Dog-Friendly Guide to Aberdeen: Things to do in Aberdeen with a Dog

Historical landmarks and gorgeous beaches don’t just surround Aberdeen; it’s also home to plenty of dog-friendly places for you and your pup to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for dog-friendly cafés, sandy beaches, or lively pubs, we’ve got the inside scoop. This dog-friendly guide to Aberdeen highlights the best pet-friendly places in the Granite City.

Plus, if you're looking for house sitting opportunities in Aberdeen or need a reliable Aberdeen pet sitter, read on to find out more!

Best dog parks in Aberdeen

We’ll start showcasing how dog-friendly Aberdeen is with a list of dog parks where your pooches can burn off energy and sniff to their hearts’ content.

Balmedie Country Park

Balmedie Country Park is a vast, open space perfect for off-leash zoomies. With rolling dunes and sandy paths, it’s ideal for adventurous pups and their humans.

Location: Balmedie, Aberdeen AB23 8XG

Duthie Park

This spacious, dog-friendly park is Scotland's third most visited garden. Loved by locals and visitors, it features an expansive lawn area, playgrounds for kids, and both indoor and outdoor gardens.

Location: Polmuir Road, Aberdeen AB11 7TH

Hazlehead Park

Located in the West End, Hazlehead Park is one of Aberdeen's oldest historic properties. It features woodland trails, open fields, and even dog-friendly cafes nearby.

Location: Hazlehead Ave, Aberdeen AB15 8BE

Dog-friendly restaurants in Aberdeen

Dining out with your dogs? These dog-friendly restaurants in Aberdeen warmly welcome four-legged diners:

Fourmile House

A charming pub-restaurant in Kingswells with a dedicated area for dogs, offering hearty meals and a relaxed atmosphere.

Location: Old Skene Rd, Kingswells, Aberdeen AB15 8QA

The Boat Inn

A delightful, first-class inn in Aboyne that serves great locally sourced food and features a public bar with live entertainment. This inn provides a gorgeous riverside view, a beer garden, and delicious pub grub. It’s famous for its slogan “Dogs, Kids, and Muddy Boots Welcome!”

Location: Charlestown Rd, Aboyne AB34 5EL

Amuse by Kevin Dalgleish

Kevin Dalgleish is considered one of Scotland's most prominent chefs, and his restaurant provides a fine dining experience, top-tier cuisine, and a warm welcome for furry guests.

Location: 1 Queen's Terrace, Aberdeen AB10 1XL

Fun dog-friendly activities in Aberdeen

Aberdeen is packed with fun activities for you and your dogs. Here are some of the best dog-friendly activities in Aberdeen to do together:

Historical sightseeing at Delgatie Castle

Explore the staggering castle grounds with your pooch in tow. Built around 1030, Delgatie Castle is an evocative old tower and castle in a pleasant rural area. It’s a beautiful 4-star attraction with an award-winning tearoom and self-catering accommodation.

Cost: Free

Date and time: Open year-round (10AM - 4PM)

Location: Delgaty, Turriff AB53 5TD

Strolling around Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate

Another must-visit historical site in Aberdeen is Crathes Castle. Arguably one of the finest castles in Scotland, it has a maze of turrets, towers, oak panels, fabulous painted ceilings, and glorious gardens.

Cost: Adult £16.00, family £36.50, one adult family £31.50, concession £12.50, kid £1.00

Date and time: Sunday to Thursday (10AM - 4PM)

Location: Crathes, Banchory AB31 5QJ

Visiting Stonehaven Harbour

A charming harbor, Stonehaven is a pretty town just south of Aberdeen. It’s the largest recreational harbor famous for its Hogmanay fireballs ceremony every New Year’s Eve. Canines are welcome in many venues in Stonehaven.

Cost: Free

Date and time: Open 24/7

Location: Old Pier, Stonehaven AB39 2JU

Best dog-friendly walking trails in Aberdeen

For those who love calming, dog-friendly walks in Aberdeen, these trails offer breathtaking views and fresh air:

Kincorth Hill

A top choice among locals for birdwatching, nature watching, and dog walking, this peaceful nature reserve contains extensive areas of gorse scrub, heathland, and a mix of young coniferous and broadleaved woodland.

