Imagine if you hit the lottery. What would you do? Would you quit your job? Would you take the time to travel the world? Or perhaps you would create your own non-profit organization and help others in need?
No matter what you decide, you would try to fulfill the wishes you could not do at the present moment, right?
With this idea in mind, I thought about “bucket list” ideas to try. Do you have a list of things you hope to accomplish in your life before your time is up? What are some bucket list ideas you wish to try with your pet? What happens if they are diagnosed with a terminal condition?
Have you ever asked yourself that question?
Our furry friends are our family, and we adore spending time with them. However, taking the time to do activities with them isn’t always a top priority. It’s helpful to remember that tomorrow is not promised to any of us, so make today count and live every moment as if it’s your last.
Make memories now so you can cherish them forever. With this in mind, I came up with a short list of bucket list ideas to try with your pet. Here are six bucket list ideas to try with your pet.
6 Bucket List Ideas to try with your Pet
1) Have a birthday party.
We as people celebrate our birthdays each year, so why not do the same for your pet. I celebrated my cats’ birthdays with paper hats and a candle in their favorite treat food- Fancy Feast Chicken flavor. I’d take pictures to capture the moment.
Make the celebration unique to your pet’s taste. You can celebrate with just the immediate family of the household, or if you think your pet can cope well, make the celebration with decorations and invite other friends, family, and pets over to celebrate. Either way, it will be a birthday to remember.
2) Create a picture calendar.
Next, consider taking several photos you have taken over the years and creating a pet picture calendar. If you wish to create a professional look, you can arrange to have a pet photoshoot and use those images.
I like to create the look myself and use an online tool like Shutterfly.com to arrange my photos and have the calendar printed and shipped home.
A picture calendar is a great practical and thoughtful idea to preserve memories.
3) Visit a pet-friendly beach.
Another bucket list idea to try is to visit a beach. Visiting a beach along the water is a great way to spend time outdoors and let your pet play. You can play Frisbee or stroll along the beach while enjoying the sunshine. I haven’t met a dog that doesn’t love to play and get wet.
If you are a cat owner, it may be easier to stroll along the beach on the boardwalk in a carrier, but if your cat is the fearless exploring type, let them run free (with a harness, of course). Don’t forget to take pictures!
4) Take a Road Trip
Rent a convertible and take a road trip. Depending on where you live and the destination you wish to go to, you can make this trip as long or short as you want.
Years ago, I remembered taking my very first road trip, driving over 500 miles from San Diego to San Jose, California, with my mom and my first cat Precious. It was my first road trip.
We made sure Precious had plenty of food and treats. We stopped three times to eat and replenish her water bowl. The time spent at the rest stop allowed Precious to have time to stretch, get fresh air, and eat. She did pretty well on the road trip and slept a good portion of the ride. We had a good time.
Taking that road trip was a great way to explore a new city, enjoy the scenic view along the California coast and create lasting memories with the family in tow.
5) Stay at a Luxury Pet Hotel
One thing I love to do is have a weekend getaway. What’s better than a getaway?
Having a trip that includes your furry family member, of course!
One of the best getaways I remember in recent years is the last Christmas I spent with my husband and cat Dusty before she passed away. Although the hotel was not a 5-star luxury, the experience was great.
She loved exploring the room, relaxing on the fluffy down comforter, and snuggling between my husband and me to take her catnap. It was great to see her in upbeat spirits at the hotel.
Luxury pet-friendly hotels can accommodate pets by providing space and facilities to make them comfortable and pamper you as a guest. Indulge a little and check out some of these luxury hotel options. You can also search for more affordable pet-friendly hotels if the price is out of your range. Whatever you choose, trying at least once in your life is worth it.
6) Visit The Largest Pet Store in the U.S.A.
Last but not least, this bucket list idea is a new one to me. I’ve always heard of the Mall of America being the largest shopping mall in the U.S.A. I told myself one day; I’ll have to go there and check it out.
However, I had never heard of That Fish Place, That Pet Place. Apparently, it is the largest pet store in the U.S.A. in Lancaster, PA. If you are looking for a grand shopping adventure to try, this may be your stop.
The store does also permit leashed pets inside as well. So if you are feeling adventurous and able to visit, stop by Lancaster, PA, and get ready to burn that cash!
Learn more about the store by visiting their website here or watching their YouTube channel below.
Looking for more ideas?
If you are looking for even more ideas, you can check out this list of 98 Activities to do during your Dog’s Lifetime.
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Wrap up
Those are my six bucket list ideas to try with your pet. These are fun and adventurous ways to capture memories with your pet, from exploring the beach and hitting the road to having a photoshoot and a birthday party.
Have you tried any of these ideas? What else would you like to try? Do you have your own bucket list? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Post originally published April 17, 2017. Updated May 25, 2022