A dog bucket list is essentially a list of things you should do with your tailmate. It’s similar to a bucket list for humans - a chance for us to reflect and ask ourselves what we want to do with our lives.
Now, for dogs, this doesn’t need to be too complicated, and since they’re your tailmate, they usually just love to spend time with you! In reality, it's just a nice list of stuff to do with your dog.
Quick list: our top five bucket list ideas for all dogs
Here are our top five things to do with your dog:
Activity
Estimated cost
Effort level
Best for
Dog-friendly road trip
Varies (food and fuel)
High
Adventurous dogs who love the outdoors
Baking homemade treats
Low (£2-£10)
Low
Food-motivated dogs (so all of them)
A "pup party"
Medium (£50+)
Medium
Sociable dogs
Pet-friendly spa day
Medium (£50+)
Low
Seniors and calm dogs
New walk and movie night
Free/low
Low
All dogs, but very good for seniors
Why create a bucket list for your dog?
People make bucket lists for their dogs for different reasons. Sometimes, it's to give a senior dog lots of things to look forward to. At other times, it's just a list of things you'd like to do with your dog, no matter their age.
A dog bucket list has numerous benefits, like mental stimulation, physical exercise and deepening your bond with your dog.
At other times, a bucket list is for a dog that's struggling with their health or given a terminal diagnosis. This is a sensitive time, but a key part of end-of-life care is keeping your dog healthy and excited about life, and a bucket list is one way to do that.
Adventure activities for your dog’s bucket list
Road trip
Cost: Depends on the trip, but you’ll need money for fuel and road trip essentials, like food and a first aid kit.
Ease of prep: Medium. You’ll need some time to prepare your route and tick off your pet travel checklist, where you’re staying and buying essentials.
Best for: Dogs who are comfortable in the car and those who enjoy outdoor time. Smaller dogs, like Chihuahuas, tend to be amongst the best breeds for travelling.
Similar to the walking holiday, a good road trip is a pleasure for dogs who don't mind travelling. Assuming you're well-prepared for pet travel and you have a breed that likes the car, a road trip to some of the best hiking spots or somewhere totally different can spark joy.
Of course, make sure you're prepared and check things over with your vet beforehand. Otherwise, bon voyage!
Dog-friendly beaches
Cost: Travel costs to the beach, so it depends on where you live.
Ease of prep: Make sure your dog is trained to swim and knows how to behave safely around water. Prepare for bad weather, if relevant.
Most dogs love some seaside time, so why not plan a little dog-friendly beach walk or getaway?
You can combine this as part of a staycation to get some sweet time away with your dog.
Paddleboarding or kayaking
Cost: Upfront costs for classes (around £17) and equipment (paddleboards start at around £130-£150 for basic ones, kayaks at £90-£140 for basic models). You’ll need to pay for life jackets and other safety equipment.
Ease of prep: Make sure your dog is well-trained around water, and you’ve prepared with proper safety equipment.
Best for: Water-confident dogs. You will also need to be experienced with kayaking and/or paddleboarding. Not suitable for puppies or dogs who struggle with swimming.
For water-confident dogs, paddleboarding or kayaking in very calm waters can be good fun and something they'll remember.
Make sure your dog can comfortably swim, and make sure you're comfortable, too. We recommend getting some dog-friendly lessons first, especially for kayaking.
Ease of prep: Some time to prepare your route and travel.
Best for: Dogs who love hiking, but your walk is up to you, so older dogs or smaller dogs can just go on shorter, easier routes.
National Parks offer some of the best hikes around, but make sure your dog is up to it first. We've listed some of the best dog breeds for hiking, but all dogs can enjoy a good walk.
Just make sure you do the following:
Pick a route appropriate for your dog's fitness level.
Prepare in advance with things like a first-aid kit.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing.
Camping
Cost: Upfront costs for your tent (£30-£500), food (depends on length of stay, your pet and you) and emergency supplies (first-aid kit, roughly £10-£40).
Ease of prep: Some prep, like travel time and finding an official, dog-friendly site to camp in. You should also prepare for any bad weather, and we don’t recommend camping when it’s too cold.
Best for: Dogs who love the outdoors.
Camping is enjoyable for both pets and their parents - it's outdoorsy time, and it can be as active or as mellow as your dog likes it. A Border Collie may enjoy a long walk and a run around before settling down, while a Shih Tzu may enjoy some time relaxing with treats galore.
