May is National Pet Month, which makes it the perfect time to thank our furry friends (or scaly ones — if that’s your thing) for all the joy they bring to our lives. For those of you whose four-legged family member happens to be of the canine variety, we’ve put together this list of ways to properly pamper your pup.
Go Parking
Dogs are welcome in almost all of the parks in Boston — with many categorized as dog parks. But there are specific rules to keep in mind when visiting them. If your dog (and its owner) isn’t big on following rules, there are great options that allow your pup to run free. These off-leash parks the city formally designates as Dog Recreation Spaces.
Get a Treat
Boston is packed with pup-friendly places to bring your pal — with many tailoring what they offer to canine clientele. From May to October, city dogs can join you for drinks at the Liberty Hotel’s Yappier Hour, and year round they can come-with and enjoy a tasty peanut butter and honey sorbet (happily called a Cow Paw) at J.P. Licks, a local favorite.
Walk Into History
Do the Freedom Trail. Yeah, we said it. This 2.5-mile walk from Boston Common to Bunker Hill — weaving through churches, battlegrounds, cemeteries, and meeting halls — is perfect for a beautiful spring day. You’ll have to leash your pup along the trail and leave them outside to pop into historic sites — but it’s a great way to spend some quality time together.
Hit the Spots
SoWa Boston holds their dog-friendly Open Market every Sunday from 11am to 4pm — complete with farmers market, arts and crafts, and popup restaurants. Another great dog destination is the Rose Kennedy Greenway — a nearly 2-mile-long green space featuring events like the Greenway Artisan Market and Greenway Food Truck Festival.
Have a Spa Day
Pawsh Boston‘s award-winning team will give your pup a 5-star experience including a bath, trim, and styling session that lasts about 3 hours. Another great option is the newly-opened Onyva (pronounced oh-knee-vah) on Newbury Street, whose wide range of grooming services include one that’s perfect for puppies that may be scared of the bath.
Strike a Pose
Last, but certainly not least, celebrate your dog with a professional photoshoot. Beyond the Fence offers the perfect little adventure for your pup, complete with high-quality photos that capture it all. Tell Beyond the Fence the places your dog is happiest: at the park, in the woods, on the beach — and they’ll pull a plan together and make it happen.