Location: Aberdeen AB12 5ET

Length: 3.5 km

Donmouth Local Nature Reserve

Designated as a local nature reserve in the early 1990s, this beach site is located in historic Old Aberdeen. It offers excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting while strolling with your leashed doggos along the riverside.

Location: Aberdeen AB24 1XP

Length: 6 km

Crynoch Burn Walk

This dog-friendly hike in Aberdeen is a popular choice for morning jogging, birdwatching, and mountain biking. It’s a gentle family-friendly walk along a calm stream.

Location: Aberdeen

Length: 4.2 km loop

The best dog-friendly cafes in Aberdeen

Coffee + dogs = the perfect combo. Be sure to visit these dog-friendly cafes in Aberdeen for a refreshing cup of coffee:

The Long Dog Café

Located in the West End, this dog-friendly coffee shop in Aberdeen is an absolute must-visit. This quirky café serves a variety of tasty beverages and pastries, and it is known for giving special treats to pups.

Location: 66 Claremont St, Aberdeen AB10 6QY

Foodstory

An artsy café with bare walls and chunky wooden furniture, this intimate venue offers live music for entertainment and great vegan options.

Location: 11-15 Thistle St, Aberdeen AB10 1XZ

Cafe52

A rustic café on Belmont Street with outdoor tables and a selection of tasty bites. It’s a firm favorite among local foodies for tapas and light bites.

Location: 52 The Grn, Aberdeen AB11 6PE

Annual dog events in Aberdeen

Mark your calendars if you’re looking for social gatherings with other dog owners! These dog-friendly events in Aberdeen should be on your list of things to do in the city:

Pet Fun Fair Aberdeen

A dog-friendly festival with over 30 vendors selling everything you need for your pets, including organic food, toys, treats, collars, and more.

Cost: £3 per person

Date and time: Annually in October

Location: Norwood Hall Hotel

Easter Egg Trails

A fun-filled Easter event where you and your pup can follow the trail, gather clues, and solve fun puzzles together!

Cost: £4 per person

Date and time: Annually in April (Easter)

Location: 30+ places across Aberdeenshire

Party Like A Dachshund

Claimed to be the best dog party in the UK, Party Like a Dachshund is an adorable event where sausage dogs come together for games and fun. The event features unlimited dog treats, photo props, and a best-dressed competition.

Cost: £12 per dog

Date and time: Annually in March

Location: Hogholm Farm Stables

The best dog-friendly pubs in Aberdeen

After a long day of adventuring, why not unwind at one of these dog-friendly pubs in Aberdeen?

BrewDog

It wouldn’t be a complete dog-friendly guide to Aberdeen without mentioning BrewDog! With multiple branches throughout the city, this dog-friendly bar in Aberdeen sells craft beer from across the globe, along with fantastic cocktails, wines, and spirits.

Location: 5-9 Union St, Aberdeen AB11 5BU; 17 Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1EB, etc.

Slains

A gothic-style bar with a relaxed vibe and plenty of room for well-behaved four-legged companions. What’s great is this bar has top student deals, affordable drink packages, and live sports shown on HD screens.

Location: 14-18 Belmont St, Aberdeen AB10 1JH

Six Degrees North

An artisanal bar specializing in Belgian and craft beer from around the world. Your pooch can chill by your side while you sample their exceptional brews.

Location: 6 Littlejohn St, Aberdeen AB10 1FF

Dog-friendly wineries in Aberdeen

Who says wine tasting is just for humans? These dog-friendly wineries in Aberdeen serve up great flavors in a welcoming atmosphere.

SugarBird Wines in the Gardens

Located in the beautiful Burns Pavilion, this famous local wine retailer and dog-friendly bar in Aberdeen serves fine wine in a relaxed garden setting where pups can roam free.

Location: Burns Pavilion, Union Terrace, Aberdeen AB10

Faffless

A relaxed wine and cocktail bar in the heart of the Granite City, this venue offers a vibrant mix of art, fine wine, a welcoming atmosphere, and exceptional cuisine within a historic townhouse.

