Dog-friendly Washington DC: Great Pet-friendly Things to Do at the Capitol
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links and is a member of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, meaning when you make a purchase, I earn a small commission. Affiliate links cost you nothing to use, and help keep my content free. It’s a win-win for us both! For more info, see the Privacy Policy
The Washington DC region ranks as one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US. If you are visiting, it is a fantastic place for both you and your dog. I am always looking for places where my terriers Sam and Denver can be part of the journey. The Capitol and the greater Washington DC area have a lot for both of us. While we might not be able to go to the museums together there is a whole world of other activities to explore.
In the various online communities that I surveyed, Washington DC was frequently recommended. It is also high on my list of places I enjoyed visiting in the United States. So whether you’re traveling with your furry friend or looking for new places to explore in your own backyard this will be a great place to start planning your next adventure.
What other 13 places made the list of the most dog-friendly cities in the United States? Check back as more city guides are added.
Speaking of adventures, it is because of people sharing their stories and opinions that we are able to make this guide. If you have traveled with your dog in the United States or other countries, share your experience!
Destination Guide for Dog-friendly Washington DC, Arlington, and Alexandria, Virginia
Getting around the DMV with your dog (DC, Maryland, Virginia area)
Since the United States is not generally known for its amazing public transportation system, it will probably be easiest to travel in your own car with your dogs.
Small dogs in carriers are allowed on public transportation, so that’s great if you have a yorkie or a pug. For those of you with labs, you are going to need your own transportation to get around.
If you don’t have your own car, you can rent one from Discover Cars.
Why Washington DC is a dog-friendly city
“It’s a lot of fun to be a dog owner in DC“. The whole DC area is dog friendly. Dogs are allowed in most stores, on most patios, and even inside some restaurants.
There are tons of places for pups and pawrents, like bars with dog parks, wineries, breweries, and even lots of joint fitness opportunities too.
The city is extremely walkable, and it has a high amount of green space and parks. There also are a lot of dog owners, so that just means lots of dogs around.
One local enjoys all the great hiking and natural resources around that are great to go enjoy with dogs. There are also many dog parks, green spaces, and even agility places you can bring your dog.
By the Numbers: Why the Greater Washington DC Area is rated one of the most dog-friendly cities
This area gets an overall A-A+ grade for being incredibly dog-friendly. It scores an A with a large number of dog parks (eighth-highest number of dog parks per capita).
One resident explained there are 4 dog parks within a 15-minute walk from their house.
They also receive an A for a high number of dog-friendly restaurants, so you’ll never run out of places to take your furry friend.
Alexandria, in particular, deserves a special mention for its many dog-friendly hotel options. making it a great place for traveling with a dog.
The best time to visit the Washington DC area with your Dog
The best season to visit Washington DC with your dog in terms of weather and beauty is certainly spring. The temperatures are still moderate enough that both the humans and the dogs are comfortable. The pavements won’t be too hot for your pup’s paws. The weather is nice enough to enjoy outdoor dining. Also, it’s the time when the whole city is in bloom with the highlight being the stunning cherry blossoms.
The fall is another good time of year for visiting with your dog for similar reasons. One advantage of this season is you won’t have to share all the historical sites with 8th and 11th graders visiting on school field trips like they do every March-May.
I visited in the summer. We had a great time, but it was definitely muggy and we had to plan around the heat of the day.
Winters are possible, but it does get fairly chilly, so it will be difficult to do a lot of the outside activities that a dog requires. Winter is probably a perfect time to visit all the museums if you want a people-only trip.
Top things to do in Washington DC, Arlington, and Alexandria with your dog
Here are some great activities in the area that you and your dog can enjoy together.
The National Mall, Washington DC
This is an iconic landmark for United States culture and history. No stay in Washington DC would be complete without a visit. Luckily leashed dogs are allowed to join you to view these special monuments. Keep in mind, dogs are not allowed inside the actual buildings or memorials. It is a beautiful setting, but when we were there in July, I was definitely glad I brought extra water along. It’s open in the evenings too, so in the summer, that’s when I would recommend going with a dog.
