Renowned for its dog-friendly atmosphere and dog-friendly restaurants, Austin (Texas) has numerous activities and venues where you and your canine companion can enjoy Texas’ fourth-largest city together. Here are the best tips on dog-friendly places in Austin…
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Best dog parks in Austin
Zilker Park
Spanning 350 acres, Zilker Park is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The expansive "Great Lawn" is perfect for off-leash play, picnics, and enjoying the outdoors.
Location: Austin, TX 78746, United States
Auditorium Shores Dog Park
Located along Lady Bird Lake, this urban park has an off-leash dog area by the water, allowing dogs to play freely and practice their doggy paddle.
Location: Austin, TX 78704, United States
Norwood Estate Dog Park
A fully dog-dedicated park with provided fenced areas for large and small dogs, as well as off-leash roaming throughout.
Location: 1018 1/2 Edgecliff Terrace, Austin, TX 78741, United States
Dog-friendly restaurants, in Austin
Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden
Located on Rainey Street, this spot offers a dog-friendly patio and a wide selection of sausages and beers.
Location: 79 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Terry Black's BBQ
Famous BBQ spot (cuz, when in Texas, right!) with a lovely, spacious outdoor patio designed with pups in mind.
Location: 1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Fun dog-friendly activities in Austin
Red Bud Isle
Surrounded by water on three sides, this peninsula provides 13 acres of land for you and your pup to road. It’s a great place for pooches to socialize, swim, frolic, and play off-leash.
Cost: Free entry
Date and time: 7 am-10 pm every day
Location: 3401 Redbud Trail, Austin, TX 78746, United States
Texas Farmers Market at Mueller
Held every Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM, this market is pet-friendly and features local vendors, including dog treat stalls. It's a great place to shop for fresh produce while your dog enjoys the lively atmosphere.
Cost: Free entry
Date and time: 10 am-2 pm every Sunday
Best dog-friendly walking trails in Austin
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
Encircling Lady Bird Lake, this 10-mile trail offers scenic views of downtown Austin and is ideal for leashed walks or jogs with your dog.
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Length: 15.9 km/ 9.9 miles
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
A large park with off-leash trails, shaded areas, and hiking paths.
Location: 12138 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753, United States
Length: 24 km/ 15 miles
The best dog-friendly cafes in Austin
Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden
With a spacious outdoor area, this venue welcomes dogs and offers coffee, beer, and food trucks.
Location: 121 Pickle Rd, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Kerbey Lane Café - Central
This is one of Austin’s most popular cafés, probably because of its pet-friendly patio seating! It also might be because of their delicious home cooking and excellent coffee, too.
Location: 3704 Kerbey Ln, Austin, TX 78731, United States
Ski Shores Waterfront Café
As a lakefront eatery, this place just has natural relaxed vibes along with a beautiful view. Oh, and don’t forget the pet-friendly atmosphere!
Annual dog events in Austin
Pet-A-Palooza
A festival celebrating pets with vendors, demonstrations, and activities for dogs and their owners. Check out the latest updates on the festival here.
Cost: Free entry
Date and time: Mid-May annually
Location: 3421 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78722, United States
The best dog-friendly bars in Austin
Yard Bar
It’s a unique venue combining a bar and an off-leash dog park, allowing you to enjoy a drink while your dog socializes.
Location: 6700 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757, United States
Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. (ABGB)
Award-winning brewery with live music and dog-friendly seating.
Location: 1305 W Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Dog-friendly wineries in Austin
The Austin Winery
An urban winery that welcomes dogs in the tasting room.
Location: 440 E Saint Elmo Rd Ste A-1, Austin, TX 78745
Austin Custom Winery
A pet-friendly winery with a cozy atmosphere.
Tips on dog-friendly things to do in Austin from dog owners and pet sitters
Austin is packed with pet-friendly parks, trails, and cafes, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. The vibrant, dog-loving community also offers plenty of events and meetups, making it simple to socialize your dog and connect with fellow dog owners.
Tips for pet parents
Tip 1. Prepare your pup for the heat
As you can imagine, Austin can get hot. Very hot! So making sure your pup stays safe and hydrated is super important. Carry a water bottle and a collapsible bowl for your dog during outings. In the summer, schedule walks in the early morning or evening to avoid the heat, and remember to use pet-safe sunscreen for dogs with light-colored fur or exposed skin.
Tip 2. Familiarize yourself with the local leash laws
Be aware of leash laws and local dog park rules in Austin, even if they are called a dog park. For accurate, up-to-date information, consult local council websites on dog off-leash parks and regulations.
Tip 3. Plan ahead for your vacation
If you're planning to travel, leaving your pet at home with a trusted sitter is often the most stress-free option. Staying in familiar surroundings can help your pup feel secure. Services like TrustedHousesitters connect pet parents with reliable sitters who’ll treat your pet like their own. This approach - which is approved by vets - helps pets stay comfortable and stress-free while you’re away.
How to connect with pet sitters in Austin
Tips for pet sitters
Tip 1. Pack for hot weather
As mentioned, things can get hot in Austin, Texas, particularly during the Spring and Summer months. Always check ahead on what the temperature will be if you’re planning a pup outing, whether it’s safe for them to be outside, and prep a bag beforehand with plenty of water and protective gear.
Tip 2. Plan ahead for a day out
It’s always best to be over-prepared, particularly when dog sitting. Be sure to familiarize yourself with walking routes and days out, with marked places to stop in the shade or to take a break. Pack plenty of supplies, including a first aid kit, and have a Plan B in your pocket in case your pup pal becomes tired or wants to go home.
Tip 3. Experience Austin through house sitting
There’s nothing quite like experiencing a place as a house sitter. There are often plenty of options for pet sitting in Austin, particularly over holiday periods. Go on, have a look, and find your Austin pet sitting adventure today!
How to find house sits in Austin
