The Ultimate Family Dog Bucket List for 2022
Boat rides, castle visits and action-packed adventures are among the top recommendations on a new bucket list for dog owners.
Dog friendly travel platform, Dog Furiendly has teamed up with Animal Friends Pet Insurance to encourage dog owners to create the ultimate bucket list for dogs.
The list of monthly experiences allows dog owners to see past weekends on the sofa in 2022 as restrictions ease across the UK.
Founder of Dog Furiendly Adele Pember said, “As a nation of dog lovers, we all know that the life of a dog can seem all too fleeting. The bucket list empowers dog owners to make the most of their time together and to celebrate each living moment through enriching experiences.”
Wes Pearson, CEO at Animal Friends explained, “With the UK finally feeling like the hope of new adventures is possible once again, we want to showcase how loyal dog owners can find new ways to explore the country with their furry best friend. There’s not a dog owner amongst us who hasn’t been grateful for the companionship of our canines over the last two years and now is time to embrace our regained freedom and try new things with our friends and families, creating lasting memories for all to share – including our devoted dogs.
During lockdown, the wave of separation anxiety increased as many dogs grew accustomed to having their owners at home.
The PAW Animal Wellbeing Report 2021 found that pets obtained after March 2020 may have never experienced long periods of time alone with 18% of new dog owners seeing signs of distress when they were left. Of those who owned their dogs before the first lockdown, 5% have seen new signs of distress in their pooch when left alone.
Adele continues, “My dog suffers from separation anxiety, which makes leaving him at home quite a traumatic experience for both of us. The dog friendly travel market is bigger than ever, so there’s now many more opportunities to create memorable moments together that will last a lifetime.”
So, what’s on the bucket list?
Try a new dog sport
In order for dogs to live a healthy and active lifestyle, they need physical exercise and mental stimulation. Dogs love daily walks, but there are plenty of other dog sports to try including Canicross, Agility, Flyball, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Heelwork to Music or Doga (dog yoga).
Take your dog on a date
Celebrate the furry love of your life. Pack up a picnic and hike up a mountain for a scenic sunrise. Or head out to a dog friendly pub together after a long walk (bonus points if they have a doggy menu).
Ride a train together
Not only are many of the national train-lines dog friendly, but there are also plenty of steam-train attractions to enjoy together. Such as Bala Lake railway that runs alongside the stunning Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) in Barmouth. Or Peak Rail which allows you to explore the Peak District without breaking a sweat!
Visit a castle
There is plenty of rich history that lies in castles and ruins across the UK. Many castle attractions are dog friendly, allowing your dog to sniff out the history. Some will allow you to walk around the beautiful grounds, while others, like Eastnor Castle will allow you both indoors to explore the castle together.
Go on a picnic
When the sun is shining, a picnic in the park is always plenty of fun. Pack picnic bits with treats for the dog and set out to find a spot with a view. Our favourite spots for a perfect pooch picnic include Three Cliffs Bay in Swansea, Jubilee Gardens in Devon and Conic Hill in Stirling.
Enjoy a festival together
Forget Glastonbury, festivals are so much better when the dog can go too. The UK is filled with festivals that celebrate our canine friends such as Dogstival. Alternatively, there are family and music festivals such as Standon Calling where humans can relish in headline acts such as Madness, Nadia Rose and Gabrielle.
Go camping or glamping
There's plenty of picturesque camping and glamping sites to enjoy across the UK. Many of which welcome our furry friends with open arms. It's a wonderful way to escape from daily life and to connect with the positive vibes of nature.
Visit a beer garden
During the Summer months, a beer garden is great for grabbing a bite to eat, or relishing a cold drink. A beer garden is the perfect place to relax and refuel, especially after a long walk.
Trip to the beach
The UK is filled with beautiful dog friendly beaches, some of which you may recognise from the silver screen. For example, St Andrews West Sands Beach features in Chariots Of Fire and dogs are welcome every day of the year.
Pick a pumpkin
In preparation for a spooky October with your little werewolf, why not visit a pumpkin patch? A lot of people don't realise but many pumpkin patches are dog friendly, but it’s an activity you can enjoy together.
Grab a coffee
Many coffee shops love to open their doors to furry paws. Many provide water bowls and if you're lucky your pooch can even enjoy puppuccinos or treats!
Sniff out a Christmas market
Many Christmas markets take place outside, so many of them welcome our furry best friends. However, Christmas markets do get very busy. It is advisable to go at a quieter time to avoid any unnecessary stress for your pooch.
Dog Furiendly is a website and app helping dog owners to source dog friendly places. Including pubs, cafes, hotels, restaurants. To find dog friendly places visit dogfuriendly.com.