a game of “Barko” Polo, brush up on their dock diving skills, float on a kayak and wind down the day in a refreshing wading pool. Soggy mutts can get a bit musty, so bring plenty of towels to dry wet coats before loading them into the car for the trip home. If your pup doesn’t have a late summer b-day, check out these gorgeous vacation rentals with private pools that you can rent for Fido’s pool pawty.

8. Take a Trip to the Dog Beach

“Where’s my present?” Photo by @ellebeathepup

A bash at the beach or swimming hole sounds totally radical, bruh. Whether it’s located on an ocean, lake, or river, there is no shortage of activities to ensure the party stays, as the hip hounds say, “lit.” Pooches can catch some tasty waves, frolic in the sand, snatch a frisbee in midair, fetch a ball in the surf and build sand dog houses. Most dog beaches allow pups to play off leash, but always check the rules and regulations before arriving to avoid any disappointments. You don’t want to bum your Beagle out on her big day.

9. Raise a Toast to Fido at a Brewery

“We’ll have the Milk-Bone Stout.” Photo by Facebook.com/DogTapColumbus

Breweries and dogs go together like peanut butter and jelly. Not only do pet-friendly breweries provide large outdoor seating areas for pups, but locations that don’t serve food often permit Fido and pals inside. As long as they remain leashed and under control, furry patrons can party hard with friendly folks who love pets as much as they love brews. Some of the most pup-friendly breweries may even sell dog beer, an extra bonus for carousing canines looking to turn things up a notch.

10. Chow Down at a Dog-Friendly Restaurant

“Can every day be my birthday?” Photo by Facebook.com/LazyDogRestaurants

Eateries with pet-friendly patios like Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar are excellent for a doggone good birthday bonanza. Sign up for their Gossip Hound eClub to score a free birthday treat for Fido. Lazy Dog locations also feature special canine menus offering tasty delights like hamburger patties and chicken and rice. Of course, any restaurant (from fine dining to a chain restaurant) with a decent-sized patio or outdoor seating area will do, especially those that host regular Yappy Hours. Call ahead, and you might be able to reserve the space for a true Very Important Pet experience.

11. Celebrate With a Dog-Friendly Weekend Getaway

Thankful for another year and a reason to go on a pet-friendly vacay. Photo by BringFido/Janet

Exploring new places together is a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between you and your best friend. Get out and go on a weekend adventure for a fun fiesta in a top pet-friendly travel destination for Fido’s barkday. Weekend trips allow you and your canine companion to navigate a new city together. Mountain destinations like Gatlinburg, Jackson Hole, and Salt Lake City offer opportunities for nature hikes, skiing, and fishing, while city slickers might prefer to explore dog-friendly Phoenix, San Francisco, or Chicago. From ghost tours to walking tours, dog-friendly sightseeing will allow you to spend some quality time with your pet while learning about a new place and taking a break from your chaotic lives. This trip will make your dog’s birthday one that you and Fido won’t soon forget!

12. Become a BARK Ranger

Photo by BringFido/Kristine

Now that Fido’s old enough to get a job, he can apply to become a BARK Ranger with the National Park Service. Many of the 433 U.S. park units invite furry visitors to take the oath to Bag your poop,* Always use a leash, *Respect wildlife, and Know where you can go. Parks across the country offer unique opportunities and unusual experiences for Fido to explore responsibly. Whether he’s visiting Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon or Yosemite, there are pet-friendly trails, campgrounds and cabins that welcome four-legged adventure seekers at almost all of our national parks.

13. Attend a Sporting Event

Photo by BringFido/Donna

Furry sports fans will jump at the opportunity to attend a game with their owners. Plan a party at the ballpark to catch a dog-friendly baseball game or at the rink for a minor league hockey game. There’s even an NFL stadium with a dog park where Fido can meet fellow furry friends rooting on the Jaguars in Jacksonville, FL. If you’d prefer to watch your pup’s favorite team from the comfort of your own home, whip up a spread of “gourmutt” snacks Fido will love with these recipes for the big game.

