A guide to dog-friendly Fort Collins, CO

With its welcoming atmosphere and abundance of dog-friendly spots, Fort Collins is sure to provide a memorable experience for both you and your four-legged friend. Whether you’re looking to explore as a pet parent, find a local Fort Collins dog sitter for a human-only adventure, or discover the joys of Fort Collins house sitting, dog-friendly Fort Collins has something for everyone.

Dog parks in Fort Collins

Spring Canyon Dog Park

This expansive park features two large gated areas with amenities like water stations, tunnel obstacles, shared tennis balls, and even a doggy pond for swimming.

Location: 2626 W Horsetooth Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80526, United States

Soft Gold Dog Park

A spacious area with separate sections for large and small dogs, ensuring a safe environment for all breeds.

Location: Soft Gold Park, 520 Hickory St, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

Fossil Creek Dog Park

Fossil Creek offers open fields and shaded areas, perfect for a game of fetch or simply relaxing.

Location: 5883-5901 S Lemay Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80525, United States

Dog-friendly restaurants in Fort Collins

Austin’s American Grill

Located in the heart of downtown, Austin’s offers an extensive menu and a comfortable patio where dogs are welcome. The staff is known for being especially accommodating to four-legged guests.

Location: 100 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

The Colorado Room

This local favorite has a patio that’s perfect for pooches. They serve up tasty sandwiches, sliders, and poutine, and even provide doggie treats for your furry friend.

Location: 642 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm

This farm-to-table restaurant offers a rustic and dog-friendly patio. While you enjoy their locally sourced dishes, your pooch can relax by your side and soak up the sunshine.

Location: 1957 Jessup Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80525, United States

DC Oakes Brewhouse and Eatery

A casual eatery featuring hand-crafted beer and a diverse menu. Their pet-friendly outdoor seating allows you to enjoy dishes like Crispy Brussel Sprouts and the PBJ Burger alongside your leashed dog. ​

Location: 3581 E Harmony Rd #110, Fort Collins, CO 80528, United States

Simmer Fort Collins

Located in the Raintree Village Shopping Center, Simmer boasts a seasonal outdoor patio perfect for lounging with your four-legged friend during lunch or dinner. Fan favorites include the bacon-wrapped dates and caprese pesto sandwich.

Location: 2519 S Shields St #1f, Fort Collins, CO 80526, United States

C.B. & Potts Restaurant & Taproom

Overlooking Collindale Golf Course, this eatery offers classic pub-style fare like burgers and sandwiches. Their outdoor tables are dog-friendly, allowing you to dine with a view alongside your pet.

Location: 1441 E Horsetooth Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80525, United States

Fun dog-friendly activities in Fort Collins

Visit The Dog Pawlour

A combination doggie spa, boutique, and self-wash center. Treat your pup to a bath and a stylish new collar—or just enjoy browsing the shelves together.

Cost: Head to their website for the full price list

Date and time: Mondays to Fridays: 7 am - 6 pm, Saturdays: 9 am - 5 pm

Location: 2005 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80525, United States

Take a paddleboard ride at Horsetooth Reservoir

Dogs are allowed on paddleboards and in many designated swim areas at the reservoir. Bring a doggy life jacket and let them enjoy the water and sunshine! Try Paddle Board @ The Comedy Overlook for dog and human-friendly options.

Cost: TBC

Date and time: TBC

Location: 1020 Santanka Trl POB 171, Bellvue, CO 80512, United States

Dog-friendly walking trails in Fort Collins

Horsetooth Falls and Horsetooth Rock Trail

Located within the 2,711-acre Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, this trail offers scenic views and waterfalls. Dogs must be on a leash at all times.

Location: Colorado 80526, USA

Length: 3.25 miles (5.23 km)

Greyrock Trail

A moderately challenging hike that rewards pups and their parents with panoramic vistas. While this is a dog-friendly trail, doggos must remain leashed during walks here.

Location: Bellvue, CO 80512, United States

Length: 7.58 miles (12.2 km)

Hewlett Gulch Trail

Known for its gentle terrain and creek crossings, this trail is popular among many pup parents and canine carers.

Location: 150 Hewlett Gulch Trail, Bellvue, CO 80512, United States

Length: 8 miles (13 km)

Dog-friendly cafes in Fort Collins

Ginger and Baker

A dog-friendly market and café with a covered patio equipped with fans. Known for biscuits and gravy, caprese avocado toast, smothered fries, and chicken pot pie. They host annual dog-centric events and offer a dog menu.

Location: 359 Linden St, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

Alley Cat Café

A 24/7 coffeehouse serving breakfast fare, sandwiches, and shakes. Dogs are welcome at outdoor tables during the summer months.

Location: 120 1/2 W Laurel St A, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

The Fox Den: No Waste Café & Roastery

This eco-conscious café promotes a no-waste environment and serves freshly roasted coffee, pastries, sandwiches, soups, and salads. Fido can join you in the beautiful courtyard area.

Location: 1680 Laporte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States

Starry Night Espresso Café

A cozy, family-owned coffee shop offering artfully crafted drinks and homemade snacks. Leashed dogs are welcome at the two pet-friendly outdoor tables.

Location: 112 S College Ave #100, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

Cuppy's Coffee

A casual coffee shop and café serving an assortment of coffees, teas, smoothies, pastries, soups, salads, and sandwiches. Fido is welcome at one of their five pet-friendly outdoor tables.