Tidal Basin Cherry Trees, Washington DC
The annual spring blossoming of the cherry trees is a stunning sight to behold. Since the trees are planted along the river with a trail, it’s a very popular place for people to go on walks with their dogs. Just try not to let them pee on our national treasures.
The monument of President Franklin Roosevelt includes his faithful dog, Fala. It can be a fun patriotic and Instagram moment to get a snap with your dogs together. As a dog lover, this monument was my favorite.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Alexandria
Local Tip from Sharon: Mt Vernon is near Alexandria and it’s one of my favorite places to take my pup. I have a membership. You can’t take pups into the Mansion but you can take them on the grounds. The whole reason why I have my membership is for my dog. The Pioneer farm site is a good place for the dogs too. Lots of things to explore but not too many people. I have some friends with dogs and we sometimes meet up there too.
Catch a baseball game with the Nationals, Washington DC
Join other dog lovers and their furry companions for a game of baseball in our pet-friendly outfield reserved section. You and your dog can both enjoy the fun while supporting a good cause, as all proceeds from the dog ticket sales will be donated to the Humane Rescue Alliance. Your dog will even leave with a bandana to remember this exciting day.
DC Dog Parks
With all the historical monuments to check out, you may not have time to go to DC dog parks, but in case your dog still has excess energy to run off there are three good ones to check out.
DC offers an endless number of adventures that will create unforgettable memories with your canine companion. At these iconic Washington destinations, you are definitely going to want to take photos of your pets.
We would love to see your Washington DC pics! Have fun with our caption generator and share them with us on IG
Theodore Roosevelt Island (National Park), Washington DC
The Theodore Roosevelt Island is a national park that is a world away in the middle of an urban metropolis. It is on-leash dog friendly, and since it is part of the National Park System, they encourage you to participate in the Bark Ranger Program.
There are three easy trails all with beautiful trails and interesting scenery. Some areas will focus more on monuments. Other times you will get to bathe in nature on a forest path. These walks are popular with dog-owners.
As a visitor, you can get there with your small dog in a carrier on public transportation.
Barkfit, Washington DC
Barkfit offers a variety of group exercises that incorporate your dog into the fitness experience. If you ever wanted to expand your dog’s bond with you through exercise, you can try yoga or their fitness boot camp.
Dog-friendly shopping
Washington DC – A few stores in the prime shopping areas of DC allow dogs including Warby Parker, Lululemon, West Elm, Bluemercury, Room & Board, Madewell, Salt & Sundry
Old Town Alexandria – Many stores offer water bowls for the furry friends who pass by. A few stores will welcome your pup inside, but one store, in particular, is made for dogs, Old Towne School for Dogs.The Torpedo Factory Art Center is also dog-friendly and has a variety of mediums including sculpture and jewelry.
Best dog-friendly restaurants or bars in the Washington DC area
With an A grade for the number of dog-friendly restaurants available, there’s plenty to choose from.
Bark Social, Bethesda
What do you get when you mix together a local pub and a dog park? Bark Social is a popular place for dog lovers in the Washington DC area to let their dogs play while they order a drink from the lengthy menu that includes pubfare style food and an extensive drinks list of beer, wines, cocktails, and coffee. They even host special events like movie nights and concerts where dogs are welcome.
All dogs have to be vaccinated, and there are staff who keep an eye out for any potential bickering as well as keep the park area clean.
If you don’t like the vibe there, my sources tell me there are many other dog park style options to choose from.
Silver: New American Brasserie, Bethesda
A local favorite – Sharon loves to have weekend brunch with her cavalier at Silver. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area. The servers will bring out water bowls for your pups, and in the summer they sometimes have dog icies. That’s her cavalier’s favorite.
