Madison is full of lakeside strolls, dog-loving locals, and great outdoor spaces for all types of pups. Whether you’re looking for a unique adventure, there are plenty of opportunities for dog sitting in Madison, or a visiting pet parent seeking a local Madison pet sitter while you explore, there is something for everyone in dog-friendly Madison.
Trending posts
Purr-use some of the top blogs our members have been loving this month- Top male dog names for your new furry friendGot a new furry family member in your pack? Check…
- Top female dog names for your new fluffy palWelcoming a new pooch into your family? Explore…
- 250+ gray cat names your silver feline will loveRecently welcomed a fluffy gray bundle of joy into…
- What are normal pet sitting rates?Discover the average pet sitting rates for animals…
- Unique dog names to stand out from the packDare to be different with our list of the best…
Dog parks in Madison
Capital Springs Dog Exercise Area
And lovely off-leash area with woods, open fields, and water access for doggos to run around and frolock.
Location: Madison, WI 53711, United States
Warner Park Dog Park
A designated fenced-in area where pups can run free with lots of space to play. It’s also near to Lake Mendota for scenic post-play walks before nap time.
Location: 2301 Sheridan Dr, Madison, WI 53704, United States
Dog-friendly restaurants in Madison
Monty’s Blue Plate Diner
This retro-style diner on the East Side features a dog-friendly outdoor patio and a fun, welcoming vibe. Known for its vegetarian and comfort food options, Monty’s is a favorite for brunch with your best furry friend.
Location: 2089 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704, United States
Salvatore’s Tomato Pies
Serving up creative, scratch-made pizzas with local ingredients, Salvatore’s has locations with dog-friendly outdoor seating. It's a laid-back, flavorful stop where your dog can enjoy the patio life while you dig into some seriously good pie.
Location: 10 N Livingston St, Madison, WI 53703, United States
Lazy Oaf Lounge
A cozy neighborhood bar and grill with a spacious patio that's perfect for dogs. The menu includes comfort food classics, and the atmosphere is ultra relaxed. Great for low-key evenings with your pup at your side.
Location: 1617 N Stoughton Rd, Madison, WI 53704, United States
Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace
A funky East Side taco joint with a colorful outdoor patio that’s perfect for pups. The menu is full of creative tacos, margaritas, and plenty of vegetarian options. Dogs are treated like family here!
Location: 2009 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704, United States
Alchemy Café
Alchemy offers a homey East Side vibe with fresh, locally sourced food, vegetarian options, and a dog-friendly outdoor patio. It’s ideal for grabbing brunch or a casual dinner with your canine companion.
Fun dog-friendly activities in Madison
Brittingham Boats
Rent a kayak or paddleboard for the day with a dog friend - yes, they allow dogs on the water with you! It’s a fun, refreshing way to spend a summer afternoon.
Cost: Around $16 an hour, less for half or full day rentals
Date and time: Every day, 8:30 am - 8:00 pm
Location: 701 W Brittingham Pl, Madison, WI 53715, United States
MadCat Pet Supplies
Stop into MadCat, a locally-owned pet store that loves visitors with wagging tails. Stock up on healthy treats, fun toys, and maybe even get a few free samples.
Cost: Free entry
Date and time: Every day, 10 am - 6 pm
Dog-friendly walking trails in Madison
UW Arboretum Trails
This beautiful woodland trail allows leashed dogs on select trails. A peaceful nature walk with rich biodiversity for bird watchers, don’t forget to bring poop bags to keep the scenary unspoilt.
Location: Madison, WI 53711, United States
Length: 17 miles (27km)
Lakeshore Path
This is the scenic trail along impressive Lake Mendota. Locals recommend taking this trail around either sunrise or sunset walks. Because of the abundance of nature (including squirrels), doggos need to be kept on leash.
Location: Madison, WI, USA
Length: 4.5 miles (7km)
Dog-friendly cafes in Madison
Barriques
This local coffee and wine shop chain features several locations around Madison, all with dog-friendly patios. Whether you’re grabbing a latte, sipping wine, or snacking on a pastry, it’s a peaceful place to hang out with your pup.
Location: 127 W Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53702, United States
Crescendo Espresso Bar
Located on Monroe Street, this cozy café has outdoor seating where dogs are allowed. Known for its small-batch coffee, live music, and artsy vibes, it’s a great place to chill with your pup and enjoy a sunny morning or laid-back afternoon.
Location: 719 Hilldale Wy, Madison, WI 53705, United States
Michelangelo’s Coffee House
Just off State Street, this eclectic café has a few outdoor tables that welcome dogs. With strong coffee, comfy vibes, and people-watching galore, it's a great downtown pit stop with your pup.
