Every pet has its day.
Whether you're aware of it or not, we live in one of the most dog-obsessed cities around. We love our furry amigos, which means that there are a whole lot of places that allow them to come hang out. On this page, you’ll find a comprehensive list of parks, nature trails, and shops that are gloriously dog-friendly. Let your pooch know how much you appreciate them by taking them on a tour of these dog-friendly places in Austin.
This guide is possible thanks to Austin Subaru and their work with Austin Pets Alive! Austin Subaru helps fund community programs like Austin Pets Alive! through their work with the Continental Automotive Group. From the people and pets of Austin, to the outdoor landscapes that we all enjoy, CAG is committed to positively impacting our local communities.
If you're looking to foster or adopt an animal in the Austin area, check out our guide here.
DOG-FRIENDLY PARKS & TRAILS
2600 N Lamar Blvd
Featuring an attractive alternative to those looking for somewhere a bit less crowded but in the same urban setting, Shoal Creek Park features everything you need. Off-leash sections are available with the same awe-inspiring looks you have come to love from Austin!
3401 Redbud Trail
This hidden island gem is among Austin’s favorites for dog owners due to its off-leash friendly setting. Relax and enjoy the time while your pooch swims in the lake, barks squirrels up trees, and relaxes from the restraint of their leash. Some minor parking waits are expected, but it's truly a paradise on earth for dogs!
7001 Onion Creek Drive
For those a bit more south and seeking something on the wild side, there is nothing better than Onion Creek. With a large amount of space for your pooch to roam free and off leash (and even a stream for them to run through), it's a welcome breath of fresh air. The trails are a bit underkept in some areas, and trails aren't marked clearly, but as long as you keep your bearings, it's a notable place for dog lovers.
2207 Lou Neff Rd.
Though it isn't fenced, this dog paradise features an abundant area for your pupper to enjoy. Teeming with grass to roll in and always full of other dog butts to sniff, this area will have your pet's tail wagging with joy.
900 W Riverside Dr
Off-leash and feeling good! Your furry friend will be overjoyed at the many amenities here, including the water for them to take a dive in or the fields for them to roam. Some areas have been assigned on-leash only as per city council, but there is still fun to be had at this Austin gem.
______________________________________
______________________________________
EVEN MORE DOG-FRIENDLY PARKS:
5609 S Congress Ave #220
This one's for pet owners in need of a pick-me-up. Neighbors Dog Park & Café, situated on South Congress, offers a welcoming environment where dogs can play off-leash while their owners enjoy some much-needed coffee. The park is designed with dogs in mind, providing a safe space for them to socialize. To ensure the well-being of all canine visitors, Neighbors requires that dogs be spayed or neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations. Access options include a $15 day pass, as well as monthly memberships at $50 for a single dog and $75 for two dogs from the same owner. The venue also hosts community events, so keep up to date on their Instagram and let your pooch know about it!
Check out our guide to even more Dog Parks With Bars!
______________________________________
DOG-FRIENDLY RETAIL
2438 W. Anderson Ln. Ste. B-1
Dragon's Lair is not just a comic book store - you can also meet with friends and play one of the games from their shelves (or bring your own). This shop hosts regular book signings and celebrity meetings, and there’s always something going on. While they are dog-friendly, it is important to note that they do have in-store cats that roam around. If your furry friend is not so friendly with cats, then it might be better to keep them at home.
Various Locations
Half Price Books is a treasure trove of new and exciting adventure stories waiting to be read. While you are hunting around the store to find your next great undertaking, your dog can accompany you. Some locations will even give your sidekick a dog treat.
4103 N IH-35
Nature's Treasures is a large retail store where you can find all sorts of crystals, gemstones, fossils, and unique minerals. Collectors and gift-givers can browse the selection alongside their canine pals, as the store is very friendly to all on-leash dogs (provided that they're potty trained!).
215 Lavaca St
At the Love, Tito's downtown store, you can browse custom items like unique Tito’s wearables with a splash of style, golf gear for a Tito’s tee time, copper-plated barware to add some flair to your home bar, or so many things for your doggy. When you make a purchase at the Tito’s shop, all net proceeds go to one of the nonprofits they've teamed up with. No matter what cause you’re passionate about – helping animals or the environment or so much more – you can make a difference by simply choosing and checking out.
RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS / BOARDING OPTIONS
2005 Southern Oaks Dr
Our office pup Chester calls this spot his second home, so we had to give it a shout out! At The Bone Inn, they're more than just a dog-boarding and daycare facility. It's also a passion project made with a lot of love, and it shows. They offer dog boarding with 24/7 monitoring, doggy day care services with a stimulating environment for your pooch, and more.
124 W Anderson Ln
The Austin Humane Society is the longest-standing non-profit pet and adoption center in Austin. They serve the Austin community by providing life-saving programs for animals, educational events for people of all ages, and aiding in emergency response. Meet your match by browsing for your new forever friend online or a their Anderson Lane location.
Various Locations
Austin Pets Alive! is more than just an animal shelter. They've created life-saving programs that have helped save over 120,000 lives, as well as contribute to maintaining Austin's status as the largest No Kill city in the US. With APA you can adopt, foster, volunteer, and donate, allowing you truly make a difference in these pups lives!
589 Cool Water Dr, Bastrop, TX
Save An Angel is a non-profit animal welfare organization on a mission to end pet overpopulation by providing lifesaving care to homeless and at-risk animals. They are equally committed to proactively improving the quality of life for pets and increasing pet retention by empowering our community with the education and resources needed to care and provide for their companions. Browse through their adoptable pets online.
4601 Honeycomb Dr
Safe in Austin provides a loving home to animals who suffer from abuse or neglect because animals deserve to experience unconditional love. They rehabilitate and rehome the ones that are able and offer a forever home to those who have suffered enough already. Once their new rescues are healthy and trusting enough, they’ll be introduced to new forever homes to provide healing and hope.
Happy Hearts Dog Rescue is a non-profit, volunteer based dog rescue in the Austin, TX area. They rely on volunteer foster homes to save dogs from all across the state of Texas. It is their mission to find loving homes for forgotten dogs in desperate need of a chance to feel safe and loved.
Know of another dog-friendly spot?
