Traveling with my dogs, Kuya (my naughty Filipino pup) and Bunso (my laid-back Shih Tzu), is always an adventure. But finding spots where they are welcome? That used to feel like a whole mission on its own.
I remember one trip where we drove around for hours, only to find out the restaurant patio was almost pet-friendly—just not for dogs over 20 pounds (sorry, Kuya).
If you’ve ever wondered how to find pet-friendly restaurants and activities on your travel without the hassle, you’re in the right place.
I’ve rounded up the best websites, apps, and even Facebook groups that make traveling with your pets as easy as packing their favorite treats.
Let’s get to it.
Websites to Find Pet-Friendly Restaurants and Activities
Finding places that allow pets, especially those with activities for both you and your pet can be tough. That’s where websites come in.
They are packed with up-to-date information on pet-friendly restaurants and activities, from dog-friendly food spots to hiking trails where they allow your dogs to roam leash-free.
The best part? You can filter your search based on location, type of activity, or other specific needs.
- BringFido.com
BringFido.com is a go-to website for pet owners looking to make their travels easier and more fun. On the homepage, there’s a search bar where you can choose what you’re seeking — hotels, Airbnbs, restaurants, activities, events, services, photos, or destinations.
Enter your location, click “Fetch,” and you’ll get a list of pet-friendly options in that area.
One of the coolest perks? Dog owner reviews. You’ll get honest feedback from people who’ve been there with their pups. They also have a Canine Concierge service to make sure you’re assigned a pet-friendly room to avoid any awkward surprises at check-in.
Plus, there are no booking fees, and all reservations come with their pet-friendly guarantee.
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TripsWithPets.com
Tripswithpets.com is the perfect website for pet owners who are focused on finding the most comfortable accommodation for them.
Unlike BringFido, this website exclusively helps you find pet-friendly hotels that suit your budget low-cost, mid-range, to luxury options.
On the search bar, enter your desired location, check-in/out date, rooms, number of people, and click Go.
- Dogfriendly.com now Hepper
DogFriendly.com was a longtime favorite for finding pet-friendly restaurants and activities, but as of August 2024, Hepper acquired it.
Hepper has been in the pet business since 2007, selling modern pet furniture and offering a blog full of helpful content on dog food, training, toys, and treats for both dogs and cats. And, the best thing is veterinarians have written all their articles to make sure the information is accurate and reliable.
Now, when you visit DogFriendly.com, Hepper’s website is there. But don’t worry—the pet-friendly accommodation guides you loved are still there, just updated and easier to find.
Simply search for “pet-friendly hotels” on the Hepper site, and you’ll find hotel reviews and guides to help plan your next trip with your pup.
Apps to Find Pet-Friendly Restaurants and Activities
If you’re more of an on-the-go planner, these apps will help you find pet-friendly restaurants and activities right from your phone.
- Sniffspot
Sniffspot is like an Airbnb for you and your dogs. This app allows you to rent private, secure spaces where your dog can run off-leash, play and explore safely.
This is perfect if you want a safe and quiet spot for your reactive dog, or you just want your dog to explore a new place to sniff around.
This is a great way to help your dog enjoy the outdoors without worrying about crowded parks.
- DogPack
DogPack is more than just an app-it’s a full social network of dog lovers.
The feed allows you to connect with dog owners worldwide, share adventures, and schedule meet-ups with fellow pet owners.
The map helps you find dog-friendly parks, trails, beaches, campgrounds, and services with ratings and reviews from the community.
Finally, DogPack has Superdog- Your AI Dog Care Expert. One of its best features is guessing your dog’s breed by just submitting a photo-perfect for mixed breeds and curious pet owners.
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AllTrails
AllTrails is the perfect app for dog owners who love the outdoors. It was even named the Apple App Store iPhone App of the Year in 2023.
If you are looking for the best locations for hiking, running, mountain biking, or road biking, this app is for you. They even find dog-friendly and wheelchair-friendly trails for you.
- Figo
Figo is best for pet insurance, but their app offers so much more.
Besides managing your pet insurance, you can also use the app to arrange playdates with fellow pet owners and discover pet-friendly places and services near your location.
Plus, the app offers exclusive perks and discounts, making it a great all-in-one tool for both pet care and fun activities.
Facebook Groups
Looking for real-time advice and local tips? Facebook groups are a great way to discover pet-friendly restaurants and activities while connecting with other pet owners who’ve been there, and done that.
- Hiking with Dogs
Hiking with Dogs is one of my favorite public Facebook groups because it brings together dog owners from around the world to share their hiking adventures.
I enjoy looking at photos and reading stories of dogs exploring trails, climbing mountains, swimming, and overall enjoying nature with their humans.
This Facebook group is also a safe space to ask questions – product recommendations, tips on travel arrangements, or advice on handling issues while hiking.
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Flying with Dogs
Flying with Dogs is a must-join public Facebook group for anyone planning to travel by air with their pet, local or international.
This group is super helpful because members share their experiences at airports, offer tips for checking in with pets, and discuss airlines that allow or don’t allow dogs.
You can also find advice on meeting airline requirements, handling in-flight logistics, and making the entire journey as smooth as possible for you and your pet.
FAQs – How to Find Pet-Friendly Restaurants and Activities While Traveling
- Are Dogs Allowed In Restaurants In The USA?
It depends. While most restaurants don’t allow dogs inside because of health codes, many places have pet-friendly patios or outdoor seating areas where dogs are welcome.
Some cities and states have more relaxed rules, and certain establishments even cater specifically to dog owners. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check with the restaurant ahead of time.
- Are Dogs Allowed In US Malls?
It depends. Some malls in the US welcome all dogs, especially those with outdoor shopping centers or malls with open-air layouts.
Others allow dogs as long as they are wearing a diaper and remain on a leash, without roaming freely. However, some malls only allow service dogs.
Always check with the mall’s policy before bringing your dogs. Also, keep in mind that individual stores may have their own rules, too.
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Are Dogs Allowed In Grocery Stores In The US?
No. Grocery stores in the US like Walmart and Costco do not allow dogs due to strict health and safety regulations concerning food. However, service dogs are exempt and their owners can legally accompany them everywhere.
- Can A Dog Sit At The Table In A Restaurant?
No. Even the pet-friendly restaurants don’t allow dogs to sit at the table or on chairs.
In most cases, dog owners need to bring strollers for their small to medium-sized dogs where they can stay. Meanwhile, big dogs sit or lie down on the floor beside their owner.
- Do Dogs Have To Be In Bags On The Subway?
Yes. In many cities, dogs must be inside a bag or carrier to ride the subway. For example, in New York City, dogs are allowed on the subway only if they fit in a bag. However, rules may vary depending on the transit system and city, so it’s best to check local regulations before traveling.
Final Words!
That’s it, I hope you find this post on how to find pet-friendly restaurants and activities while traveling helpful.
Traveling with your dog and finding activities can be fun for both you and your pet.
Thanks to the internet, you can use websites, apps, and Facebook groups to do your research before traveling.
Added bonus is finding fellow pet owners where you’re headed so you can arrange play dates.
Good luck on your next trip. Have fun.
