Dog Friendly St. Louis: Things to do in St. Louis with a Dog

Is your pup your ultimate adventurer? If so, then St. Louis is barking your name with an abundance of dog friendly places in St. Louis for you to try.

Check out this dog friendly guide to St. Louis and be ready to explore St. Louis as well as receive some guidance on house sitting opportunities in St. Louis or finding a St. Louis pet sitter.

Best dog parks in St. Louis

Hunting for the top dog friendly things to do in St. Louis where your furry accomplice can run wild? These paw-some parks will have your canine friend begging for return visits:

Laumeier Sculpture Park

Art critic meets dog heaven! Laumeier Sculpture Park dishes up 105 acres where your leashed buddy can judge 60+ massive sculptures while you both get your steps in. It's the cultural outing your sophisticated pooch has been howling for.

Location: 12580 Rott Rd, St. Louis, MO 63127

Tower Grove Park

This 289-acre National Historic Landmark is a doggie wonderland with Instagram-worthy pavilions and endless pathways guaranteed to wear out even the most energetic furball. While they'll need to stay leashed, the expansive green spaces provide plenty of room to stretch those paws.

Location: 4257 Northeast Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110

Bar K St. Louis

The ultimate "yappy hour" destination! Bar K St. Louis lets your dog party off-leash while you kick back with drinks. With separate zones for social butterflies of all sizes, obstacle courses, and attentive staff, it's like Disneyland for dogs. Your four-legged friend will collapse into a satisfied snooze after making a whole pack of new buddies.

Location: 4565 McRee Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States

Dog-friendly restaurants in St. Louis

Craving delicious food without leaving your furry friend behind? These top dog friendly restaurants St. Louis will satisfy both your appetite and your canine companion’s needs:

The Boathouse at Forest Park

This waterfront venue located in Forest Park is the perfect post-walk reward. Their spacious outdoor patio welcomes your furry friend with open arms, while you feast on American classics overlooking the lake. The friendly staff routinely brings water bowls before you even ask – talk about five-star service for your barking buddy!

Location: 6101 Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States

The Doghaus

This Soulard restaurant bar takes "dog friendly" to a whole new level! The Doghaus doesn’t just tolerate your pooch – they've created an off-leash paradise where your dog can make new friends while you kick back with a cold one. It's basically a social club where dogs bring their humans for a night out in dog friendly St. Louis.

Location: 1800 S 10th St, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States

Fun dog-friendly activities in St. Louis

Ready to level-up your adventures beyond basic park visits? These unique dog friendly things to do in St. Louis will keep your furry partner in crime out of mischief!

Purina Farms

Give your St. Louis dog the time of their life at Purina Farms where they can dream of stardom watching agility pros in action! This playground features live demonstrations, hands-on exhibits, and acres to explore. Cool water stations and shady retreats mean comfort for even the most demanding fur bosses.

Cost: Free admission
Date and time: Seasonal hours—check website for details
Location: 500 William Danforth Way, Gray Summit, MO 63039, United States

St. Charles Paw Parade

Dress your diva to impress at the St. Charles Paw Parade! This costume spectacular lets your glamour hound strut through the historic Frenchtown in their finest attire. One of the most Instagram-worthy dog friendly activities St. Louis hosts all year. After the spotlight fades, hunt for treasures at the pet vendor fair.

Cost: Registration fees apply
Date and time: Spring event—check official page for dates
Location: Historic Frenchtown, St. Charles, MO

Best dog-friendly walking trails in St. Louis

Ready to explore the outdoors with your adventurous sidekick? These dog friendly trails in St. Louis will satisfy your pup's need to investigate every fascinating scent!

Grant's Trail

This smooth, paved pathway is perfect for dogs who prefer the easy life. Stretching a comfortable 15.7 km through diverse scenery, Grant's Trail offers plenty of rest spots for water breaks and wildlife watching. The flat terrain makes this one of the most accessible dog friendly hikes St. Louis provides, ideal for senior pups or those who prefer a leisurely pace.

Location: Grant's Trail, St. Louis, MO
Length: 15.7 km

River des Peres Greenway

City dogs will howl with approval! This 24 km paved route blends urban vibes with natural beauty as it meanders alongside the river. With multiple entry points and convenient water stations, River des Peres Greenway lets you customize your journey based on your dog's energy tank.

Location: River des Peres Greenway, St. Louis, MO
Length: 24 km

The best dog-friendly cafes in St. Louis

Need a caffeine fix but don't want to leave your barking bestie at home? These welcoming cafes combine great drinks with pet-friendly policies that'll make your dog feel like the VIP they are!

Zoomies Pet Cafe

Coffee heaven meets doggy paradise! Located in the Macklind Business District, Zoomies breaks the mold as St. Louis City's first cafe to invite pups inside. Sip quality coffee and munch on breakfast while your furry critic socializes in The Studio, the patio, or the off-leash Barkyard. Browse their boutique featuring pet-inspired art and merch from local artists – perfect for the pup who wants everything!