Location: 8 Golden Square, Aberdeen AB10 1RB

Dog-friendly beaches in Aberdeen

Sand, sea, and wagging tails! Here are the top Aberdeen dog-friendly beaches, ideal for a splash-and-dash.

Aberdeen Beach

Famous for its golden sand near the city center, this beach offers a great place for a walk, with clear paths for both pedestrians and cyclists. For furry companions, Aberdeen Beach provides a long, sandy stretch ideal for a game of fetch or a seaside jog.

Location: Esplanade, Aberdeen AB24 5QA

Fraserburgh Beach

A stunning beach, Fraserburgh is known for its golden sands and its year-round dog-friendly policies. It has also received a Green Coast Award and a Marine Conservation Society Recommendation.

Location: S Harbour Rd, Fraserburgh AB43 9TB

Newburgh Seal Beach

A 20-minute drive north of Aberdeen, Newburgh Beach is one of the best places in the United Kingdom to see a seal colony. This beautiful, dog-friendly beach in Aberdeen is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and their canines who appreciate a peaceful walk along the shore.

Location: AB41 6BY

Tips for pet parents in Aberdeen

Hiring a sitter is a great way to ensure your pets are well cared for while you’re away, but a little preparation can go a long way in making the experience stress-free for you, the sitter, and, most importantly, your pets. Here are some key tips to help your dog feel comfortable while you're away:

Tip 1. Arrange a meet-and-greet before you leave

If possible, introduce your pet to the sitter ahead of time. Whether it’s a short walk around the neighborhood or a relaxed visit at home, this familiarisation helps ease any initial anxiety and allows the sitter to understand your pet’s behavior and quirks.

Tip 2. Share their favorite Aberdeen spots

Every dog has a preferred route or favorite hangout—whether it’s a scenic stroll along Aberdeen Beach, a peaceful sniff around Seaton Park, or a quick visit to a dog-friendly café in the city. Let your sitter know these key locations so your pup can enjoy their usual routine even while you’re away.

Tip 3. Keep your neighbors in the loop

If your sitter will be staying in your home, let your neighbors know in advance. This ensures there are no surprises, adds an extra layer of security, and means they can offer help if needed.

Finding the right care for your dog while you travel

There is plenty of dog-friendly accommodation in Aberdeen, from cozy B&Bs to beachside apartments that you and your four-legged buddy will love.

But what about when the time comes for you to go on vacation without your furry friend? Pets are happiest at home, and vets agree - so why not consider welcoming an in-home pet sitter to keep your home and pets safe while you're away? To find out more, click below:

Finding a pet sitter

How it works

Tips for pet sitters in Aberdeen

Caring for pets in Aberdeen means more than just walks along the beach or through historic Old Town; it’s about making them feel at home while their owners are away. Whether you’re staying in a beautiful granite home or a countryside retreat, here are some key tips to ensure a smooth pet-sitting experience in the Granite City:

Tip 1. Get to know their favorite walking spots

Aberdeen is packed with scenic dog-walking routes, from Seaton Park to Balmedie Beach. Check with the pet owner about their dog’s usual walking spots—some pups love sandy paws at the beach, while others prefer a quiet stroll through Duthie Park’s Winter Gardens.

Tip 2. Understand local pet rules

Aberdeen has plenty of dog-friendly spaces, but it’s important to follow local regulations. Keep dogs on a lead where required, always clean up after them, and double-check which areas allow off-lead exercise. The last thing you want is to take a pup somewhere they aren’t allowed!Tip 3. Stick to their daily routine

Whether it’s a morning run along the Esplanade or a stop at their favorite dog-friendly café, keeping to their usual schedule helps pets feel more at ease while their owners are away. If the pet has specific mealtimes or play routines, following them closely will make the transition hassle-free.

Experience Aberdeen through house sitting

Want to explore Aberdeen like a local while caring for a furry friend? House sitting is the perfect way to enjoy the city’s charm without the cost of accommodation. With TrustedHousesitters, you can stay in welcoming homes while looking after pets, giving you a unique and immersive way to experience everything Aberdeen has to offer—from coastal walks to cool cafés.

Finding a house sit