Columbus has coffee trails, neighborhood passports, and plenty of ways to explore the city. Now, local dogs have one of their own.
The new Columbus Pup Passport is turning summer into an adventure for dogs and their humans, inviting participants to visit some of the city’s most dog-friendly businesses, collect stamps, and earn prizes along the way.
The concept is simple.
Pick up a passport, visit each participating stop with your dog between now and October 1, collect your stamps, and turn in your completed passport at Bumble’s Backyard.
The first 50 pups to finish the challenge will receive a tote bag packed with swag from participating businesses. Once those are gone, dogs who complete the passport can still claim a special Columbus Pup Passport sticker.
The passport was created by Bumble’s Backyard Marketing Director Grace Mullett, who was inspired by some of Columbus’ popular passport programs and summer challenges. The goal is to encourage people to get out, explore the city, and support local businesses while spending quality time with their four-legged best friends.
Where can your pup collect stamps?
Participating businesses include:
- Bumble’s Backyard in Franklinton
- Boujee Dog Bites
- Puptown Lounge in Hilliard
- Columbus Humane
- Mutts & Co.
- Thunderwing Brewing
- Red Giraffe Designs
- Roaming Goat Coffee Co.
- First Commonwealth Bank
Each stop has its own stamp requirement. Some involve making a purchase, while others encourage visitors to book services, donate supplies, or simply stop by and explore.
One of the nicest touches is the inclusion of Columbus Humane. Participants can earn a stamp by dropping off donations, helping support local animals in need while working toward completing the challenge.
The passport is designed to be completed over the course of the summer, but ambitious dog owners may want to circle Saturday, June 6, on their calendars.
Several participating businesses are located in the Short North, and organizers note that it’s possible to visit all of the neighborhood’s passport stops during Gallery Hop between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Of course, your dog will need to make an appearance! Every participating business wants to meet the pups earning those stamps. The only exception is Columbus Humane, where donations can be dropped off without bringing your dog along.
A summer bucket list for dogs
Part of the fun is that the passport introduces participants to businesses they may not have discovered otherwise.
Maybe your dog gets a nail trim at Puptown Lounge. Maybe you grab a coffee at Roaming Goat. Maybe you stop by Thunderwing Brewing for a drink while your pup enjoys the patio. By the end of the challenge, you’ll have explored a cross-section of Columbus’ dog-friendly community.
And unlike most summer bucket lists, this one comes with a built-in accountability partner who’s very motivated by treats. Passports are available at participating locations now, and the challenge runs through October 1. For more info, head over to bumblesbackyard.com/columbus-pup-passport.
