By Mik Hyldebrandt
Atlanta dog residents are having some of the best conditions to enjoy the best summer ever in the city. Some of the best parks, hikes, patios, treats, vets, and grooming lies at the paws of our four-legged friends. Atlanta is not just dog-friendly, but dog-welcoming!
Before You Get a Dog
With all the advantages of getting a pet, there are still a lot of things you need to consider before getting a four-legged friend. So ask yourself:
- Can you afford it? Getting a dog means extra and sometimes unexpected costs.
- Do you have the time? It takes time to train and raise a puppy.
- Can you commit? Your dog needs three walks a day, and meals on a schedule.
- Does your pet fit your lifestyle? You have to match your pets temperament and activity level.
- Is your home pet-friendly? The unlikeliest things can be toxic to dogs or cats.
Rescue a Pet
If you consider getting a pet, consider adopting a rescue. There are many quality organizations in the Atlanta area that specialize in adoption alternatives and, more importantly, they are no-kill shelters.
Fur Kids
The largest no-kill and cage-free shelter for cats and dogs offers adoptable pets to new forever homes. Go to their webpage and get inspired to start a new life with one of their furry friends. furkids.org
Paws Atlanta
All dogs and cats are healthy, spayed/neutered, fully vaccinated and microchipped. The shelter has a no-kill policy which means that they give all of the animals in their care, the time, medical attention, and behavioral training they need.
pawsatlanta.org
Best Friends
Best Friends Animal Society works on a national level to end killing in America’s shelters. The local chapter, the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center, is a lifesaving hub for animals and a base for local programming to help end the killing of dogs and cats in shelters in the metro-Atlanta area.
bestfriends.org
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Daycares & Boarding
Sometimes the need for daycare or boarding arises even though you’d rather spend as much time as possible with your pet. Luckily, Atlanta offers some great places that will take great care of your four-legged family member.
Doguroo
Doguroo offers daycare and boarding, and you can keep track of everything via the live cam feed. On a practical note, Pet Well veterinary services are just next door, and you can shop food and toys at their convenient pet store.
doguroo.com
Barking Hound Village
At Barking Hound Village they assess age and activity level of your dog, so when you can’t be there, they will be grouped with a compatible bunch of friends for optimal fun. It’s a locally owned daycare and boarding facility that also offers outstanding grooming services
barkinghoundvillage.com
Piedmont Bark
Piedmont Bark is located centrally at Piedmont Park. Spacious indoor and outdoor play areas combined with private eating and sleeping areas makes this facility a favorite for pets and people alike.
piedmontbark.com
Pet Grooming
Keeping your pet fresh and trimmed is part of taking good care of your friend. Atlanta has some great options when it comes to having your pet smelling and looking fresh and clean.
Thepetset.com
With two locations in Atlanta, it is no hassle to drop off your canine or feline and pick it up later all primped and proper. They use only organic and soap-free products that will enhance the coat of any pet.
thepetset.com.
Pups and Tubs
The goal of Pups and Tubs is to give each pet the best possible haircut for the dog, and the best customer service for the owner. The environment is calming and safe if your pet is a little insecure about getting a bath.
raymondgrooms.com
Bark and Board
The facility also offers great boarding, but their grooming services are great too – in fact, they refer to them as ‘beauty treatments’ that span from regular baths to spa treatments. barkandboard.com
Pet Play
Your dog needs recreation too! Fortunately, Atlanta is crawling with spaces and events that will give your companion the time of his/her life!
Splish Splash Doggie Bash
Once a year, after the official pool season is over, the Piedmont Park Pool and Conservatory opens its doors for two days to welcome dogs in the water. If you have a water dog, this is a not-to-miss event!
piedmontpark.org/splish-splash/
Piedmont Park Dog Park
The most central and biggest dog park is located in the heart of Piedmont Park. Two dedicated spaces for larger and smaller dogs makes this a haven for playful dogs and their owners. piedmontpark.org
The Beltline
The Beltline is perfect for a long walk full of experiences with your dog – and there are plenty of pit stops along the way for both two and four-legged friendlies.
beltline.org
Pet Patios
There are plenty of options for you to take your dog out to socialize with friends and enjoy the weather at one of the many dog-friendly patios in the city.
LadyBird
Right off the BeltLine, you will find this dog-friendly pit stop which is also the perfect pause between Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market.
ladybirdatlanta.com
Henry’s
Right in the middle of the ‘gayborhood, you’ll find Henry’s with their big and very dog-friendly patio – in fact; it’s been known that sometimes pooches get the most attention!
henrysatl.com
Dancing Goats Coffee Bar
The Old Fourth Ward location offers a covered and cool patio for a nice coffee break and lounging moment with your pet friend.
batdorfcoffee.com
Pet Treats
Yes, you spoil your pet rotten – and with these options, you can even make that special treat an adventure for the both of you.
Shake Shack
Two words for you: dog menu! Yes, the popular burger restaurant has a dedicated dog menu that includes special treats, peanut butter sauce, and vanilla custard.
shakeshack.com
Paolo’s Gelato Italian & Desserts
Even though the authentic Italian gelateria offers dozens of flavors for humans, it also serves up a dog gelato that has the neighborhood dogs flocking to the treat shop.
paolosgelato.com
Taj Ma-Hound Bakery
Whether you want everyday treats or a special doggie birthday cake, this bakery has got you covered. All ingredients are safe for dogs, but individual dietary requests will, of course, be honored.
tajmahound.com