Live with a furry friend in Virginia’s capital, or house sitting in the city? Stay right where you are! Here find the ultimate guide to dog-friendly Richmond - perfect for dog owners or Richmond pet sitters wanting to get to know the city and its surrounding areas better.
So for a guide to the dog-friendly restaurants Richmond VA has to offer along with dog parks, breweries, cafes, walks and pubs, take a look below.
Dog-friendly restaurants in Richmond, VA
Fancy dining out with your furry pal? Find a list of pet-friendly restaurants in Richmond, VA below. Before turning up, remember to book in advance to check they’re still dog-friendly.
Southern Railway Taphouse
One of the best ways to experience pet-friendly Richmond is to check out a taphouse! The city is known for its craft beer scene, so head along to Southern Railway Taphouse for an impressive beer selection and irresistible burgers.
Location: 100 S 14th St, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
Casa Del Barco
In the mood for Mexican? Try out Casa Del Barco for queso, fajitas, enchiladas and more - a well-loved local spot.
Location: 320 S 12th St, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
Sheppard Street Tavern
Always wanted to try Cajun-influenced cuisine? Check out Sheppard Street Tavern for all the classics you’ve been dreaming of - shrimp and grits, biscuits and gravy - you name it.
Location: 2922 Park Ave, Richmond, VA 23221, United States
Lunch. Supper!
There’s something to please everyone at this restaurant - whether you’re here in the middle of the day or at the end. Choose from hearty classics like meatloaf, smoked roast beef and loaded pancakes.
Location: 3023 W Marshall St, Richmond, VA 23230, United States
Poe’s Pub
As you might have noticed that the lines are often blurred when it comes to dog-friendly pubs in Richmond, and restaurants. This eatery-come pub is complete with a welcoming dog-friendly patio where you can choose from homey classics, like fried oysters, burgers and salads.
Location: 2706 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23223, United States
Union Market
Want to check out the pet-friendly restaurants in Richmond VA with a bit of a twist? Well Union Market is one for the foodies: a food market-come-restaurant in one - it’s a lovely spot if you’d like to grab breakfast or lunch with your furry friends.
Location: 2306 Jefferson Ave, Richmond, VA 23223, United States
Key considerations for dining out with your dog in Richmond, VA:
- Find out if there is a dog-friendly patio - this can make eating with your furry friends fuss-free and helps to remain considerate of other diners.
- Always bring a leash - if you find a dog-friendly Richmond restaurant that takes your fancy, keep your dog on a leash - it’s probably a rule anyway!
- Ask for a dog bowl - most pet-friendly restaurants will be happy to provide you with a water bowl for your dog (and may even have a few dog treats behind the bar).
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Dog parks in Richmond, VA
One of the best ways to experience pet-friendly Richmond is to head to a local dog park. Packed with like-minded dog owners and often a fenced area for dogs to run-free, it’s no wonder they’re a staple of any dog-loving city.
Barker Field
Got a particularly small or large dog and want somewhere safe for them to run free? Head to Barker Field - a dog park that’s fenced off for small dogs and larger pups so that everyone can run safely.
Location: 1300 Blanton Ave, Richmond, VA 23221, United States
Church Hill Dog Park
Pop down for a game of fetch and let your pooch cool down in Church Hill Dog Park’s paddling pool (always check with pet parents beforehand if you’re house sitting in Richmond).
Location: 3600 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23223, United States
Ruff Canine Club
Got an energy-filled pooch who loves to socialize with other dogs? Check out Ruff Canine Club - a dog-centric member’s bar in Scott’s Addition.
Location: 1924 Ellen Rd, Richmond, VA 23230, United States
Northside Dog Park
Live in the northern part of the city and need somewhere to let your dog run free? Head to Northside Dog Park for an off-leash runaround.
Location: 500 Forest Lawn Rd, Richmond, VA 23227, United States
Key considerations for visiting a dog park in Richmond, VA
- If you’re house sitting in Richmond, check with pet parents before heading to a dog park - their pooch may love being surrounded by unfamiliar dogs, but they might feel safer on a leashed walk in an area they’re used to.
- Socialize your dog - dog parks are a great way to get your pup used to the company of other canines - so get your recall training in check and keep an eye on your dog as they run off-leash.
- Consider timing - being around other dogs can be seriously stimulating for your pooch, so monitor your dog and leave or take a break when the time is right.
Dog-friendly activities in Richmond, VA
Aside from experiencing the city’s iconic craft beer scene, having a bite to eat and heading to a dog park, what about a few pooch-approved activities around the city? Follow our guide to pet-friendly Richmond activities below for dog-friendly parks, popular walking trails and places to take your pup.
Visit James River Park - The Wetlands
Get out of the city’s hustle and bustle and into nature at James River Park Wetlands. Keep your dog on a leash and walk next to the river where your furry friend will be inundated with spots to sniff and sights to soak up.