On a weekend, it’s not uncommon to see 4 or 5 dogs joining in the fun. Of course, the human food is delicious too. Yappy Hours were suspended during Covid, but there is a rumor they are returning.
Vola’s Dockside Grill, Alexandria
Eat al fresco on the waterside patio at Vola’s Dockside Grill in Alexandria. It’s a casual seafood restaurant with a long history of loving dogs. It is named for a local historical figure who loved dogs. They carry on the tradition by having a special menu just for their four-legged guests.
Dacha Beer Garden, two locations
This outdoor beer garden with a leafy pergola is voted one of the top 10 beer gardens in the US. In addition to their extensive list of beers on tap, they sell delicious food and serve brunch. There is a special section of the menu dedicated to dogs. You can order a puppuccino, dog treats, and even one of 4 different dog-safe beers.
The Dairy Godmother, Alexandria
The Dairy Godmother sells special treats for your dogs. Puppy Pops come in two flavors, Pumpkin and Banana and a baked dog treat, Squirrels. You can get a frozen custard treat for yourself. This will be especially welcome if you visit in the summer.
Pet-friendly Hotels in Washington DC
🛌 The Line Hotel, DC
At the LINE Hotel DC, all dogs and cats are welcome to stay for free with no fees or weight limits. The Guest Experience team is available to provide recommendations for walks, parks, and pet-friendly bars and restaurants in the neighborhood. Additionally, the front desk offers courtesy cleanup bags, water bowls, and treats for your furry friend.
🛌 The Dog House Vacation Rental (VRBO), Alexandria
This 2 bedroom 1 bathroom pet- and family-friendly townhouse is set up for frequent travelers. This vacation rental is in a great location for a home away from home. Two pets are allowed and they charge a low pet fee. You will find a dog bed is provided.
FAQs
Washington DC and the surrounding areas are some of the most dog-friendly cities in the country. There are many options to visit historical sites, parks, and restaurants.
The Smithsonian accepts service animals trained to do a specific task. They ask you to leave your pets behind. Even though pets can’t go into the museums, on-leash dogs are welcome at many Smithsonian gardens
Yes, small dogs are allowed if they are in a carrier. Off-leashed pets are NOT permitted
Dogs are allowed to walk on leash at the National Mall and Tidal Basin where many of the monuments are. They can not go inside the buildings themselves.
You will need to follow the CDC guidelines. If you are coming from a non-high rabies country the most important things are the health certificate and proof of rabies vaccine. This guide will provide a full set of directions. Flying in with a small dog will be easier than with a large dog, but both are possible.
It is about a 5-hour drive. If you are driving, Here are some ideas to keep your dog comfortable on the drive. Small dogs can also ride on Amtrak.
Top 12 of the most dog-friendly cities in the United States
I looked into what the data said, and I surveyed people who regularly travel with their dogs to come up with the most dog-friendly cities in the US.
The Greater Washington DC area including Alexandria and Arlington Virginia were very high up on people’s list of favorites and the numbers back it up. If you are wondering what other cities made the cut, here’s the list of the most dog-friendly cities in the US.
Best Dog-friendly cities on the East Coast
Best Dog-friendly cities on the West Coast
Best Dog-friendly cities in the Southwest
If you have been to one of the places on my list or if you have a suggestion of another fabulous pet destination, I’d love to hear your story on our review page for the United States.
Final Thoughts: The Washington DC Region is One of the Most Dog-friendly Cities in the US
The Greater Washington DC area has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the most dog-friendly cities in the United States. With its numerous historical sites to take your dog, parks, pet-friendly restaurants, and hotels, the area provides an ideal environment for dog owners and their furry companions.
Residents already know what a great place their hometown is for their furry companions. If you are a visitor to the area, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy quality time with your dog while exploring all that Washington DC, Arlington, and Alexandria have to offer.
So, if you’re a dog lover looking for a vibrant and welcoming community, look no further than this thriving and pet-friendly metropolis.
