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  9. Dog-friendly guide to Salt Lake City: Things to do in SLC with a dog

Dog-friendly guide to Salt Lake City: Things to do in SLC with a dog

TrustedHousesitters blog Author - Sophie Reeve
Sophie Reeve
11 March 20258 min read

Are you and your furry best friends planning a trip to Salt Lake City, Utah? Perfect! This dog-friendly guide to Salt Lake City will help you find the best dog-friendly places across the town, from parks and hiking trails to restaurants and even wineries. You'll be surprised how dog-friendly Salt Lake City is! Plus, if you're looking for house sitting opportunities in Salt Lake City or need a reliable Salt Lake City pet sitter, read on to find out more!

Best dog parks in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City boasts several great dog parks where your pups can run, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors:

Cottonwood Dog Park

Located in Cottonwood Heights, this spacious off-leash park has shaded areas and water stations. It's a fun place for pups to run free and make new furry friends.

Location: N Redwood Rd & N Star Dr, Salt Lake City, UT

Memory Grove Park

This pet-friendly park features on-leash and off-leash areas, both with scenic views. Its peaceful trails and proximity to the Utah State Capitol make it a local favorite.

Location: 300 N Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT

Rotary Glen Park

A hidden spot just outside of downtown Salt Lake, this park is known for its wide open space. Plus, its location near several trails makes it an excellent spot for adventure-loving dogs.

Location: 2850 Emigration Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT

Dog-friendly restaurants, Salt Lake City

Dining out with your doggos? These dog-friendly restaurants in Salt Lake City are sure to impress:

Cotton Bottom Inn

Famous for its garlic burgers, this eatery is an ideal spot for a laid-back meal with your four-legged companion.

Location: 2820 E 6200 S, Holladay, UT

Tea Zaanti

This popular tea shop has a pet-friendly outdoor patio and offers a variety of delicious teas.

Location: 1944 S 1100 E, Salt Lake City, UT

Log Haven

This beautiful dog-friendly restaurant is nestled in the mountains of Salt Lake City.  It offers high-quality cuisine and peaceful outdoor dining for you and your dogs.

Location: 6451 Mill Creek Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT

Fun dog-friendly activities in Salt Lake City

Looking for some of the dog-friendly activities Salt Lake City has to offer? Check these out:

Take pictures at the Capitol

The Utah State Capitol has stunning architecture and well-manicured grounds, making it an insta-worthy photo spot for you and your pups.

Cost: Free

Date and time: Open year round (7AM to 8PM - weekday; 7AM to 6PM - weekend)

Location: 350 State St, Salt Lake City, UT

Stroll around City Creek

City Creek is a small but historic mountain stream in Utah. You can explore open-air shopping areas, where leashed pets are welcome in designated areas and stores.

Cost: Free parking for the first 2 hours, $3.00 for each additional hour.

Date and time: Open year round (10AM to 8PM - weekday; 10AM to 9PM - Fri to Sat)

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Visit the Temple Square

Claimed as the most visited attraction in Utah, Temple Square allows you to take a scenic stroll around the historic grounds and see the stunning church architecture with leashed dogs.

Cost: Free

Date and time: Open daily, 10AM - 8PM

Location: 50 North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT

Dog-friendly hikes, Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is home to some of the best dog-friendly trails, here are some of our faves:

Tanner Park

This popular dog-friendly trail offers scenic views and off-leash areas. It’s a wonderful mix of open fields and shady paths.

Location: 2660 Heritage Way, Salt Lake City, UT

Length: 2.5 km

Neff’s Canyon

A moderate trail perfect for adventurous dogs with breathtaking mountain views. It’s conveniently close to the city, yet far enough to feel like a peaceful escape.

Location: 4326 White Way, Salt Lake City, UT

Length: 5 km

Mount Olympus

A challenging yet rewarding trail that offers panoramic city views at the summit. This dog-friendly hike is ideal for seasoned hikers and energetic dogs.

Location: Utah

Length: 11 km

The best dog-friendly cafes in Salt Lake City

Need a dose of caffeine? Check out the dog-friendly places Salt Lake City coffee-lovers adore:

Root’d Cafe

A charming cafe with a dog-friendly patio serving up delicious breakfast and lunch options.

Location: 2577 Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT

The Park Café

A beloved breakfast joint with nice outdoor seating for pooches. Their generous portions and friendly service make it a go-to spot.

Location: 604 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT

Millcreek Cafe & Eggworks

A local favorite offering classic comfort food and a dog-friendly area. It’s a great place to start your morning with your pups.

Location: 3084 E 3300 S, Salt Lake City, UT

Annual dog events in Salt Lake City

Celebrate your doggos with these exciting events:

Bark at the Moon

A lively festival featuring vendors, music, and fun activities for dogs and their parents. It’s a must-attend event for local Salt Lake City dog lovers.

Cost: $20 per person

Date and time: Annually in May

Location: The Gateway

Strut Your Mutt

A fundraising walk supporting local animal rescues and shelters where you can meet fellow dog lovers and contribute to the local community.

Cost: Free

Date and time: Annually in October

Location: Liberty Park

Yappy Hour

A social event where pups and pet parents can mingle while enjoying drinks and treats.

