Why You Need to Take Your Dog on an Art Walk

Photo by Raphaël Biscaldi on Unsplash 

Traveling with your dog doesn't mean you're limited to stuffing Fido in a doggie daycare while you explore street art or an outdoor art fair on your own or with family. If you're into art and want to share your love for art with your pet, then an art walk just may be what you need the next time you head out on an adventure with your furry friend. And there's no better time to do it than during the winter during Miami Art Week, taking place Monday, December 2nd, 2024, through Sunday, December 8th, 2024, or during Art Basel Miami Beach, taking place Friday, December 6th, 2024, through Sunday, December 8th, 2024 (and beyond)! Here's why:

Science Says Dogs May Appreciate Art

Okay. Let's get one thing straight. We're not saying going on an art walk with your dog will turn your furry friend into the next Picasso. But science does say dogs may recognize art. Dogs see the world differently than humans. That's because dogs have fewer cone receptors in their eyes than humans. That means dogs can only see two colors, and many scientists believe that these colors are blue and yellow. Some scientists also think dogs can see the color gray. 

While they may not respond to two-dimensional art, dogs may actually recognize the colors in the art they observe and even tell colors like blue, yellow, and gray apart from one another. Moreover, studies show that dogs can recognize their owner in pictures, even other dogs. So, your dog may find the art you pass during an art walk attractive. 

It's a Great Excuse for a Little Exercise

Whether walking with a tiny chihuahua or hanging with a Great Dane, an art walk is perfect for giving your dog some exercise time. Not only does walking your dog provide the physical activity he needs, but your dog also gets to enjoy mental stimulation. It's also a great way to help your pet burn off energy and excitement so you can worry less about a "yippy" dog at night when you're ready to go to bed. Just make sure your dog gets some practice walking on a leash, and consider using a harness for your pup or small dog for a more comfortable, secure walk. Also, avoid the heat when possible and ensure your dog has plenty of water to drink in warm weather.

You'll Get to Encourage Socializing

Dogs are social creatures. But that doesn't mean that every dog is social. With so many apartment-dwelling dogs and dog parents who don't always have the time to take their pets out as often as they'd like, it's easy to miss that importanttime every dog needs. An art walk offers another socializing opportunity for your pet pooch that goes beyond the typical dog park experience.

Art Walks are a Great Excuse for Bonding Time

Let it be the bonding factor if nothing else is a reason to take Fifi on an art walk. Your pup is your number one cheerleader; any excuse she gets to hang with you means extra bonding time for you both. Art walks give your pup that extra bonding time she needs with you. 

Pick a Place

Now that you know why an art walk is a perfect excuse to explore a new town with your dog, you only need to choose a place to explore. Here are a few places to check out for dog-friendly art walks worldwide, including some worth visiting during Miami Art Week and Art Basel Miami Beach.

Bergen, Norway (Street Art)

If you're into stencil street art, you'll want to stop by Bergen, Norway. This city is the capital of street art in Norway and has a lively graffiti art scene with work from Banksy, Dolk, and TEG.

Buenos Aires, Argentina (Street Art)

Spending time in Argentina? Then, bring Fido along to hit the pavement and take in the awe-inspiring beauty of Buenos Aires street art. Not only is Buenos Aires known for its great food, but the city is dog-friendly, too. Along the way, you'll find street art and graffiti depicting the culture, as well as dogs from global and local artists, such as Jim Vision, Blu, Jaz, and Martin Ron. Check out some of the best spots for street art in Buenos Aires, including Coleigelas, Villa Crespo, and Villa Urquiza.

Mission District, San Francisco (Street Art)

Head to San Francisco's Mission District to check out its vibrant street art. You'll see plenty of vivid murals spanning the walls of warehouses and other buildings down Balmy Avenue and Clarion Alley. But you can also catch iconic murals in other spots around the area, including the MaestraPeace Mural on The Women's Building and the colorful Carnaval Mural off 24th Street and South Van Ness Avenue. 

Dogs & Cats Walkway and Sculptures, Miami (Outdoor Art Installation)

Head to Downtown Miami and take in the unique canine and feline sculptures of the Dogs & Cats Walkways and Sculptures. This sculpture art park features aluminum sculptures of cats and dogs showcasing pets' unique roles in our lives and officially opened on February 11th, 2023. Take in the serene setting among the palm trees and hibiscus within the gardens of the Maurice A, Ferré Park, and notice the intricate details of these oversized sculptures painted by local artists. You can even learn about each breed of one of the 52 cat or dog sculptures you view in the backdrop of the Biscayne Bay by scanning the QR code mounted on each sculpture. Miami Art Week will undoubtedly bring in tourists and crowds, but viewing the park in less-crowded moments is possible. Consider going on an early Sunday morning if you must use a weekend day to enjoy the park with your pet. But if you have more flexibility, a mid-day week jaunt on Tuesday or Wednesday morning may offer less crowds, too. 

Wynwood, Miami (Street Art)

Take Rover for a ride the next time you're in Miami and head to the artsy neighborhood of Wynwood. Every second Saturday at 6 p.m., Wynwood galleries, pop-up shops, outdoor venues, and retail stores extend their hours late into the night to make way for its scenic Art Walk event. It's the perfect atmosphere for taking your fur monster on the weekend art-infused trip in sunny South Florida. 

While you can't take your pets inside the art galleries, there's tons of street art to inspire you and maybe even your pup. Check out street art by graffiti and street artists from Miami and around the world, including Ernesto Maranje, Alec Monopoly, Quake, Maya Hayuk, and El Seed.

If you can't make it to Wynwood Art Walk, you can always visit the Wynwood Walls, Wynwood Walls Garden, and Wynwood Doors anytime you're in town. Wynwood Walls is free to children 12 and under and open to the public for $12 as of 2024, featuring over 40 murals from local and global artists. Certain groups, such as students and seniors, can also take advantage of discounted ticket prices ranging from $5-$10. Here, you'll also get to see great street murals from Chris Daze Ellis, Allison Torneros, DALeast, Case, and other street artists from around the world. Remember that only registered emotional support pets and service animals are allowed in Wynwood Walls. 

Ready to Jet with Your Pet?

We've named a few art walk spots around the world. What's your favorite spot, and what other hot spots have you trekked to with your dashing dogs?