Celebrate Independence Day With Your Dog

Posted by Billy Francis

This article was updated in June 2021.

Every year, “pawtriotic” Americans get together on the 4th of July to celebrate Independence Day with their families and best friends. Dog owners know that this holiday can be a time of great stress for their pups, but these pet-friendly events around the country make the party fun for Fido. Whatever you decide to do on Independence Day, remember that your pooch’s well-being is the most important thing, so always play it safe.

Tour the Capital

Washington, DC
“Errr, guys ... Where do I sit?” Photo by Facebook.com/AdventureDCTours

As featured in the latest edition of our book, Ruff Guide to the United States, Adventure DC Tricycle Tours invites you and your pooch to enjoy a “pawtriotic” tour of our nation’s capital on a pet-friendly pedicab ride. Ride alongside the White House and Capitol Building on one of the classic tour options, like the Monuments and Memorials Tour, or let your guide know where you’d like to go. These fully narrated tours are completely customizable, so you and your furry running mate can choose the places you’d like to visit. Plan on spending at least two hours circling the loop around the National Mall. Each pedicab seats up to three adults, and tours can be arranged for any time of day. Prices start at $297 per party, and there is no additional fee for your pooch.

The Jefferson Hotel is the perfect spot for your canine companion to rest his tired paws after a long day of touring Washington DC. Located just a few blocks from the White House, the hotel features elegant rooms, delectable dining, and an impressive private collection of antique furnishings, period artwork, and historical documents.

Attend a Pet-Friendly Parade

Foster City, CA
“I pledge allegiance to all the snacks.” Photo by Flickr.com/shock399

Bring Fido to salute Uncle Sam in Silicon Valley! Foster City's free 4th of July Family & Dog Parade invites you to deck out your wagons, bikes and dogs in red, white and blue for a patriotic strut down Shell Boulevard at 11 a.m. on July 4. Dog Parade participants can compete for top honors in one of several contest categories: Most Patriotic, Most Handsome or Most Beautiful, and Fido's favorite, Fastest Eater. It's one of numerous pet-friendly Independence Day events taking place around the country beginning July 3.

Raise a Toast With Your Terrier

“The old team back together again at last!” Photo by @life_of_vinnie_and_lo

Toasting Independence Day with a drink has become tradition for many Americans. Bring your pooch along to a pet-friendly brewery or winery on July 4th, or share a historic weekend getaway at the 4th of July Celebration at Old Rock Quarry Winery in Enoree, SC. Celebrations include a performance by award-winning singer/songwriter and 2020 Grammy Nominee Rhonda Funk, and food from Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck. You can also raise a pint after a run at the Red White & Brew 5k in BringFido’s hometown of Greenville, hosted by Brewery 85.

Partying at home this year? Grab Fido a six-pack of his favorite dog beer so he doesn’t feel like he’s missing out. The best part about canine brews is that they’re usually healthy and packed full of nutrients; if only the same could be said about human beers!

"Pawty" All Weekend

White water, blue sky, Golden Retriever. Photo by @eden_the_golden

Make the most of the holiday at Independence Day Weekend at Historic Cold Spring Village in Cape May, NJ. The event includes a variety of patriotic family activities, programs, music, and demonstrations of Early American trades and crafts in restored historic buildings. Weekend-long festivities can also be found at the Fourth of July Celebration at U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC. Festivities begin on July 3 and include live music, yoga practices and fireworks displays. Attendance is free. While you’re there, explore the pet-friendly trails in the U.S. National Whitewater Center with your leashed pooch.

Take Your Pup Out to Play

“He’s not smiling because he’s actually French.” Photo by @bichonbrothersadventures

Spend Independence Day tiring your furry flag waver out before the raucous festivities begin. Hopefully she’ll sleep right through the fireworks and loud noises that may otherwise cause her distress. Why not pack a dog-friendly picnic and head to a secluded park for a game of Frisbee? Get your pooch used to the idea by feeding her treats from the disc and rolling it to her before throwing it. When you’re finished playing, dig into your picnic basket and pull out her favorite all-American treats. More active hounds might prefer a summer hike far from any fireworks to burn off those calories before a long nap on the couch.

Set Sail With Fido

“Whatever floats your boat, man!” Photo by Jesse Orrico on Unsplash

Launching the party away from dry land is one way to steer clear of the crowds. Some lucky dogs can be first mates on their owner’s personal vessels, but for everybody else there are pet-friendly charters. Borrow a boat and explore lakes and rivers, or sail together along the coastline with your two- and four-legged loved ones. Check out these other water-based adventures for more aquatic inspiration on Independence Day.

Host a Pet-Safe BBQ

"Don't forget to tip the chef." Photo by @goldenwoofs

Grilling burgers on July 4th is about as American as it gets. Fido, how do you want yours? If Dad’s at the grill, you can choose between burnt or extremely burnt. Due to the high levels of salt in human BBQ grub, anything more than a nibble may upset your pup’s stomach. Make this delicious pet-safe cheeseburger instead.

Get Away on Independence Day

“The beach is where I belong.” Photo by @macandmoz

It’s never too late to book a vacation away from the revelry and noise of July 4th. As soon as Fido’s familiar with all the camping basics, take your pick from pet-friendly campsites across the country and experience your own independence from the humdrum of normal life. The beach is another “pupular” place to celebrate with friends and family. Carry on camping at a pet-friendly beachfront campground or upgrade with your Yankee Doodle Doggy to one of these lovely beachfront vacation rentals.

Dress to Impress

“O’er the land of the (leash) free ... ” Photo by @k9_cleancoats

Whatever you’re planning this 4th of July, Fido should look the part. Dress your pooch up in this patriotic costume that gives a nod to Uncle Sam’s recognizable top hat and frilly dress. Okay, so maybe the frilly dress is just for your pup. You can also order an American flag wrap-around jacket from K9 CleanCoats. It’s rain, mud and snow resistant, which is great for those planning an outdoor adventure on July 4th. You can almost hear the national anthem when you look at it. For something a little more understated, pair this comfortable Old Glory dog collar with a stars and stripes dog bandana.

Ready for a Road Trip?

Photo by Linda Segerfeldt


The editors at BringFido have dedicated themselves to digging up the best dog-friendly things to do across the country. And we've assembled it all in our new book, Ruff Guide to the United States.

Now in its second edition, the book features over 365 of the best places to stay and play with your dog in all 50 states. Order your copy today and save 50% off the retail price when you use the discount code INDEPENDENCE.

How will you celebrate with your patriotic pup on the 4th of July? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by @goldenwoofs.