By: Ben Burton, Contributing Journalist
Austin, Texas, has the most pet-friendly restaurants and hotels per capita. in the United States. The city’s landscape itself is pet-fitness-friendly with its hiking trails, greenbelts, parks, lakes and creeks, and the 106 step hike up the flagstone staircase to reach the top of Mount Bonnell, one of Austin’s highest view points. The amount of outdoor recreation available in Austin makes it an animal paradise.
The locals show their love of pets by including them into all sorts of activities. Private yoga lessons with your dog (Doga) are popular. According to Doga instructor Nicole Vykoukal, “Yoga can be calming and restorative to our nervous systems, and when we become calm, our dogs become more calm and relaxed, and then we can bond and strengthen the relationship with our dog, and it can turn into a really meaningful experience.” Early morning classes at Zilker Park are a great way to start the day. On You Tube, Austinite Adriene Mishler, the world’s most-watched yoga instructor, keeps her Australian Blue-heeler Cattle-Dog,“Benji,” at her side during each lesson.
After yoga, if you want to reward your four-legged friend, you can find bakeries and dog treat street-side stands with specialties, such as mini-dog pizzas, peanut butter bones, etc.
In 2016, the Austin Animal Center published an adult coloring book, “Coloring Austin Animals: A Celebration of Five Years of No-Kill In Austin.” The different animals (dogs, cats, other pets, and wildlife) in the coloring book were actual residents of the shelter who found permanent homes.
The book celebrates the fact that Austin is truly America’s safest city for animals.
AUSTIN’S PET-FRIENDLY HOTELS
A selection of 10 of the best pet-friendly hotels in Austin, Texas, includes:
Archer Hotel Austin (The Domain)
3121 Palm Way Austin, TX 78758
(512) 836-5700
https://archerhotel.com
Dogs under 50 lb. All service dogs welcome. Pool patio Pet cleaning deposit $150. Service dogs- no pet cleaning deposit. Complimentary dog treats, dinosaur chew toy, two stainless steel bowls, and Phydeaux & Friends doggie bed.
Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt
605 Davis St.
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 542-5300
www.hotelvanzandt.com (in the Rainy St. District)
Musical themed boutique hotel. Pets of any size no additional fee (cats and dogs). Pet sitting and dog walking services. Live music Pool deck with view of Lady Bird Lake.
The Driskill
604 Brazos St. Austin, TX 78701
(512) 439-1234
https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/texas/the-driskill
Built in 1886. Dog comforts: pet bed, dishes, mat, dog treats, spring water, business bags, and a map of pet-friendly areas. One time pet fee of $100 billed to room. 50 lb Max.
2 dogs per room. Domesticated, non-aggressive dogs are welcome. In the 6th St. entertainment district many activities available within walking distance.
The Line Austin
111 East Caesar St.
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-9611
https://www.thelinehotel.com
Dogs and cats stay for free, no fees, no weight limits. Free treats, water bowls, and courtesy bags. Picture-perfect views of Lady Bird Lake. Infinity pool Recommendations for neighborhood walks, parks, & pet-friendly bars and restaurants. Visually striking interiors.
The Otis Hotel
1901 San Antonio St. (UT campus district)
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 473-8900
https://otishotel.com
Pet-friendly program: for a fee guests receive a dog bed, dog toys, food and water bowls, and waste bags. Dog walking guides. Assistance w/ dog walking, daycare, grooming, and baked goods. Fee $100 30 lb. weight limit.
Aloft Austin Downtown
109 East 7th St.
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 476-2222
https://www.marriot.com
Pet-friendly restaurant (free snacks) Arf Program: Complimentary special bed, bowl, bag of treats, and toys. Near 6th St. entertainment district many activities available within walking distance. Contact hotel to see about a waiver if your dog is over 50 lb.
The Carpenter Hotel
400 Josephine St.
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 682-5300
https://carpenterhotel.com
South-by Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and Hike & Bike Trails. No pet fees and any size or type of dogs are welcome. Pool, private terraces, free Wi-Fi, phone, and drinking water, room mini-bars, records and record player for guest use.
Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown
810 Red River St.
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 481-1000
https://www.ihg.com
Upscale boutique hotel in a location close to Austin’s nightlife area. Pets and service animals are welcome. Well behaved pets up to 50 lb. Fee $75 Deposit $75 Outdoor heated pool and rooftop bar. Live music and local art room.
South Congress Hotel
1603 S. Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 920-6405
https://southcongresshotel.com
No extra charge for pets. In Soco shopping, dining, and entertainment district. Dog beds, bowls, and treats are available on request. Dogs must be attended to and are never permitted in the food service areas.