If you’d like to explore more of James River Park, there are lots of popular walking trails, like the Buttermilk Trail and the North Bank Trail. Just be sure to check the signage before your hike to make sure dogs are allowed.
Location: 3395 Landria Dr, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Explore Virginia Capital Trail
Popular with dog walkers, hikers and bikers, it’s safe to say that the Virginia Capital Trail will leave you lost for choice when it comes to incredible views. It’s a 51.7 mile trail and 1.3 miles of it runs through Richmond.
Location: Virginia Capital Trail, Virginia, USA
Riverfront Canal Walk
Keep your pooch on a leash and explore the historic Kanawha Canal - a popular, easy walk for views of downtown Richmond.
Location: Tuckahoe, VA 23226, USA
Head to a dog-friendly market
Want to taste the local produce of Richmond or see what nearby crafters are selling? Head to a dog-friendly market and explore with your furry friend - we’ll list a few locations below to make planning your day out simpler.
Locations:
Check out the dog-friendly parks in Richmond, VA
Some of the most dog-friendly places Richmond has to offer are its parks! Whether it’s the historic Forest Hill Park or the popular green space of Rockwood Park, there are plenty of popular places to get into nature with your dog in Richmond. Below we’ll list a few of the city’s dog-friendly parks and gardens - just be sure to check the signage before entering with your pooch.
Locations:
- Forest Hill Park. 4021 Forest Hill Ave, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
- Rockwood Park. 3401 Courthouse Rd, Richmond, VA 23236, United States
- Bryan Park. 4308 Hermitage Rd, Richmond, VA 23227, United States
- Chimborazo Park. 3215 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23223, United States
James' River, Richmond
Dog-friendly breweries in Richmond, VA
Want to get clued-up on the pubs that allow the pets of Richmond VA into their digs? Find a list of the dog-friendly bars Richmond has to offer, as well as its breweries and taprooms.
Stone Brewing Taproom
Find a beer that takes your fancy in this city taproom, whether you like it malty, crisp, sour or hoppy.
Location: 4300 Williamsburg Ave, Richmond, VA 23231, United States
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
For top-notch craft beers served in a warehouse and sweeping outdoor area, head to this spot and keep an eye out for the food trucks that sometimes pop up.
Location: 2410 Ownby Ln, Richmond, VA 23220, United States
Legend Brewing Co.
More of a microbrewery type of beer drinker? Head to Legend Brewing Co. for cozy vibes and welcoming staff.
Location: 321 W 7th St, Richmond, VA 23224, United States
Strangeways Brewing
Find outdoor seating, locals that love dogs and brewery tours at this popular brewhouse in the city.
Location: 2277A Dabney Rd, Richmond, VA 23230, United States
Ardent Craft Ales
We weren’t messing around when we said that Richmond, VA is a city known for its craft beer and brewery scene! Check out Ardent Craft Ales to find a brew that tickles your tastebuds, and enjoy it in the sun with your furry pal.
Location: 3200 W Leigh St, Richmond, VA 23230, United States
Key considerations for Richmond’s dog-friendly breweries
As you might have noticed, many of Richmond’s breweries and taprooms are dog-friendly - just be sure to check before turning up with your pooch, and ask staff where your dog is safe to sit before finding a table.
Dog-friendly cafes in Richmond, VA
Fancy catching up with your best canine friend over a cup of coffee, rather than a craft beer? Find a few of Richmond’s dog-friendly coffee shops below.
- The Smoky Mug. 15 E Brookland Park Blvd, Richmond, VA 23222, United States
- The urban Farmhouse market & café. 1217 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
- Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream. 3600 Forest Hill Ave, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
- Lamplighter Coffee Roasters. 116 S Addison St, Richmond, VA 23220, United States
- Roastology. 3015 W Clay St, Richmond, VA 23230, United States
Tips for pet parents
Now that you’re armed with a selection of restaurants, cafes, parks and breweries to explore in pet-friendly Richmond, follow our tips below for keeping your pooch content and calm while you’re at home or on a trip.
- Check local rules. Some places will permit dogs if they’re on a leash, so double check the rules before rocking up with Fido.
- Book ahead. If you’d like to dine with your furry friend, it’s worth booking ahead and checking if the spot is still dog-friendly.
- 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 - why not welcome an in-home pet sitter? Click below to find out how it works.
How to connect with pet sitters in Richmond
Tips for pet sitters
So, all set to explore pet-friendly Richmond with a furry companion by your side? Follow our tips below to have the best time in the city with a new canine pal.
- Explore outdoor markets. While house sitting in Richmond, sample local delights at a nearby farmers market where dogs are allowed to roam on a leash.
- Find a nearby dog park. It’s not a pet-friendly day out without a game of fetch at a local dog park! Get acquainted with local dog owners in a place your pooch pal can run free.
- Explore Richmond, VA through house sitting. So, want to get to know Richmond with a furry tour guide by your side? Naturally - so why not exchange in-home pet care for a place to stay in the city? Click below to find out how it works.
How to find house sits in Richmond
