One of the many benefits of having a dog is that they’re a great way to meet new people and make friends. Dogs are an ice-breaker; their friendly faces, funny habits and mischievous antics lighten the mood and provide common ground with fellow animal lovers. If you’re wondering how to meet new dog owners, read on to find out more…
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Enrol in a dog activity group
There are lots of different activity groups that you could get involved in. These include fly ball and dog playgroups, obedience training, walking groups or agility lessons. Don’t worry if your dog is new to the scene, as the majority of clubs and groups will cater for both two-legged and four-legged beginners! Not only is this a great way to meet new dog owners, but your furry friend will get to interact with other dogs too.
Check out the MeetUp website for local dog activity groups near you
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Take your dog to the grooming parlour
Treat your dog to a pamper at your local dog grooming salon. Often, other dog owners will be dropping off their dogs or waiting to collect them in the waiting room – giving you the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself and have a chat.
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Take your dog to the vets
If there’s one place you’re guaranteed to meet other dog owners, it’s at the vets! Next time you head to the vets with your dog, keep an eye out for fellow dog owners in the waiting room.
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Join dog-friendly social media sites
Dog lovers and owners can be found sharing the joys of dog ownership all over the internet. Online communities can be a great place to gain advice, exchange dog care tips, or just bond over shared experiences. There are even apps available that can help you find new friends for you and your dog!
- As a starting point, check out these great online dog communities you can join
- You can also join Hello Buster, the biggest community of dog owners in the UK
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Visit the park
Most dog owners will have bumped into fellow dog owners whilst out on walks in the local park, and you can use this opportunity to strike up a conversation whilst your dog’s greet each other and share some playtime. You could also head over to your local dog-friendly park, where you can let your pooches roam free and interact with other dogs. This way, you’ll meet other dog owners who are passionate about dogs and who regularly come to the park to exercise their canine companions.
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Volunteer at an animal shelter
Volunteering is a lovely way to care for animals in need, as well as give something back. Not only this, but a voluntary job will help you connect with a community of people who are passionate about animals and will often own dogs themselves!
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Join the Pets as Therapy scheme
By volunteering your dog as a Pets As Therapy Dog, you can provide comfort and companionship to young, sick or elderly people. What’s more – your involvement will put you in contact with other dog owners taking part in the scheme.
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Go on a dog-friendly holiday
We all need some down time occasionally, and holidays are always much better when your pooch can come along too! Choosing a dog friendly destination and hotel is sure to give you plenty of opportunities to meet other dog owners. You never know, you could end up visiting new places and holidaying together in the future!
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Study a canine qualification
If you’re passionate about dog welfare, have you considered starting a career working with dogs? From grooming and boarding, to dog walking or behaviour – career options for dog lovers are varied. By going back to college to study a qualification, you are also likely to meet other dog owners who share your passion for dogs.
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Attend a dog show or event
Dog owners from across the country flock to the many dog-related events hosted throughout the year, so booking yourself a ticket and joining in the fun is a perfect way to meet other dog owners. There are plenty of events to choose from, including Dogs Live, Dog Fest, National Pet Show, Crufts – and many more!
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Hang out at your local dog friendly café or pub
Sitting outside your favourite café can create opportunities to talk to other dog owners who are stopping by for a break. Often people will come over to say “hello” to our canine friends too, which makes it easy to strike up a conversation with the owners.
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Try out a breed specific meet up
Breed-specific dog meetups offer dogs and their owners fun and camaraderie. Plus – the shared experience of owning the same breed of dog will offer lots of common ground to build on! Pup Up Café host pop up events across the UK, including breed specific days! Check out the Pup Up Café website to see what events are coming up near you