Hotel Ella
1900 Rio Grande
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 495-1800
https://hotelella.com
Historic boutique hotel, a 10-minute walk to the University of Texas. Dogs of all sizes are welcome at no additional fee. Contact the hotel ahead of your arrival so they can treat your dog to its own amenities, and sign their pet waiver upon check-in.
OFF LEASH AUSTIN PET FRIENDLY PARKS
Red Bud Isle.
3401 Red Bud Trail
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 974-6700
https://austinparks.org/red-bud-isle/
13 acre-park island w/ open running spaces, hiking areas, and spots to swim. Warning: Check with Austin Parks and Recreation onthe presence of toxic algae; limited parking, you might have to wait.
Yard Bar
6700 Burnet Rd.
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 900-3773
https://www.yardbar.com
Austin’s first membership-based dog park/bar/restaurant When you get offwork, have a beer and hang out with your best-friend, at the dog park!
Turkey Creek Trail
1401-1711 City Park Rd.
Austin, TX 78730
(512) 346-1831
https://www.alltrails.com >…> Turkey Creek Trail
At Emma LongMetropolitan Park. Free of charge and dogs are welcome off-leash. The shaded trail is 2.8 miles w/ creek crossings.
Auditorium Shores
900 W. Riverside Dr.
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 974-6700
https://austinparks.org
Off-leash 4.5 acre area on the banks of Lady Bird Lake. WARNING: Check with Austin Parksand Recreation on the presence of toxic algae.
Dog Park Blue
7000-7098 Onion Creek Dr.
Austin, TX 78744
(512) 974-6700
https://austinparks.org >dog parks
In Onion Creek Greenbelt 106 acre no-leash area. Close to creek for swimming and has many trails. No fencing and no fountains—bring your own water.
Zilker Metro Park
2100 Barton Springs Rd.
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 974-6700
https://austinparks.org/zilker-metro-park/
350 acre off-leash area, lots of open space,and the view of the downtown skyline is beautiful. Dogs can cool off at Lady Bird Lake.
Shoal Creek Greenbelt
2600 N. Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 974-6700
https://austinparks.org/shoal-creek-greenbelt/
5.5 m. trail from Lady Bird Lake to 38th St. Leash-freearea for dogs from 24th St. to 29th St., west-side, close to the UT.
Moore Searight Metro Park
907 W. Slaughter Ln.
Austin, TX 78748
(512) 974-6700
https://austinparks.org
Off-leash dog area, 6 miles of nature trails, playground, horseback trails, soccer field, basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, disc golf area, picnic area, and restrooms.
Bee Cave Dog Park
13676 Bee Cave Parkway
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 767-6610
https://www.beecavetexas.gov/city-government/departments/parks-477
In south end of Bee Cave Central Park. Lots of space, shaded seating, drinking water. Fenced in areas for large and smalldogs.
Walnut Creek Metro Park & Pool
12138 N. Lamar
Austin, TX 78753
(512) 834-0824
www.austintexas.gov/department/walnut-creek-pool
293 acre park in North Austin Off-leash dog area, hiking/cycling trails, playground, Swimming pool, and recreational/sports facilities.
AUSTIN RESTAURANTS WITH PET-FRIENDLY PATIOS
Rainey Street District
www.raineystreetbars.com
Check website for all of the information. Every restaurantallows dogs on their patios, and most bars allow them inside and outside.
Scholz Garten
1607 San Jacinto Blvd.
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-1958
https://www.scholzgarten.com
The big shaded outdoor beer garden area is dog-friendly. German-style:wurst, sausage, sides, etc. Massive draft-beer menu, cocktails, and wine.
Culinary Dropout
11721 Rock Rose Ste. #100
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 777-3394
https://www.culinarydropout.com
Located in the heart of the Domain Northside.Classic meals, ice-cold craft beers, great cocktails, live music, & dog-friendly patio areas.
Thunderbird Coffee
2200 Manor Rd.
Austin, TX 78722
(512) 472-9900
https://www.thunderbirdcoffee.com
Pet-friendly covered patio, great hi-grade coffee. Sandwiches and snacks, craft beers on tap, and free Wi-Fi.
Sour Duck Market
1814 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 394-5776
https://www.sourduckmarket.com
Restaurant, bakery, cafe, and bar. Handcrafted baked-goods, sandwiches, and the beer garden is a huge outdoor dog area.
Bangers Sausage House and Beer Garden
79 Rainey St.
Austin, TX 78701
https://www.bangersaustin.com
(512) 386-1656
20+ homemade sausages 200+ beers ontap, an off-leash dog park, and a live music stage. Located downtown.
