Atlanta Named 6th Pet-Friendliest City
Atlanta loves its dogs. From the canine-crazed Atlanta BeltLine to apartment buildings that offer pet spas, dog runs and anything else they can to woo paw-rents, this is a city that welcomes and embraces pooches of every variety. There are so many dogs taking their humans on walks in this city, that a day on the BeltLine might look more like the Westminster Dog Show. In fact, Atlanta was ranked the 6th pet-friendliest city in the U.S. by Hotels.com because we are so welcoming to traveling dogs (and maybe a few cats). But you don't need to tell us we're a dog city, just look around!
Do restaurants allow dogs in Atlanta?
We know that dogs are not just pets, they are family. So why would you leave them at home? If you want to bring your pup with you when you go out, you're in the right place. You can find numerous Atlanta restaurants and breweries that not only allow dogs on their patios - some of them even invite pups by putting out water bowls, dog biscuits and pup cups. Not to mention lots of other dog-friendly businesses and activities.
Here are 5 ideas for dog friendly activities in Atlanta, including a few photo-worthy ones that will get you lots of hearts on Instagram.
Fetch is a park for both doggies and humans. While your pup socializes and plays, you can sidle up to the Airstream camper and order from their full bar, or grab a coffee if you prefer. Humans can enter for free, while dogs are charged a day pass, or a monthly membership. That way, you can bring friends without paying for them. Doggies can run off leash on their green turf, and there are outdoor TVs and warming/cooling stations, depending on the season. Fetch has 3 locations in Atlanta - Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward and Chattahoochee Food Works. Just make sure you check out their rules regarding vaccinations, spay/neuter, social behavior and more.
2 Barks and Bites: Doggie Crawl on the BeltLine
This is a one-of-a-kind restaurant crawl for dogs. Your furry foodie gets to sit at the table at restaurants and dine on "people food" made just for them, including a brothy Bark-a-rita! The restaurants rotate, but canine dishes have included hot dogs, vegan chicken strips, burgers, chicken philly cheesesteaks (made with dog-safe cheese) and pup cups. While your doggie gets spoiled, you get small bites and a craft beer. There are also stops at two pet stores, so your doggie can pick out their favorite toys and treats, plus lots of giveaways from local and national pet brands. This is a great way for you and your fur baby to enjoy the Atlanta BeltLine, which is buzzing with people, bikes, scooters and of course, lots of dogs. You can't beat this for adorable pics and videos to post on social media! This crawl is generally held two Sundays a month.
This might be the world's largest pool party for pups! If your fur baby loves the water, this is their chance to go swimming, while supporting a good cause. Every fall after the pool closes to the public, Piedmont Park opens up the pool to doggies as a fundraiser for the Piedmont Park Conservancy. Have your camera ready to capture your doggie's water park adventure. Expect it to be crowded, though - over three days, about 500 dogs a day jump into the pool. Dates haven't been released for 2024, but check their website for updates.
You might not think of a farmers market as a place to bring your dog, but this one will change your mind. On a Saturday morning, you'll see half as many dogs as people browsing the stalls nestled into the Carter Center parking lot - offering produce, coastal shrimp, wildflowers, local honey, French pastries and more. There are also pop-ups from local chefs and businesses, and sometimes live bluegrass. Who ever thought shopping for organics could be such a fun experience? Get there early, expect to wait in long lines and - if you have the patience - get a croissant from Star Provisions. Oh, and bring your pup!
5 Dog-Friendly Restaurant & Bar Patios
If a restaurant or bar in Atlanta has a patio, they probably welcome dogs. Nowhere is this truer than the Atlanta BeltLine, where your pup can stretch their legs and you can chow down, drink up and soak in the creative energy that fuels the BeltLine. A noteworthy mention is New Realm, whose expansive two-tiered BeltLine patio is unrivaled. They hold community markets on weekends, offer specials during the week and live music on occasion. Go for the dog-friendly patio and stay for the beer and bites. Further down the BeltLine, near Krog Street Market, you'll find a row of restaurants and bars whose patios welcome pups. On the way there, you'll pass Ladybird, self titled the front porch to the BeltLine - which you'll spot by the sheer volume of people spread out on its massive patio. With vintage campers serving beer, games and adirondack chairs set up in small groupings, Ladybird is both family friendly and a popular spot for hipsters. And of course, it's dog friendly. Cross over Irwin Street and down on your right, you'll find The Krog District. For drinks, grab a seat outside Pour. Or take a seat on the couches outside BrewDog, for craft beer and a pub food menu that is half plant-based. Across the BeltLine, McCray's goes above and beyond when it comes to dogs - with a container of dog biscuits at the ready and doggie-safe pup cups available.
No matter which restaurant you choose, you and your fur baby will have a paw-some time!
Nicole Gustin is Founder & CEO of BiteLines Atlanta Food Tours and loves dogs. She volunteers for the National Brittany Rescue and Adoption Network (NBRAN), and has a soft spot for the breeds she grew up with - German Shepherds and Springer Spaniels. She created Barks and Bites to give paw-rents a fun way to spoil their pups.
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