Downtown Fort Worth, TX
Being a great dog parent isn’t just about playing fetch in the park (though we love that part of it). Knowing the top groomers, dog-friendly patios, and places where your dog can indulge in the zoomies are all important parts of pup parenthood.
Given that 41% of households in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area have at least one dog, it makes sense that Fort Worth has tons of pet-friendly spaces. We’ve done the research to give you recommendations for the best of everything, from doggy daycare to hiking trails.
Planning the day with your dog
If you’re the type of dog parent who prefers to bring Fido everywhere — first of all, we get you. Second, it’s important to plan ahead. It’s becoming increasingly common to see well-behaved pups allowed in coffee shops, retail stores, and restaurants, but it’s not a guarantee. Here are some of the most canine-friendly spots in Fort Worth.
Where to stay with your dog
Depending on what you have planned for your time in Fort Worth, you have hotel options from downtown to the stockyards. Here are our top picks, along with their pet policy fees.
Kimpton Harper Hotel
Owned by IHG Hotels and Resorts, The Kimpton brand is known for its pet-friendly policies. For no additional fee, you can stay with your dog of any size or breed in the middle of downtown Fort Worth. Be sure to stop by the front desk for treats, pet beds, and bowls.
Aloft Fort Worth Downtown
Another brand that’s known for its accommodations for pet parents, Aloft is also a solid hotel in a central location. The pet fee is just $25 per pet, with a 40-pound limit per pet, and a maximum of two pets per room.
Omni Fort Worth Hotel
If you’re looking for a more upscale stay and your pup is under 25 pounds, The Omni is a beautiful downtown option. Right next to the Fort Worth Water Gardens, you’ll be just steps from a beautiful walk. The pet fee is a one-time $125 charge.
Other honorable mentions
Where to get coffee with your dog
Sometimes, it takes a little caffeine to match your pup’s energy level. Here are some of the best dog-friendly cafés where you can enjoy a good brew and a pup cup.
Revolutionary Grounds
Just west of downtown in the Cultural District is a coffee shop serving up everything from fruity pebble matcha to fresh pastries. It’s got a spacious patio with a great view of the bustling street. Plus, when it’s puppy’s bedtime, Ampersand turns into a bar at night.
BREWED
Voted best brunch in Fort Worth by Star-Telegram 2022, BREWED has your caffeine fix and much more. The Near Southside restaurant is known as the “local living room” because it’s all about creating a comfortable gathering space. The shaded outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying a slow morning with your dog.
Carter’s Coffee
If you’re looking for a grab-and-go experience, Carter’s Coffee in the TCU area is a must-try. Serving up craft coffee from a truck, Carter’s is the perfect option for those looking to keep it moving.
Other honorable mentions
Where to walk with your dog
Fort Worth residents are lucky to have access to a beautiful network of trails, parks, and preserves — most of which are free to access. Here are some of the best places to stretch your legs with your dog.
Gateway Park
Nearly 800 acres on the east side of the city, Gateway Park is one of the largest public parks in the country. Plus, it’s just two miles from downtown, making it easy to access. There’s a dedicated dog park and plenty of space to wander trails and open fields.
Trinity Trails
The Trinity Trails network stretches over 100 miles, and one arm actually runs through Gateway Park. Enjoy a simple walk on the trails, or explore the kayak launches and urban fishing sites. Wherever you are in Fort Worth, you’re likely not far from an entrance to this massive trail network.
Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
Northwest of downtown is a gorgeous nature center on Lake Worth. There are tons of trail options alongside the lake, in the forest, and through the prairie. Admission is $6 for adults and $1 per dog.
Other honorable mentions
- Fort Worth Zoo (service animals only)
- Marion Sansom Park
- Tandy Hills Natural Area
Where to play fetch with your dog
Dog parks are a great way to ensure your dog has a safe environment for off-leash playtime. Plus, they’re a great way to make new friends (human and canine).
🚨Dog parks are exceptions to Fort Worth’s leash law, which requires that all dogs must be leashed and under control by the handler in city parks and recreation areas.
MUTTS Canine Cantina
If you and your dog are feeling social, consider a game of fetch at this restaurant and bar that puts dogs at the forefront of the experience. MUTTS has two off-leash dog parks and a patio where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks with other dog parents. A day pass costs $12.95 for one dog, and you can also purchase monthly or annual memberships.
👉 Dogs must be friendly with other dogs, up to date on vaccinations, spayed or neutered, and free of ticks and fleas.
ZBonz Dog Park
This ten-acre enclosed park is built on the former Z. Boaz Golf Course and has separate sections for large and small dogs. It also has two shelters, agility items, pet fountains, and two ponds.