Either way, sometimes camping can provide a chance for you and your dog to connect, make some memories and experience something new together.
Foodie bucket list ideas
Bake homemade dog treats
Cost: Depends on ingredients, but most of our recipes are very cheap!
Ease of prep: Easy. Small recipes and easy cooking instructions.
Best for: Dogs who love treats (so yes, all of them).
We have a few articles on dog-friendly treat recipes, but this is always a good idea because all dogs love food!
A dog-friendly meal
Cost: Depends on ingredients.
Ease of prep: Most will be easy to make.
Best for: Dogs who love food and pets who aren’t on a restricted diet.
We all love going out for a good meal, and that's true for dogs too - especially if there's some dog-friendly puppuccinos about.
Taking your dog out for a meal in a pet-friendly space is a good way to get them introduced to some new sights and smells while keeping their tummies happy.
Or you can make it simpler, like a dog-friendly ice-cream date! And if your dog loves hanging out with the local pintman, maybe try a dog-friendly pub crawl.
ManyPets Approved, our one-stop shop for dog-friendly eateries, pubs and everything else, recommends pet-friendly food spots near you.
Ease of prep: Some time learning about positive reinforcement training and tricks.
Best for: High-energy breeds and those who like learning new things.
Basic dog training is a major part of mental stimulation, so giving your pup a host of tricks to learn with positive reinforcement will keep them mentally sharp and give them lots of fun.
Attend a scent work class
Cost: Usually between £90 and £150 for a 4 to 6-week course, but prices vary.
Best for: Dogs who are comfortable around other pets and people.
Scent work classes train dogs to identify and locate specific scents, which is an enjoyable activity for them. It can enhance your dog's ability to find things while building a strong bond between you and your dog!
Agility games and training
Cost: Depends. Official courses will be around, but at home, it’ll be free.
Ease of prep: You’ll need to prepare treats for positive reinforcement and, if you’re doing the training yourself, some time to learn methods.
Best for: High-energy dogs who love games.
This might only be suitable for dogs who like agility training, but arranging some games and challenges can keep your dog mentally stimulated and happy.
It works for older dogs, too! Just make sure the games and training are appropriate, and use positive reinforcement training to get the happy feelings flowing.
DIY obstacle course
Cost: Free.
Ease of prep: Some time to prepare.
Best for: High-energy dogs and those who like games.
Like agility games and training, a DIY obstacle course can keep energetic dogs entertained for hours. If you've got a sporty, agile breed, try to create some challenges in your garden with safe jumps, tunnels and some hide-and-seek games.
Dogs will remember these fun moments, and we're sure you will, too!
Social and community bucket list activities
Pup party
Cost: Depends on the size of the party, but for food and treats, around £50-£120.
Ease of prep: Dependent on how many dogs you’ve invited, but you may need to prepare dog-friendly cakes, treats, etc.
Best for: Sociable dogs.
Is your dog a bit of a socialite? Then a dog-friendly party may be the answer.
Our guide on dog-friendly parties can help, but mainly, this is time for your dog to meet other pups it gets along with. Arrange some fun games, lots of treats and plenty of fuss too.
Assuming all the dogs attending are of the right temperament, a pet-friendly party can be a fun time to take lots of pictures and make those all-important memories.
Join a charity dog walk
Cost: The cost varies depending on the charity. Some will have a small registration fee, others will only ask for a donation and others will require a certain amount of fundraising.
Ease of prep: Depends on the walk, but make sure your dog is comfortable with exercise.
Best for: Most dogs, but it depends on the route and walking distance.
Charity dog walks are a nice way to support good causes together, and you'll both get to meet a bunch of other pups, too!
Plan a playdate at a dog park
Cost: Low.
Ease of prep: Some time to find a dog park and organise logistics.
Best for: Sociable dogs.
Dog parks are a dream location for sociable dogs, giving them plenty of space to run, play and explore. Plus, you and your dog may end up with some new friends.
Just make sure you observe your dog and make sure they're trained in recall, just in case there are any confrontational interactions.
Senior dog bucket list ideas
Slow-paced walks in new places
Cost: Low, with some travel cost.
Ease of prep: Preparing for bad weather, like the cold or hot.
Best for: All dogs.