Location: 353 W Drake Rd STE 120, Fort Collins, CO 80526, United States

The Crooked Cup

Offers pet-friendly outdoor seating in downtown Fort Collins. Their menu includes coffee, tea, pastries, waffles, burritos, sandwiches, and more.

Location: 147 W Oak St, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

Little Bird Bake Shop

A pet-friendly café where your leashed furry friend can join you at one of their outdoor tables. The menu features specialty lattes, soups, sandwiches, and more.

Location: 613 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

Fort Collins Coffeehouse

Welcomes leashed pups at outdoor tables. The menu features a selection of coffee and tea drinks, as well as breakfast burritos, omelets, and bagel sandwiches.

Location: 3761 S Mason St, Fort Collins, CO 80525, United States

Annual dog events in Fort Collins

Animal Friends Alliance Gala for Animals: Treats at Tiffany's

An elegant evening featuring dining, live and silent auctions, and appearances by feline and canine friends. Check out the official website for all the details.

Cost: $100 per ticket

Date and time: Saturday, May 3, 2025

Location: Hilton Fort Collins, 425 W Prospect Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80526, United States

Odell Brewing 5K

A fun run that starts and ends at the brewery, welcoming runners and their leashed dogs. All participants are entitled to a free drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) once they’ve completed their 5k! Head to the event website for more info. 

Cost: $42 per runner (free drink included)

Date and time: Saturday, July 12, 2025

Location: Odell Brewing Company, 800 E Lincoln Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

The best dog-friendly bars in Fort Collins

New Belgium Brewing Company

Enjoy a variety of craft beers in their dog-friendly tasting room. Leashed and well-behaved dogs are permitted.

Location: 500 Linden St, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

The Colorado Room

Known for craft beer and gourmet bar bites, their heated, covered porch is perfect for dining with your dog.

Location: 642 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

The Forge Publick House

A cozy pub offering an impressive selection of craft beers. Dogs are welcome on the patio, making it a great spot to unwind with your canine companion.

Location: 255 Old Firehouse Alley, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

Odell Brewing Company

Known for its excellent brews and lively atmosphere, Odell welcomes dogs on their spacious outdoor patio and even provides water bowls for your thirsty pup.

Location: 800 E Lincoln Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

Maxline Brewing

Maxline’s welcoming patio is a fantastic place to enjoy one of their handcrafted beers with your dog by your side. The friendly staff often offers dog treats to their canine visitors.

Location: 2724 McClelland Dr #190, Fort Collins, CO 80525, United States

Obstacle Brewing and Grill

A modern and trendy spot offering hand-crafted beer and wine. Their enclosed outdoor patio is gated, shaded, and heated in the winter months, providing a comfortable space for you and your dog.

Location: 4613 S Mason St Ste D1, Fort Collins, CO 80525, United States

Funkwerks

Specializing in unique beer styles, Funkwerks welcomes leashed dogs both in their taproom and on the patio. They offer a variety of snacks, and you can even bring your own food or have it delivered.

Location: 1900 E Lincoln Ave UNIT B, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

Dog-friendly wineries in Fort Collins

Blendings at The Hillside Vineyard

Blendings Winery invites guests to their cozy tasting room to explore a unique selection of wines, complemented by small-bite charcuterie options. The venue is family- and pet-friendly, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Location: 3924 Bingham Hill Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States

The OBC Wine Project

An urban winery and wine bar in Fort Collins, The OBC Wine Project offers award-winning wines handmade by local artisans. Their modern approach brings a wine country experience to the city.

Location: 824 E Lincoln Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

Ciao Vino Wine Bar

Located in Old Town Fort Collins, Ciao Vino Wine Bar offers a selection of wines paired with Italian specialties, including charcuterie plates, bruschetta, and meatballs.

Location: 218 High St, Hamilton, OH 45011, United States

Tips on dog-friendly things to do in Fort Collins from dog owners and pet sitters

Tips for pet parents

Local leash laws

Fort Collins enforces leash laws in most areas. Always keep your dog on a leash unless in designated off-leash zones.

Be prepared for all weather

Colorado weather can be unpredictable. Carry water for your dog during hikes and be prepared for sudden changes in conditions. In summer, sidewalks get hot, and in winter, ice and road salt can be rough on paws. Booties or paw balm can help keep those toe beans intact!

Not all nature trails are dog-friendly 

While there are loads of amazing hiking spots and parks around Fort Collins, some do have strict leash rules, and others don’t allow dogs at all. Always check before you go!

Get your vacation pet care sorted

To avoid having to take your pup away from their local, dog-friendly haunts, consider keeping them happy at home by connecting with a verified, loving Fort Collins dog sitter. Click below to find out more.

Tips for pet sitters

Be on nature watch

Fort Collins is surrounded by areas full of nature, which means plenty of distractions for pups with strong prey drives. Be extra mindful on hikes or near parks with wildlife.

Ask for pet parent recommendation

Local residents know the area (and their dog) best, so ask pet parents where they usually frequent with their furry friends to get you started.

Enjoy Fort Collins’ charming vibes in Old Town

House sitting means living like a local, so while hiking in Colorado might be on your bucket list, be sure to relax where the locals do to get amongst Fort Collins’ culture.

Experience Fort Collins through house sitting

If dog sitting in Fort Collins sounds up your street, take a look below to find out how it works, and remember to always check in with pet parents first to check out where they’re happy for you to take their furry beloved around the city.

Useful resources

• Pet-friendly Bend, Oregon: Things to do with a dog
• Dog-friendly Colorado Springs: Things to do with a dog in Colorado Springs
• Dog-friendly Denver, CO: Things to do in Denver with a dog