Location: 5838 Macklind Ave, St. Louis, MO 63109, United States

Protagonist Cafe

Bookworms and brew lovers rejoice! This literary-themed cafe welcomes your dog both inside and on their outdoor patio. Indulge in specialty lattes, teas, and cold brews alongside tempting baked goods while your pooch soaks up the attention from fellow customers. The cozy atmosphere makes it ideal for those lazy afternoons when neither of you wants to head home after walkies.

Location: 1700 S 9th St, St. Louis, MO 63104

Annual dog events in St. Louis

St. Louis offers lots of dog-friendly activities throughout the year. Here are some annual events that you and your dog won't want to miss:

Purina Pet Parade

As part of the city's Mardi Gras celebrations, the Purina Pet Parade is renowned as the world's largest costumed pet parade. Pet owners and their dressed-up companions march through the streets of Soulard, showcasing creative costumes and festive flair.

Cost: $10 donation for participants; free for spectators

Date and time: Sunday, February 23, 2025; Registration at 10:00 AM, Parade at 1:00 PM

Location: Begins at 12th and Allen, St. Louis, MO

Canine Carnival

Hosted by the APA Adoption Center, the Canine Carnival is a family-friendly event featuring games, contests, and activities tailored for dogs and their owners. It's an excellent opportunity to support local pet adoption efforts while enjoying a fun-filled day.

Cost: Varies; check the official website for details

Date and time: Usually held during September. Check their website for the updated date and time.

Location: Francis Park, St. Louis, MO

The best dog-friendly bars in St. Louis

Looking to enjoy happy hour with your barking buddy in tow? These dog-friendly bars in St. Louis welcome canine patrons alongside their humans!

Civil Life Brewing Company

Beer aficionados, take note! Tucked in Tower Grove South, Civil Life Brewing Company offers a spacious patio where your dog can relax while you sample their outstanding craft selection. The easygoing vibe creates the perfect atmosphere for both you and your loyal companion to decompress without feeling rushed.

Location: 3714 Holt Ave, St. Louis, MO 63116

Hammerstone's

Music and mutts make a perfect mix at this Soulard favorite! Hammerstone's inviting patio welcomes dogs with enthusiastic staff who often appear with water bowls and treats unprompted. Your pup can enjoy the energy and attention while you take in live music at this neighborhood institution.

Location: 2028 S 9th St, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States

Dog-friendly wineries in St. Louis

Looking for a place to sip wine while your dog lounges by your side? While traditional wineries are located outside the city, these dog-friendly wine bars in St. Louis offer a relaxed setting where both you and your dog are welcome.

The Cellar House

With a warm, inviting atmosphere and an impressive wine selection, The Cellar House in Oakville is a go-to spot for wine lovers who don’t want to leave their dog at home. Their dog-friendly outdoor seating provides a chilled setting, perfect for enjoying a glass of wine and locally sourced dishes. The friendly staff might even have a treat or water bowl ready for your pup.

Location: 5634 Telegraph Rd, St. Louis, MO 63129, United States

33 Wine Shop & Bar

Nestled in Lafayette Square, 33 Wine Shop & Bar offers an intimate and laid-back setting with a thoughtfully curated selection of wines. Their dog-friendly patio makes it easy to sip, snack, and unwind with your dog by your side. It’s a great place to discover new wines while your dog enjoys the fresh air and a few head scratches from fellow guests.

Location: 1913 Park Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104

Tips for pet parents in St. Louis

Owning a dog in St. Louis comes with plenty of perks – tons of dog-friendly parks, patios, and walking trails make it a great place for pet lovers. Here are some of our top tips for pet parents in St. Louis.

Check out dog-friendly businesses

Support the local dog community and meet some new pals (both two-legged and four-legged). Many local cafés (such as Zoomies Pet Cafe), breweries, and even some shops in St. Louis love to welcome well-behaved dogs.

Be prepared for seasonal allergies

Pollen levels can be high in spring and fall in St. Louis, so watch for signs of pup snuffles, itching, or sneezing. A great tip is to wipe your dog’s paws after walks to keep those sneezes at bay.

Find some dog-friendly accommodation in St. Louis

If you’re visiting St. Louis from afar or have friends with dogs visiting the city, don’t worry! There are numerous options for dog-friendly accommodation, from pet-friendly hotels to vacation villas pet companions will love.

But what happens when you need to travel without your furry friend? Pets are happiest in their own home, and vets agree – so why not find an in-home pet sitter to keep your pets and home safe while you're away? Learn more below.

Finding a pet sitter

How it works

Tips for pet sitters

Thinking of visiting St. Louis? As a pet sitter, you can explore the city while living like a local – and have a four-legged friend to keep you company. Here’s how to make the most of your pet-sitting experience in St. Louis.

Have a call with the pet parent before your stay

Every dog is different – some love long walks through Forest Park, while others prefer quick potty breaks and lots of couch time. Before you arrive, ask the pet parent about their pooch’s routine and favorite spots so you can plan accordingly.

Explore dog-friendly parks and trails

St. Louis has lovely green spaces (like Tower Grove Park), perfect for you and your new tail-wagging bestie to get some fresh air, exercise, and soak up some sun on a warm day. Make sure to check which areas are dog-friendly and if they allow off-leash fun.

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 St. Louis.

Finding a house sit