Senior dogs still love to explore, but they tend to do it at a slower pace. We recommend taking your dog on an easy-paced, enjoyable walk in new places, giving them and you some time to smell the roses.
Backyard camping
Cost: None, but you may need to pay for a tent (£30-£500).
Ease of prep: Low, but you may need to prepare for bad weather. We’d recommend doing this on a nice evening, though.
Best for: All dogs.
Senior dogs may not be up for travelling afar for camping, but the back garden is probably close enough!
Some back garden camping, especially if the weather is nice, can add a splash of fun and novelty to your dog's day. It's an easy, comfortable adventure.
Pet-friendly spa day
Cost: £35 for basic ones, up to potentially £65-£100+ for packages at places like hotels.
Ease of prep: Make sure your dog is trained for grooming and is well-socialised.
Best for: Dogs who enjoy grooming and relaxation time.
Dog-friendly spas are quite popular right now, so if your dog doesn't mind a bit of grooming, it could be a good option; it's relaxing, and unwinding with your pup can be an excellent way to form bonds with your pampered canine.
Cuddling up with a good film is always a nice time. You can make it special by watching your favourite films or putting something on that you know your dog responds to.
Taking them on their favourite walks
Cost: Free, with some travel costs.
Ease of prep: Not much. Just prepare for cold or hot weather.
Best for: All dogs.
Your dog probably has a favourite walk or two, so it can be a nice touch to take them to all of their favourite walking spots over the years. Treat it like walking down memory lane.
Bucket list ideas for small dogs
A "puppuccino" date
Cost: Very low.
Ease of prep: Make sure your dog is well-socialised.
Best for: Dogs who enjoy fuss and seeing other people.
This is an easy one, but since small dogs don't take up a lot of space, consider taking them out for a coffee where they can enjoy a "puppuccino".
Not sure where to go? ManyPets Approved can help find the best dog-friendly cafe near you.
Cosy film time
Cost: Free.
Ease of prep: None.
Best for: All dogs.
Like with senior dogs, small dogs just love cuddling up with you and watching a film. It's nice and easy, but we're sure your tailmate will enjoy it!
Zoomies in a dog park
Cost: Free, with some travel costs to the dog park.
Ease of prep: Prepare for bad weather, like if it’s hot or cold. Avoid if it's too hot or cold.
Best for: All dogs, but mainly younger ones and those who enjoy being active.
Small dogs love to get the zoomies, so consider taking them to your local dog park and letting them run free with their mates.
Indoor bucket list ideas for rainy days
It rains a whole lot here in Britain, so, naturally, you’ll need some indoor plans. Here are some indoor bucket list ideas for your tailmate:
Indoor sightseeing: dog-friendly museums
Cost: £10 - £20 (Entry fees).
Ease of prep: Medium (Check opening times and travel).
Best for: Social dogs who enjoy new environments.
Dogs love a bit of history and sightseeing, too, and there are numerous dog-friendly museums around the UK.
The "name that toy" challenge
Cost: Free.
Ease of prep: Medium (Needs treats and consistent training time).
Best for: Smart "working breeds" like Collies or Spaniels.
This is where you ask your dog to pick out a specific toy from a line of two or more. Then, once your dog picks the right one, you reward them. It’s a strong form of mental enrichment, and high-energy breeds love to play and develop in this game.
Living room "sniffari" (treat hunt)
Cost: Low (you may need to buy new treats/kibble).
Ease of prep: Low.
Best for: Food-motivated dogs and senior dogs with limited mobility.
This “sniffari” is a joy for your dog’s nose. You essentially hide treats around your living room - or another room - and ask your dog to search for them with the “find it!” command. This appeases their scavenging instincts, and you can make it more difficult over time, meaning it’s ideal for mental stimulation.
Tips for planning your dog’s bucket list
Consider age and health - Adapt activities to your dog's needs.
Safety first - Use essentials like harnesses, travel bowls and ID tags, and make sure you put your dog's health in mind.
Capture the memories - Take photos, create albums and enjoy the moment.
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Ben is a writer and editor with years of experience in insurance. After spending a long time creating content for some of Britain's biggest brands as part of a marketing agency, Ben began to focus on insurance and hasn't looked back since. When he's not consuming copious cups of tea, you can find him reading a book, daydreaming about having an Australian Shepherd and shouting at Liverpool on the TV.
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