Photo Courtesy of the Mets / Facebook.com/Mets
As the weather starts to warm up, baseball fans are excited for the start of the Major League Baseball (MLB) season. And what could be better than enjoying a ballgame with your furry best friend? Many MLB teams offer dog-friendly games, allowing fans to bring their dogs to the ballpark. However, it’s important to keep in mind that bringing your dog to a baseball game requires careful planning and preparation. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the dog-friendly MLB games this year, as well as safety tips on bringing a dog to a baseball game.
First, let’s take a look at some of the dog-friendly MLB games this year.
Dog-Friendly MLB Baseball Games 2024
Many teams offer a special “Bark in the Park” or “Pups at the Park” day, where fans can bring their dogs to the game. Some teams even offer special dog-related activities and giveaways. Here are a few examples of dog-friendly games this year:
- Washington Nationals: Pups in the Park, April 5, April 23, June 3, August 2, September 10, September 27
- San Francisco Giants: Dog Days of Summer, April 27, September 28
- Arizona Diamondbacks: Bark at the Park, April 16
- Seattle Mariners: Bark at the Park, April 29, May 29, June 10, July 2, August 7, September 12
- Cincinnati Reds: Bark in the Park, April 24, May 22, August 12, September 18
- New York Mets: Bark at the Park, April 2, May 13, September 17
- Kansas City Royals: Bark at the Park, April 23, May 21, September 3
- Pittsburgh Pirates: Pup Nights at PNC, April 23, May 7, May 21, June 4, June 18, July 2, July 23, August 6, August 27, September 10, September 24
- San Diego Padres: Bark at the Park, April 3, April 30, July 9, August 12
- Miami Marlins: Bark at the Park, April 1, April 15, April 29, May 20, June 2, June 17, July 7, July 22, August 5, August 19, September 8
- Texas Rangers: Bark at the Park, June 3
- Tampa Bay Rays: Dog Days at the Rays, April 14
Check with your local team to see if they offer any dog-friendly games this season. Many minor league teams offer dog-friendly games as well, and these stadiums are usually smaller and less overwhelming.
What to Know Before You Bring Your Dog to the Ball Game
Before you decide to bring your dog to a game, be aware of the following safety tips. First and foremost, make sure your dog is well-behaved and comfortable around crowds and noise. If your dog gets nervous or reactive in these situations, it’s best to leave them at home. Additionally, make sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations and has all necessary identification tags on their collar. It’s also important to bring plenty of water for your dog, as well as food and treats if necessary. And don’t forget to bring waste bags to clean up after your dog.
When you arrive at the game, make sure to find the designated dog-friendly areas. Most teams have designated sections for dogs and their owners, which often include grassy areas for your dog to play and relieve themselves, plus lots of water. Keep in mind that these areas can get crowded, so make sure to keep a close eye on your dog and prevent any aggressive or overly playful behavior.
Since baseball is played during the warmest months of the year, be aware of the weather and how it may affect your dog. If it’s a hot day, make sure to provide shade and plenty of water for your dog. And if it’s a particularly loud or noisy game, consider bringing calming supplements for your dog to prevent any stress or discomfort.
You should take extreme caution before bringing a brachycephalic breed such as a Pug, Bulldog, French Bulldog, or Boston Terrier to a baseball game in the heat.
If it is your dog’s first big game, opt for a game in the spring or fall when it is cooler, or an evening game after the sun is down. Above all, if your dog is easily stressed around crowds, leave them at home. Your dog’s safety and comfort are the most important!
In conclusion, bringing your dog to a baseball game can be a fun and memorable experience, but it requires careful planning and preparation. Make sure your dog is well-behaved and comfortable in crowds, bring plenty of water and food, find the designated dog-friendly areas, and be aware of the weather and how it may affect your dog. With these tips in mind, you and your furry friend can enjoy a day at the ballpark together.