Cost: Free

Date and time: Various dates in summer

Location: Fairmont Park, Pioneer Park, or Jordan Park

The best dog-friendly bars, Salt Lake City

Enjoy a drink with your four-legged best friends at these dog-friendly bars in Salt Lake City:

The Green Pig Pub

A lively sports bar with a dog-friendly rooftop area. It’s a great place to relax with a drink while your dogs enjoy the fresh air.

Location: 31 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT

Handle Bar

A casual spot with bike and dog-friendly vibes, offering a splendid selection of drinks.

Location: 751 N 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT

Brickyard Bar

A fun, casual, dog-friendly bar with spacious outdoor seating that’s only a few minutes from the center of Salt Lake City.

Location: 3000 S Highland Dr, Millcreek, UT

Grid City Beer Works

This brewery welcomes dogs on its spacious patio and serves excellent craft beer. It’s a friendly spot with a relaxed vibe.

Location: 333 W 2100 S Expy, Salt Lake City, UT

Fisher Brewing Co.

A local favorite with a pet-friendly atmosphere and a variety of unique brews. Location: 320 W 800 S, Salt Lake City, UT

Uinta Brewing Co.

Uinta Brewing serves flavorful beers and has a welcoming space outside for pooches.

Location: 1722 South, 1722 Fremont Dr #2, Salt Lake City, UT

Dog-friendly beaches in Salt Lake City

Because of its geographical location, Salt Lake City doesn’t have any traditional “beaches”, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find places to play in the water with your pups:

Causey Reservoir

This reservoir doubles as a magnificent dog-friendly lake. Its calm, clean waters make it perfect for kayaking and swimming. 

Location: Utah 84317, USA

Pineview Reservoir

A stunning place for picnics, paddleboarding, and dog-friendly fun. The surrounding mountain views add to the beauty.

Location: Utah, USA

Windsurfer Beach

Located near the Great Salt Lake, this beach (or swimming lake, to be precise) is a wonderful spot for every water-loving dog.

Location: #1, Eden, UT 84310, United States

Dog-friendly accommodation in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City always welcomes four-legged friends. So, if you’re planning a trip to this gorgeous city, you can relax knowing it’s packed with plenty of dog-friendly accommodations, from stylish hotels to cozy B&Bs.

For a truly unique experience, why not consider TrustedHousesitters? This platform connects travelers with pet parents looking for reliable sitters, meaning pet parents can enjoy peace of mind on trips away, and travelers can stay in a real home while caring for a furry companion. 

Tips on dog-friendly things to do in Salt Lake City from dog owners and pet sitters

A local guide is always the best source of info, so we gathered a couple of quotes from our Community Forum members – local pet parents and sitters – who know the area best.

“Salt Lake City has an endless supply of local culture, bustling downtown attractions, nature reserves and breathtaking hiking trails. Half an hour drive away lies ski resorts and mountainside towns.” – @Nagy26

“The Salt Lake City area (and Utah in general) has lots of beautiful outdoor areas for rafting, kayaking, and running. Northern Utah - Antelope Island, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Park City, or if you detour to Southern Utah - there’s Zion & Bryce National Park (the Narrows are our favorite!).” – @Mal

Tips for pet parents

You can imagine how wonderful taking a tour of Salt Lake City with your doggos is, right? It’s basically a once-in-a-lifetime experience! But to keep things trouble-free, we want to remind you of a few things:

Tip 1. Know the local leash laws

Salt Lake City has specific leash laws, but there are several designated off-leash parks and dog-friendly trails that you can visit. Always check local regulations and odd/even day leash rules as well.

Tip 2. Prepare for weather changes

Whether you’re winter hiking near Salt Lake or dealing with the summer heat, don’t forget to pack accordingly. Bring dog booties for snow and ice, and hydrate and seek out shade in hot months.

Tip 3. Locate emergency vet services

Whether exploring dog-friendly places in Salt Lake City or just walking through the downtown of Salt Lake City, ensure you’ve got a nearby pet hospital or emergency vet on speed dial in case of sudden illness or injury. 

Tip 4. Plan ahead for vacations

Traveling without your pet? Leaving them at home with a trusted sitter is the best way to keep them comfortable while you’re away. Many vets recommend this stress-free pet care option.

TrustedHousesitters helps connect pet parents with experienced sitters who provide excellent care. So if you want to have your pets stay in a familiar place but still get fed and cared for, TrustedHousesitters is your answer.

Tips for pet sitters

With dozens of designated areas for fun dog-friendly hikes and activities, pet sitting in Salt Lake City is far from boring. However, a great sitter does more than just provide company. Here are some useful tips to ensure you give your pup the best experience: 

Tip 1. Engage in fun activities

Keep furry friends entertained by visiting dog-friendly places in Salt Lake City. Interactive play and mental stimulation help keep them happy and well-behaved.

Tip 2. Follow the dog’s routine

Stick to the pup’s feeding, walking, and play schedule to reduce anxiety while their pet parents are away.

Tip 3. Carry the essentials

Always carry waste bags, water, and a leash when out and about, and have the emergency contact info for the pet parents, too.

Tip 4. House sit in Salt Lake City

Want to experience Salt Lake City like a local while enjoying the company of a furry friend? House sitting in Salt Lake City is the perfect way to explore the city while caring for pets in a cozy home. 

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