14. Prepare a Feast for Fido

Photo by BringFido/Erin Ballinger

If Fido’s a foodie, try out a new pup-friendly recipe for his birthday feast. He’d love a doggie cheeseburger, celebratory barkarita, sweet treats, or a refreshing frozen snack. If the weather’s nice, plan a dog-friendly picnic at your favorite park and don’t forget to pack a homemade barkuterie board and birthday carrot pupcakes.

15. Go Camping in the Great Outdoors

Photo by BringFido/Denise

Whether Fido’s a seasoned pro or new to camping, a weekend together in nature can be the ultimate vacation for you and your dog. Most campgrounds across the country allow canine campers, but some go above and beyond to welcome their furry friends. Many, like KOAs, offer pet amenities including dog parks, dog wash stations and more. If you want to go all out for Fido’s big day, consider signing up for a dog-friendly summer camp. But if you’re not sure you and your pooch are ready to “ruff it” in the outdoors, glamping may be more your style. So whether you’re planning to sleep under the stars in a tent, cozy up in a camper, or relax in a cabin or yurt, we’re here to help you find the “ultimutt” camping experience for you and your faithful companion.

16. Try a New, Unique Experience

Photo by BringFido/Ashlee Johnson

If you’re looking for an out-of-the-ordinary adventure to share with Fido for his big day, we’ve got some “inspawration” for you. Take Fido on a leisurely ascent up a mountainside or over stunning landscapes across the U.S. on a dog-friendly tram or gondola ride, go underground to explore caves with your canine, or see the varied landscapes of the world with your pup through the windows of a gently coasting locomotive. Adventure hounds can soar in a seaplane for spectacular vantages of the Great Lakes, mountain ranges and astonishing cityscapes, while laid-back Labs can take a tour with a local during a dog-friendly Airbnb Experience. Or perhaps you’d prefer a dog-friendly cruise? From day cruises and booze cruises to a transatlantic voyage aboard the Queen Mary II, Fido will feel festive on the open water with his owner.

17. Take Fido Shopping

Photo by @xandertheaussiedog

Who doesn’t love a shopping spree for their birthday? Whether your dog is there for moral support when you splurge on a big purchase or he’s just hoping there’ll be treats at the mall, shopping is much more fun when you have Fido by your side. Did you know you can take your pooch to shop ‘til you drop at many pet-friendly retail chain stores? They can also browse homemade dog treats, organic produce and handicrafts at local farmers markets. Cultured canines can help you find a new painting at an art gallery, the latest non-fiction novel at a bookstore, vintage furniture at an antique shop, or “Who Let The Dogs Out” on vinyl at a record store.

18. Teach Your Old Dog New Tricks

Photo by Facebook.com/canine.circus.school

Put the idiom "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" to the test for your pooch’s birthday present. There are many ways to educate your furry friend- from functional tricks like training your pup for summer travel and becoming a therapy dog to unique canine classes where your pup can try truffle hunting, circus school, or riding waves in surf school. Perhaps your pup just needs a refresher course on the basics? Whichever training you prefer, the process will strengthen your bond with Fido and help him become a model canine citizen. What an amazing gift!

19. Plan a Pet-Friendly Road Trip

Photo by Mark_KA

There’s still really nothing like taking a great American road trip. Add your canine co-pilot sitting shotgun, and it’s already a celebration. Set out on an epic birthday trek across some of the best routes in the U.S. with Fido. For dogs, riding in the car isn’t merely a way of getting from point A to point B. There’s also the thrill of the journey. From coastal escapes along the Pacific Coast Highway, A1A or the Gulf Coast, to long treks along the Mighty Mississippi on the Great River Road or the classic Route 66, your dog will have so much fun along the way. Before you set out on the open road, pack some healthy snacks and your pup’s favorite bed or mat for the ride, and follow car safety tips to ensure an epic journey.