Fort Woof Dog Park
Located in the massive Gateway Park, Fort Woof has tons of space for dogs of all sizes to run and play within the safety of a fenced-in area. Like ZBonz, there are separate areas for large and small dogs. The park regularly hosts events, which are a great way to meet other pet parents.
Other honorable mentions
Where to eat lunch with your dog
Whatever type of food you’re in the mood for, a pet-friendly patio is all you need to enjoy lunch with your pup. These eateries are especially accommodating, offering special treats and dog-focused events.
Woodshed Smokehouse
This laid-back barbecue restaurant sits on the bank of the Trinity River, making for some of the best patio views in the city. Dogs are welcome in the gravel area, and they even have a menu for dogs featuring peanut butter treats and fat-dipped rawhide bones.
Shaw’s Patio Bar & Grill
This eatery just south of downtown offers classic American fare like burgers, salads, sandwiches, hot dogs, and craft beer. The large outdoor patio is perfect for dogs, and Shaw’s even hosts special events for dog owners periodically.
Rodeo Goat
Burgers are the name of the game for Rodeo Goat, and you’ll have plenty of inventive options to choose from if you dine here. In a warehouse in the Cultural District, this burger joint also has an impressive craft beer lineup. The outdoor patio is lined with picnic tables and accommodates dogs.
Other honorable mentions
Where to shop with your dog
You don’t have to leave your dog behind when you need to run errands. These shops welcome well-behaved pups, so you can get your groceries, home goods, and more — all with your trusty sidekick in tow.
Atwoods Ranch & Home Goods
Atwood’s has you covered for everything from power tools to clothing. Well-loved in Texas and beyond, this store welcomes well-behaved pups.
Calloway’s Nursery
Located in the Stonegate area, this plant nursery has everything you need for your garden. The selection of plants is specially curated to thrive in Texas, and you can rely on the in-house experts for any questions you have.
The Clearfork Farmers Market
Open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., The Clearfork Farmers Market is the perfect place to shop while your dog enjoys a walk and all the smells. When you’re done shopping, you can go for a walk alongside the nearby Trinity River.
Other honorable mentions
Where to enjoy the outdoors with your dog
From some of the largest parks in the country to urban trails, Fort Worth has lots of options for connecting with nature. Keep in mind that even in more remote areas, it’s safe to keep your dog leashed.
Trinity Trail Loop
For the days when you’re looking for an easy waltz with pretty views, the Trinity Trail offers 2.5 miles of mostly flat sidewalks along the river. Prepare to see lots of bikers and runners.
Lone Wolf Loop, The Dam Drop, and Thunder Road Loop
Within Marion Sansom Park, this 3.6-mile loop is considered moderately challenging and usually takes an hour and a half to complete. It’s open year-round and dogs must be leashed.
Greer Island and Canyon Ridge Trail
If you’re looking for a route that’s a bit longer, this out-and-back trail is about 6 miles along the perimeter of Greer Island on Lake Worth. Remember to keep your furry pal leashed.
Where to grab a drink with your dog
Fort Worth isn’t immune to the brewery boom, which is good news for dog parents. The city has tons of these pet-friendly, casual watering holes.
Martin House Brewing Company
Along the river, Martin House has excellent views of the downtown skyline and a spacious outdoor area that’s open seven days a week from noon to 10 p.m.
HopFusion Ale Works
This art-forward brewery is in the heart of Near Southside and prides itself in creative, innovative brews. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on the patio.
Fort Worth Stockyards
Get a taste of the old West in this historic district that Fort Worth is known for nationally. Grab a beer at an old-fashioned saloon, walk the grounds, and catch some live music. If you bring your dog, be sure to keep them leashed and know that they won’t be the only animal on site. Cattle drives take place twice daily at the Stockyards.
Other honorable mentions
Free, nationwide, text-based amber alert for lost pets
FidoAlert
Join over 1.3 million pets in FidoAlert’s network. Helping every lost dog find its way home. FREE enrollment and FREE pet ID tag.
Other essentials for your dog
Knowing where the local lunch spots and dog parks are is important, but having your list of go-to essentials like a great vet or where to buy dog food is vital. Here are some of our top vet clinics, supply stores, groomers, and more.
Where to take your dog to the vet
When looking for a veterinarian, you want a provider that’s stood the test of time. Here are some of Fort Worth’s most beloved vets, with years of service to put you at ease.
Ridglea Animal Hospital
When you trust a business with your pet’s health, you want a vet that’s tried and true, and Ridglea has been serving Fort Worth for more than 70 years. Even better, new pup patients younger than 16 weeks old get a free first exam.
A-Animal Clinic and Boarding Kennel
This family-owned business has been one of Fort Worth’s top-rated veterinarians for over a decade. They welcome one-time appointments, and they also offer a low-cost monthly subscription service that includes wellness visits, vaccinations, and discounts on emergency services.
