Animal lovers: rejoice! If you prefer to spend your days surrounded by our friends of the animal kingdom, stick right here as we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do as an animal lover.
From wonderful wildlife experiences, like heading on a safari to (hopefully) spot the Big Five in all their glory, or a whale-watching trip to see your favorite aquatic creature — there is no shortage of things to do as an animal lover to keep your interest for these wonderful beings going.
To help you tick off once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters, or make the most of the pets you already have, we've uncovered the best things to do as an animal lover.
32 things to do as an animal lover
1. Bring home a new pet
Welcoming a new pet into your home is perhaps one of the most obvious things you can do as an animal lover. And luckily, you’re not stuck for choice.
There are loads of fur friends to share your home with like the best dogs and the best cats. But there are also a number of great pets that aren’t cats or dogs. For example, how about a leopard gecko or a guinea pig?
2. Go horseback riding
Always wanted to ride a horse? Well, now is your chance to. In the US there are many places to go horseback riding. From heading to a ranch in Texas or trotting along the many miles of rolling dunes Colorado has to offer.
3. Pet volunteer programs
Another way to get your animal fix? By volunteering. You could help fundraise for a local animal center, walk dogs at adoption centers, transport dogs from A to B, or volunteer at a special event. The list is endless. You'll offer support and love to fur friends who need it and that's just one of the many reasons to volunteer with an animal rescue.
4. Go running or jogging together
Did you know, it’s possible to bond with your dog through running? Running with dogs has become a popular sport for dog owners worldwide for many reasons. For starters, it’s fun. It also offers a healthy and sociable activity for both to do together.
If you’re keen to put your best foot forward, it’s worth investing in one of the best dog harnesses.
5. Go swimming
Swimming is one of the best hobbies you can do with your dog. The exercise is low in impact and taking the plunge with your pooch can help them work every muscle group in their body. It can also help your fur friend cool off during warmer months of the year.
Of course, some dog breeds can’t swim, so make sure your furry friend is up to the challenge before taking a dip. If you're lucky enough to have one of the dog breeds that are made for swimming this will be a real treat for them.
6. Teach a pup new tricks
There are a number of quick and easy tricks to teach your dog. From ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ to ‘whisper’ and ‘wave’, not only will teaching your dog new tricks keep your pooch sharp, mentally stimulated, and physically fit, it will give you some quality time together to help you strengthen your bond.
7. Take a bike ride
Are you a keen cyclist? Let your pooch trot alongside you or ride in your basket (if they're small enough) as you exercise together. Doing so will help your dog see and smell new sights and sounds that the world has to offer.
8. Visit a zoo
From mammals like chimpanzees, tigers, and leopards to reptiles, like big-headed turtles and birds. There are plenty of animals to spot in a zoo.
Plus, a new study has found that visiting a zoo can educate people about conservation issues, and inspire positive behavioral changes and attitudes for our natural world. It's a win-win.
9. Adopt a rescue
Many people find adopting a rescue pet from a shelter to be a rewarding experience. And it really can be.
Millions of cats and dogs end up in shelters each year in the US. So instead of heading to a breeder, adopting a pet means there’s room for another cat or dog at the shelter.
10. Visit an animal sanctuary
Animal sanctuaries focus on rescuing and rehabilitating our friends from the animal world who need a safe haven. So, not only will visiting an animal sanctuary help you get closer to animals, but if you volunteer and/or donate, you’ll be helping to keep this vital work going.
11. Take up animal photography
If you’re a creative soul and animal lover, why not merge the two and become a wildlife photographer? You’ll be able to capture animals in their natural outdoor habitat while combining your love of photography.
12. Throw a party
It’s not just humans who have birthdays — our pets do too. If you’re a proud pet owner, you could throw your puppy or kitty or a party and surround your furry four-legged pal with their favorite fur friends.
13. Become a veterinarian
If you’re really serious about spending even more time with our friends of the animal kingdom, then you could take up a rewarding career as a veterinarian.
Of course, this role won't be for everybody. But by becoming a vet you'll be surrounded by these loveable creatures every day while making a difference to their wellbeing.
14. Go bird watching
Most US backyards have some sort of feathered friends flitting about. But this will all depend on where you live.
For example, if you live in North America, you might see a Red-winged Blackbird on a daily basis. While those in South America might be lucky enough to spot an Andean Condor.
