Date ideas for dog lovers

In San Diego, doggie love has never been greater. Ask any passionate pet owner, and they will tell you pups are as important in a romantic relationship as the people involved. In other words, “if the dog goes, you go.”

Luckily, there are a bounty of canine lovers on San Diego’s local shores and streets for walks on the beach, dog-friendly happy hours, and events nearly every weekend. So grab your main squeeze and pups and head outdoors for one (or all) of these dog lover-style dates.

Padres Dog Days of Summer

It’s only fitting that a baseball stadium named after pet supply store Petco allows dogs to enjoy a game, too. For one game each summer, fans can submit a lottery-based application for their dogs who, upon approval, can attend a designated game and watch from the Park at the Park lawn area. The 2019 designated game will be Tuesday, June 4 against the Phillies. Applications for the lottery system are due May 3 and can be submitted here.

Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., East Village, mlb.com/padres/tickets/specials/dog-days-of-summer

Imperial Beach Surf Dog Competition

This annual event, hailed as the original surf dog competition, features more than 60 dogs on the waves. Held adjacent to the Imperial Beach Pier, it’s a perfect date full of smiles, laughs, and Insta-worthy doggie moments. This year’s event takes place on Aug. 10.

2 Elder Ave., Imperial Beach (next to the Imperial Beach Pier), surfdogevents.com/imperial-beach

DogFest Walk ‘n Roll

Grab your honey and friends (hello, double date) to support this dog-lovers organization. Hosted by non-profit Canine Companions for Independence, this feel-good event on Oct. 12 is a must in the dating rotation. Helping to pair service dogs with people with disabilities, the event features a 1.2 mile scenic, fully accessible dog walk, games, music, dog demonstrations, and presentations by service dog recipients.

Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Coast Hwy., downtown, support.cci.org

Annual Doggie Street Festival

Held at Liberty Station, this free yearly fest celebrates dogs, cats, and parrots, complete with an adopt-a-thon. Stroll to live music with your sweetie and pup, while getting vet tips, pet products and services, and plenty of local eats and drinks. This year’s event takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 23.

NTC PARK at Liberty Station, 2455 Cushing Rd., Point Loma, doggiestreetfestival.org/san-diego

Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade

Deck the halls with costumed pets at the annual jaunt through downtown for dogs (and just about every pet out there) and their owners. Enter your pet or just stop by to enjoy the scene at this December event that starts at the MLK Promenade Park, then meanders through downtown.

MLK Promenade Park, 401 K St., downtown, gaslamp.org/events/pet-parade