Dallas is a cool city for humans and dogs alike but can you be really sure that you have visited every single fun and pet-friendly place? After all, there are hundreds of dog-friendly things to do in Dallas that are a must but few owners have visited all the places, from Bark Park Central to the Farmers Market.
Playtime at the park: Bark Park Central
2530 Commerce St.
Photos by Nicole Q. & Cara R. / Yelp
The city’s dog-friendly parks are a testimony of the good work Dallas Parks & Recreation does. Bark Park Central is an exemplary park when it comes to dog friendliness. There is a fenced-off area, there are decorative murals on the surrounding highway overpasses, and mutts have access to drinking bowls.
Moreover, the city officials have even installed dog showers in this 1.2-acre large off-leash park. Apart from the pet waste station, your dog can enjoy the natural shade created by tree canopies. Keep in mind, though, that this urban park is closed on rainy days and on Tuesdays for maintenance reasons.
Sharing breakfast with Fido: El Mero Mero
920 S Harwood St.
Photos by Priscilla R. (Yelp) & El Mero Mero (Facebook)
Although there are many dog-friendly restaurants in the city, Dallas Farmers Market is ideal for grabbing a quick bite in the morning. There are tens of stalls there but we recommend El Mero Mero. The family-owned business prepares arguably the best tamales in town.
They have been preparing delicious Mexican food since 1984, so folks from all over Dallas come to try pozole and barbacoa, for example. They are open from 9 AM on workdays and from 8 AM on weekends, so be sure to drop by for breakfast you’d share with your four-legged companion.
Grabbing a cup of coffee: Oak Lawn
Oak Lawn
Photo by @Roy G / Thrillist
Another great way to start your day is to grab a cup of coffee in Oak Lawn. This Dallas upscale district boasts a large number of coffee shops, such as La La Land Kind Café, Ezra Coffee Company, Starbucks, Union, etc.
Nearly all cafes have street-side tables where dogs are allowed, so your pooch can make you company while you sip an espresso. Although only service animals are allowed inside food establishments (and cafes) in Dallas, some managers are ready to make an exception if your pet feels cold.
Taking a long walk: Katy Trail
From Airline Rd. to Victory Promenade
Photo by Canva & Kelkey Kornegay (Alltrails.com)
You can work up an appetite with your canine by taking the Katy Trail, one of the city’s most popular trails. Set in downtown Dallas, all of the trail’s 3.5 miles fall within the service area of local Dallas veterinarians, so your pooch will be safe even during long walks.
The trail was named after a railroad that used to run through Oak Lawn and Uptown. Best access points are located near West Village but be aware that you will share the trail with skaters and cyclists, so Fido should respond well to voice commands or keep the animal on a leash purely for safety reasons.
Go on a pet-friendly scavenger hunt: Dulcet Cafe & Bakery
320 Singleton Blvd. Suite 190
Photos by Canva & Dulcet Cafe and Bakery (Yelp)
Hosted by Kat & Alan, the Dallas Dash Scavenger Hunt lasts for two hours and is one of Airbnb’s highly rated experiences. Actually, the hosts have several pet-friendly experiences on Airbnb, so the scavenger hunt should be fun both for humans and canines.
The hunt takes place both indoors and indoors and up to 30 people can participate, regardless of their age. Since there is some intense strolling involved, you and your dog should be in shape. The scavenger hunt will set you back only $25 (per person).
Exploring Dallas’ artistic side: Graffiti wall art walk
Deep Ellum
Photos by @bltomorrow / Instagram
Another Airbnb experience, the graffiti wall art photo walk is a great way to get to know the local art scene. Your dog can come along, as the route includes the aforementioned Bark Park Central. Don, the guide, will show you the Deep Ellum neighborhood, famous for its wall art.
The tour comes with the perk of actually meeting the local artists behind mesmerizing murals you’ll see along the way. The walk is a great opportunity for a photo session with your dog,
which you can join for $12. The tour lasts an hour and 10 people are the maximum size of the group.
Taking Fido dot a walk: Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge
Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge
Photos by @marroquirene & @mannysploots / Instagram
A canine can enjoy a good view too, such as the one from Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, a pedestrian bridge spanning the Trinity River. The bridge was built in 2012 and named after Margaret Hunt Hill, an heiress and a philanthropist whose final resting place is in Dallas.
The bridge is popular among architecture as it was designed by the legendary Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. However, Dallasite dog lovers find the bridge the perfect walkway for their canines. A little over half a kilometer long, the bridge is the ideal setting for a brisk walk with Fido. Needless to say, the dog should be on a leash and you need to pick after your pet.
Dallas constantly ranks high on the list of America’s most dog-friendliest cities. Since there are nearly 600,000 pet dogs in Dallas, the city officials have provided this canine army with everything they require, such as off-leash dog parks. Therefore, the 7 dog-friendly things to do in Dallas we list here are merely the tip of the iceberg.
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FAQ
The list of activities is virtually endless and it includes visiting dog parks (e.g. Bark Park Central), taking a walk down Katy Trail, crossing the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, grabbing breakfast at the Dallas Farmers Market, drinking coffee at a curbside café, etc.
Yes, it is. Nearly every other person owns a dog and there are 5 large, off-leash dog parks scattered across the city.
Pets are prohibited in the gardens. However, licensed assistance animals are an exception but they need to be on a leash and remain on the walkway.
In most public places, yes, but there are fenced off-leash dog parks where dogs can run free. Apart from service animals, dogs are not allowed inside food establishments but they are welcome on restaurant patios.