And if you haven’t got an outdoor space, don’t panic. There are many open spaces, like Cape May in New Jersey and the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, which are just a few of the best US states for bird watching. So grab your binoculars and go!
15. Become a pet sitter
Want to spend more time with pets? Well, if you’re unable to adopt your own animal, how about becoming a pet sitter?
Becoming a pet sitter can be a highly rewarding career and enable you to surround yourself with fur friends, water babies, and scaly pals on the daily.
16. Become a dog walker
If pet sitting isn’t right for you, you could always ditch humans in favor of hounds and learn how to become a dog walker. If you do so, you’ll be able to lead a life full of outdoor adventure with canine companions in tow.
17. Visit a nature reserve
Whether it’s a beach, meadow, or woodland, a nature reserve is one of the best places for animal lovers to visit because they have one purpose in mind: to protect animal species and their habitats from human activities.
18. Go whale watching
From California to Washington and New Jersey to Maine, you’re not stuck for places to go whale watching in the US. Depending on what state you head to, you can enjoy an engaging excursion on the water. Or, if you prefer to stay on land, you can spot whales from the shore.
19. Go on a safari
Going on a safari might perhaps be a bucket list dream. But if you’re serious about spending more time with animals, then maybe it's time to make it happen.
Whether you head to Tanzania, South Africa, or Kenya, you'll hopefully be able to spot the Big Five, like a lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino.
20. Surround yourself with flamingos in Orlando
It’s not every day you can see one of the most unique birds in the world. But if you’re near Orlando (or keen to visit), then you could watch these perfectly pink creatures go about their day at Flamingo Cove.
21. Swim (safely) with sharks or just spot them
If you’re an animal lover who’s fascinated by sharks, Palm Beach in Florida is the place to go. Known for its shark population, around 50 species of sharks call the East Coast their home.
22. Kayak with sea turtles in Hawaii
If sharks don’t float your boat, how about sea turtles? You can get one step closer to these magical marine creatures and live life alongside them in the land of Hawaii.
23. Spot seahorses in Hawaii
Talking of Hawaii, the 50th state in the US is one of the best places you can visit to observe the underwater world in all its glory thanks to its abundance of fish friends. You can spot many aquatic creatures in this state including the rather mystical Hawaiian seahorse.
24. Go to a dog beach
Proud owner of a dog? Then why not take your pooch to one of the best US dog beaches America has to offer? From the East Coast to the East, many of the top dog beaches are filled with dog baths, poop bins, and hydration stations so you'll have everything they need (and more) for a day of fun.
25. Become an animal trainer
If you want to spend more time around animals, have you considered becoming a trainer? Becoming an animal trainer usually requires education, experience, and specialized training.
It’s a fulfilling career and a great idea if you’re unable to have your own pets but want to be surrounded by them in your 9-5.
26. Visit a dog-friendly park
Take your walks up a notch by taking your pooch to a dog-friendly park. Known as ‘bark parks', these spaces are known and loved for their ability to let your dog roam off-leash.
Safe, often filled with lots of dog waste bins, and usually open from morning, noon, and night, dog-friendly parks will give you and your dog a chance to socialize with other canines and their owners.
27. Visit Yosemite National Park
If you’re a lover of the great outdoors (and why wouldn’t you be?) it’s worth taking a trip to Yosemite National Park, which is home to a wide variety of animals.
From deer and sheep to bears and more than 262 species of bird, there’s a never-ending list of animals to spot.
28. Make homemade dog treats
Most pooch parents will probably already have a handful of the best dog treats stashed away in a cupboard.
But have you tried making your own homemade dog treats for a change? Not only are these homemade goods a total joy to make, but you’ll be able to know exactly what’s gone into them.
29. Visit an aquarium
Displaying a variety of sea life, from tropical fish and penguins to sharks and rays, an aquarium is a great place to go if you’re interested in seeing the underwater world in HD.
30. Take a trip to a cat cafe
Do you dream of being surrounded by kittens? Then a cat cafe is the location to head to.
In many of these cafes, you can learn about your feline friends up close and personal and you can pet them and play with them, all while enjoying a beverage.
31. Become a professional animal groomer
Keep pets looking their best by learning the essential skills of bathing, trimming, and cleaning them. Usually, a professional animal groomer might clip nails and brush matted fur too.
32. Take them on vacation
If you're looking for a great way to bond with your pet and make memories with your furry friend, take them away on holiday. It will give you (and them) a chance to explore new places, try new things, and spend more time outdoors.