Location: 114 State St, Madison, WI 53703, United States
MOKA
This regional coffee chain offers delicious espresso drinks and seasonal specialties. Several MOKA locations in Madison have dog-friendly outdoor seating, and some baristas keep treats at the ready for your four-legged friend.
Location: 711 State St Suite 100, Madison, WI 53703, United States
Ancora Café + Bakery
Ancora’s locally roasted coffee and scratch-made pastries are a win, and their outdoor seating areas are dog-friendly. The King Street location especially has a great view of the Capitol—perfect for a leashed coffee date with your pup.
Location: 107 King St, Madison, WI 53703, United States
Colectivo Coffee Monroe Street
A Milwaukee-based coffee chain with a strong Madison presence. The Monroe Street location has a large dog-friendly patio, water bowls available, and a relaxed, artsy atmosphere that draws both coffee lovers and dog people alike.
Location: 2530 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711, United States
Johnson Public House
A hip, local café on East Johnson Street with a cozy patio for dog-friendly hangs. Known for high-quality pour-overs, espresso, and occasional food pop-ups. It's an ideal place to caffeinate and chill with your dog in tow.
Location: 908 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53703, United States
Lakeside Street Coffee House
Located near Lake Monona, this charming café has a big, shaded patio where dogs are welcome. Great selection of coffee, tea, and light bites with a super friendly neighborhood vibe. A hidden gem for peaceful moments with your pup.
Location: 402 W Lakeside St, Madison, WI 53715, United States
Annual dog events in Madison
Earth Day @ The Boneyard
A fun celebration of Earth with a day of food, fun, beer, dogs, raffles, vendors, music and more, all with fellow pup parents and doggos.
Cost: TBC
Date and time: April 19th, 2 pm - 6 pm
The best dog-friendly bars in Madison
The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co.
A Madison staple with multiple locations, The Great Dane offers spacious patios where dogs are welcome. Enjoy house-brewed beers and hearty pub food while your pup lounges beside you. Staff are dog-friendly and may offer water bowls on request.
Location: 123 E Doty St, Madison, WI 53703, United States
Café Hollander
Located near Lake Monona, this Belgian-inspired café has a generous patio area that welcomes dogs. Grab a coffee, brunch, or a beer while soaking up the lake breeze. Water bowls and dog attention come standard.
Dog-friendly wineries near Madison
Drumlin Ridge Winery
A gorgeous, family-owned winery set in the rolling hills of Waunakee. Dogs are welcome on the spacious outdoor patio, where you can enjoy wine flights, cheese boards, and beautiful views. Staff are super friendly toward pups and may even offer water bowls.
Location: 6000 River Rd, Waunakee, WI 53597, United States
Cambridge Winery
This beautiful winery has a lovely outdoor seating area where well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Their patio is peaceful and perfect for a sunny afternoon of sipping wine and relaxing.
Location: 600 Kenseth Way, Cambridge, WI 53523, United States
Tips on dog-friendly things to do in Madison from dog owners and pet sitters
Tips for pet parents
Dog licenses
Local Madison law requires residents to have a license for dog parks. Luckily, visitors can get a daily pass from any tourist information spots.
Check leash laws
Wisconsin law states dogs must always remain on leash unless sign posted in designated dog parks and areas.
Clean-up
Always bring bags—Madison is proud of its green spaces!
Plan ahead for your vacation
So you’re all set for a dog-friendly day out in the city, but what about when the time comes for your vacation? Well as vets agree pets are happiest at home - surrounded by all their familiar comforts - so, why not welcome a local in-home Madison pet sitter? Click below to find out how it works.
Connect with pet sitters in Madison
Tips for pet sitters
Keep you pup hydrated
While winters can be very cold and dry, so too can the summer days be very hot and humid, so always take water with you for your pup pal.
Stick to the dog’s comfort zone
We all love an adventure, however, while some pups will follow you to the moon and back, others prefer quiet routines. Chat to the pet parent before you arrive to get to know the dog’s personality, and pay attention to the pooch’s body language during your sit when exploring new areas in Madison.
Stay in touch with pet parents
Communication is key! Check in with pet parents regularly, providing updates on their dog’s well-being, eating habits, and activities. Sending photos or videos can also reassure owners that their beloved companion is in good hands.
Experience Madison through house sitting
So, want to get to know Madison with a furry tour guide by your side? Naturally - so why not exchange in-home pet care for a place to stay by house sitting in Madison? Click below to find out how it works.
How to find house sits in Madison
