Dog-Friendly DC

It’s no secret that DC is a dog-friendly city. From Capitol Riverfront to Shirlington, there’s no shortage of love for pups in neighborhoods in and around the DMV. As summer approaches, opportunities to hang with your pooch outside of the house or your local park grow tenfold – doggie happy hours, canine-themed festivities and outdoor venues abound. On Tap caught up with some of our favorite pup-focused businesses to get their insight into the best dog-friendly events and locales in and around the city.

Favorite Dog-Friendly Summer Events

Sarah H.B. Cook, Special Events Manager at the Washington Humane Society: The Bark Ball (on Saturday, June 11) benefiting the Washington Humane Society/Washington Animal Rescue League because it’s the only black-tie event where DC’s movers and shakers can bring their four-legged friends as their guests.

Toni Woods, CEO of Anytime K9, LLC (dog-walking, pet-sitting and training services): I love [On Tap’s] Running of the Chihuahuas as it is the cutest event of the year. Day of the Dog (on Saturday, May 7) is great because it is held in the fenced-in historical Congressional Cemetery and has food trucks provided by yours truly, Anytime K9.

Terry McLaurin, Social Media & Marketing Director at Wagtime (pet spa and boutique): Our top three dog-friendly events would be the [Day of the Dog], [On Tap’s] Running of the Chihuahuas and Pups in the Park (runs April through October). We look forward to being a part of these events. They’re always a fun time for everyone!

Best Doggie Happy Hours

Kelly Kundrat, Outreach and Communications Manager at Metro Mutts DC (pet supplies and services): There are so many to choose from! There are quite a few pet-friendly restaurants near us on H Street. We love happy hours at Driftwood Kitchen [and] TD Burger.

Kristina Robertson, President of Barkley Square Pets (pet-sitting and dog-walking service): Yappy Hour at Mad Fox in Falls Church, Va., hosted by yours truly.

Anytime K9’s Toni Woods: We throw a yappie hour monthly at various apartment buildings around the city. We provide beverages as treats for the dogs while giving them information about our services.

Washington Humane’s Sarah Cook: Cantina Marina’s yappy hour by Nationals Park. These yappy hours run from May 16 to September 19 on every third Monday each month. [They’re] the perfect way to enjoy the weather by the water with your pup!

Top Outdoor Hangouts

Metro Mutts’ Kelly Kundrat: I love Lincoln Park! It is located in the heart of Capitol Hill, and has a great walking trail around its perimeter and throughout.

Barkley Square’s Kristina Robertson: Shirlington Dog Park.

Wagtime’s Terry McLaurin: We always take our dogs to Rock Creek Park. There are so many different trails – it’s an adventure for you and your pups. Not to mention some of the local dog parks in Shaw!

Anytime K9’s Toni Woods: A great unofficial dog park in DC is Lincoln Park in Capitol Hill. It’s a daily meeting place for dogs to get to know each other and share treats, toys and games of fetch.

Washington Humane’s Sarah Cook: I love spending time on the Mall with my pup! There’s always other wiggly tails to meet and greet while you’re out there.

Perks of Being a Dog in the DMV

Washington Humane’s Sarah Cook: With so many outdoor parks including the Mall, Rock Creek Park, the Arboretum and many dog parks throughout the city, it’s obvious that DC is a dog-friendly town! Whether they’re chasing Frisbees in the dog park, or licking ice cream by the Capitol building – it’s obvious that DC loves DC animals!

Anytime K9’s Toni Woods: DC is a great city for dogs because of all of the green space! Unlike in many large cities, parks are everywhere and it’s not hard to find a nice spot to hang out or take care of business.

Metro Mutts’ Kelly Kundrat: We love seeing the unique ways large pet-friendly residential buildings incorporate dog-friendly spaces into their designs. We’re seeing more and more rooftop or courtyard dog parks, as well as pet spas.

Check out information below on each of these dog-friendly businesses.  

Anytime K9, LLC: 1232 9th St. NW, DC and 900 M St. SE, DC; www.anytimecanine.com
Barkley Square Pets: 211 N. Union St. Ste. 100, Alexandria, VA and 105 N. Virginia Ave. Ste. 101, Falls Church, VA; www.barkleysquare.com
Metro Mutts DC: 508 H St. NE, DC and 407 8th St. SE, DC; www.metromuttsdc.com
Wagtime: 1232 9th St. NW, DC and 900 M St. SE, DC; www.wagtimedc.com
Washington Humane Society: Various locations around DC; www.washhumane.org

All photos courtesy of featured businesses