Austin Terrier
3435 Greystone Dr.
Austin, TX 78731
(512) 369-3751
https://www.austinterrier.com
American bistro with dog-friendly patio. Specialtypizzas, burgers, salads, soups, sandwiches, craft beers, wines, and cocktails.
Central Market Cafe
4001 N. Lamar
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 206-1000
https://centralmarket.com
Grocery store cafe with a variety of dishes, beer, and wine. Dogs allowed onthe uncovered portion of the large deck area. Music and children’s playground.
Green Mesquite
1400 Barton Springs
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 479-0485
https://www.greenmesquitebbq.com
BBQ plates, sandwiches, burgers, & jambalaya. Dogs welcome atthe outdoor area that has 18 picnic tables.
The Jackalope
404 E. 6th St.
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 472-3663
https://www.jackalopebar.com
Austin’s favorite dive bar and kitchen with dog patio. Grilled burgers, pizza, pulled pork sandwiches, buffalo wings, waffle fries, and more.
The Jackalope – South Shore
1523 Tinnin Ford Rd.
Austin, TX 78741
Neighborhood bar, shares the downtown menu, phone #, website. Has a large patio for dogs.
AN ASSORTMENT OF ALL THINGS PET-FRIENDLY
Walk! ATX Pet Care
7710 Cloudberry Cir.
Austin, TX 78745
(512) 655-9557
https://www.walkatxpets.com
Homegrown co. of quality pet care professionals. Full-service pet care that includes walking, bathing, house sitting, boarding, training, pet taxi, day camp (you don’t drop offthey pick up your pet), and consultations,
24/7 client support, and emergency response (first aid/CPR certified house calls). More than a dog carecompany, services for all sorts of animals: chickens, exotic pets, small animals, and reptiles.
Austin Pets Alive!
1156 W. Cesar Chavez
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 961-6519
https://www.austinpetsalive.org
In Lady Bird Lake-Lamar Beach Metro Park. Above average animal shelter that creates vital lifesaving programs to save animals from euthanasia. A few examples:
Barn Cat Adoption Program finds cats safe outdoor homes with shelter and a caregiver. Dog Behavior Program provides dog training to prepare them for adoption.
Neonatal Kitten Nursery saves especially fragile, homeless, unweaned, kittens.
| Tarrytown Dog Adoption Center 3118 Windsor Rd. | 78703 | (512) 961-6519 |
| Tarrytown Cattery Adoption Center 3106 Windsor Rd. | 78703 | (512) 961-6519 |
Just Four Paws Kennel
3818 Ranch Rd. 620 S
Austin, TX 78726
(512) 402-0515
https://just4pawsinc.com
Professional staff 20+ years experience in pet services. Caring and reliableboarding, grooming, day care, and in-home services.
Four Paws At Four Points
8610 Ranch Rd. 620 N
Austin, TX 78726
(512) 258-7447
https://4pawsat4points.com
Austin owned and operated Emergency Pet Hospital. Boarding kennel,wellness screening tests, advanced diagnostic tools, on site Laboratory, Oral examinations and cleanings,spacious boarding areas, and add-ons (grooming).
Barkin’ Springs
2101 Barton Springs Rd.
Austin, TX 78704
In Zilker Park Located on thedownstream side of Barton Springs Pool, no charge. Dogs can cool off in the chilly spring water. A diverse crowd of “Keep Austin Weird” dog owners hang out here.
The Domain
11410 Century Oaks Terrace
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 795-4230
https://www.simon.com/mall/the-domain
Shopping center, most stores and restaurants allow dogs. Verypet-friendly, one of Austin’s friendliest dog places.
Tomlinson’s Feed (pet store) Central Location
916 W. 12th B
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 514-1881
https://www.tomlinsons.com
Well-known and trusted pet supplies for cats and dogs. Open since 1946,Tomlinson’s has excellent customer service.
Urban Outfitters
2406 Guadalupe St.
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 472-1621
https://www.urbanoutfitters.com
Next to UT Dog-friendly clothing store for men and women that also sells home décor, audio-equipment, record players, vinyl, compact discs, cassettes, books, games, pet products, desk supplies, electronics, gift products, and beauty products.
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Rd.
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 477-8672
https://zilkergarden.org
31 acre garden with trails, ponds, streams and waterfalls. Take your leashed dogon a journey exploring the pathways through lush multiple themed gardens.
The Japanese garden and the koi ponds are two of the many attractions.
Southpark Meadows
9500 IH-35
Austin, TX 78748
(512) 593-4475
https://www.shopsouthparkmeadows.com
One-stop shopping center with over 100 retailstores and more than 30 eateries. Restaurants with outdoor seating and most of the retail stores are pet- friendly. Shop,dine, and bring your dog.