Central Animal Hospital
If you’re looking for a vet close to downtown, Central Animal Hospital is just west of Fort Worth’s main drag and is highly rated on Google reviews. They provide everything from nutrition counseling to surgery.
Other honorable mentions
Where to get your dog groomed
Sometimes, you just want a wash station for a quick rinse after a play day, while other times you need the whole nine yards. Here are a few options for all levels of grooming.
Glamour Paws
This locally-owned gem has over 800 Google reviews with an average rating of 4.5 stars. With nearly 20 years in the pet business, owner Charlene Baxter prides herself in her team of animal-loving bathers. In addition to grooming appointments, Glamour Paws offers spa treatments like mud baths and hot oils (yes, for your dog). Once your pooch is looking pampered, you can even schedule a portrait appointment in Glamour Paws’ photo studio.
Happy K9
With two locations in Fort Worth, Happy K9 offers both self-service and staff washing, as well as professional grooming. Whether you’re looking for a quick shampoo and rinse after a muddy day or the whole nine yards, Happy K9 can help you out.
Metro Animals Pet Wash
Thoughtfully located next to Z Bonz Dog Park, Metro Animals is the perfect stop in between playtime and home. Go for a quick rinse at the self-serve baths, which provide shampoo, nail clippers, toothbrushes, ear and eye wipes, brushes towels, and dryers— or leave it to the pros and get your pup a staff bath.
Other honorable mentions
Where to find training for your dog
Dog training is so much more than a one-time investment — it impacts the rest of your dog’s life. For that reason, you want to make sure you’re investing in a quality program that you can feel good about. Here are some of Fort Worth’s top dog trainers.
Dog Training Elite
From basic obedience to personal protection, family-owned Dog Training Elite promises custom training based on classical conditioning principles. You can bring the trainer to your home or send your dog off to training camp. Not sure what’s best for you and your dog? Initial assessments are free.
Teach Your Mutt Manners Dog Training
The mother-daughter team behind Teach Your Mutt Manners brings over 50 years of canine experience to the table. The team designs custom training programs to fit your goals and budget, and you can purchase as many (or as few) sessions as you’d like.
K9 Connection Dog Training
Owner Brian Cunningham is an award-winning dog trainer with over 30 years of experience. All K9 Connection training sessions are private and in-home, and they specialize in puppy training for general obedience and behavior correction.
Other honorable mentions
Where to board your dog or find doggy daycare
When you find the right boarding facility, you’ll feel like you’re sending your dog off to their own vacation. It’s never easy saying goodbye (even for a day), but these facilities make it easier.
Ruff Resort & Spa
Boarding your dog can be tough on the heartstrings, but it’s easier when you’re getting daily photo updates sent to your phone. Overnight stays at Ruff Resort & Spa start at $35 per night and include daycare or individual play, stainless steel bowls, and plenty of fluffy blankets. Daytime stays start at $17 for a half-day and include all-day play in three indoor playrooms and four outdoor play yards.
House of Wag
In the Riverside district, House of Wag offers two types of overnight stays ($45): traditional, in-house boarding at the facility and take-home boarding, which means that your dog goes home with the owner each night. Take-home boarding is better for high-anxiety dogs. House of Wag requires one day of daycare ($25) at least a week prior to overnight stays for first-time dogs.
Camp Bow Wow Fort Worth West
Camp Bow Wow prides itself on its safety-first standards, like employing Certified Camp Counselors who are extensively trained in dog behavior, CPR, and pet first aid. If you’d like some extra reassurance, live webcams let you monitor your pup wherever you are. Rates start at $65 per night.
Other honorable mentions
Where to buy dog supplies
Need a new toy? A bag of treats? A kennel? These pet supply stores have you covered with all that and more.
Pet Supplies Plus
The staff includes a certified pet nutrition advisor and a former groomer, so you can be sure you’re talking to experts when you need recommendations.
Petsense by Tractor Supply
Owned by popular the nationwide chain, Tractor Supply, Petsense brings owners a broad selection of pet foods and supplies, grooming and training services, small pets (hamsters, hermit crabs, etc.) for sale on-site, and more.
Hollywood Feed
Located east of downtown, Hollywood Feed proudly employs pet experts and animal lovers to help you get the best products for your dog, from food to crates. They also offer same-day shipping and curbside pickup for convenience.
Experiencing Forth Worth as a dog owner
Being a pet parent in Fort Worth opens up tons of opportunities to explore the great outdoors, try new restaurants, and explore the vibrant city on foot. We hope you can use this guide to enjoy Cowtown to the fullest while making memories with your pup.
