Uptown Charlotte, NC
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly city, you’ve found it. With a population near one million, Charlotte is full of young, active dog parents. As a result, Charlotte residents and visitors have plenty of options for veterinarians, parks, and dog-friendly venues.
In this guide, we’ll lay out the best of each, giving you the full rundown of everything you need to know as a dog owner in the Queen City.
Kelsey W., Charlotte residentIt seems like the city of Charlotte—especially the newer areas like South End—was built with pet parents in mind. I have a corgi, and she’s been with me to countless breweries, walks, and dog-centered events.
Planning the day with your dog
As a dog-friendly city, Charlotte makes it possible to go about your day with your dog in tow — you just need to do a little planning. Here are the best pup-approved coffee shops, cafes, breweries and bars, trails, and stores.
Where to stay with your dog
A little over two square miles in size, Uptown Charlotte is a great place to stay with your dog. The area has a surprising number of green spaces that are perfect for letting your dog stretch their legs. If you’re looking to stay a bit south of the city’s center, South End and SouthPark are also great neighborhoods to set your sights on.
Where to get coffee with your dog
Coffee drinkers rejoice! From SouthPark to NoDa and everywhere in between, there are a variety of places offering your life source — and your pup can join you. Some are easy walking distance from popular neighborhoods, while others you may need to take a short drive to reach. Either way, you’re sure to enjoy a cup of joe with your four-legged bestie by your side.
Where to walk with your dog
From shaded trails to the local park to jaunts through your favorite neighborhood, your dog deserves a good walk every day. Regardless of where you live in the city, dog owners have plenty of places to let their pup stretch their legs.
Micah, owned by Kelsey Miles, enjoying her walk on the rail trail.
Where to play fetch with your dog
While a walk can be refreshing in the morning, letting your dog run free is extra fun. There are a handful of areas with enclosed areas where you can let your pup off-leash for a game of fetch or simply to let them have a sniff-ari in a new place.
🚨 Remember, Charlotte has leash laws! Only let your dog off-leash for fetch (or any other play time) in designated areas.
Where to eat lunch with your dog
If you’re out and about with your pup during the day and want to stop for a bite to eat somewhere, you’ll be happy to know that Charlotte has a lot of restaurants with outdoor patios, offering a place for Fido to hang out with you while you eat. Whether you want a quick bite or a sit-down meal, we have a few options to offer.
Where to shop with your dog
We love that Charlotte is dog-friendly enough to have shopping areas where you can bring your pup inside with you. From art fairs to brick-and-mortar stores of all kinds, a lot of places have begun welcoming four-legged friends in with open paws.
Snickers, owned by Vanessa Schiffler, exploring at Camp North End.
Where to enjoy the outdoors with your dog
If you’re the outdoorsy type or just want to get out of the house with your dog in tow, Charlotte and its surrounding areas offer a lot of great options. Whether you want to go hiking or simply have a picnic and enjoy the weather, we’ve got you covered.
Where to grab a drink with your dog
Happy hour is right around the corner and it’s time to find somewhere to enjoy a refreshing adult beverage — with your pup, of course. Enjoy craft beer, mixed drinks, or mocktails from a huge selection of local breweries, outdoor patios, and dog bars (yup, you read that right).
Mia, owned by Jordyn Boberg, soaking up the sun at Sycamore Brewing.
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Other essentials for your dog
Any pet parent knows that it’s not all fun and games—you also need to know where to go for health care, grooming, and retail goods. Not sure where to get kibble? Need something to occupy your pet while you’re at work? Here are our top recommendations.
Where to take your dog to the vet
Whether your dog needs a yearly check-up or (paws crossed this doesn’t happen) has a late-night emergency, it’s vital to know where the vets are located around the city. Getting established somewhere will also help to get your pup in to see someone quickly should they have a minor illness or injury that doesn’t require an ER visit.
Where to get your dog groomed
If you have a pup who enjoys getting dirty or has a high-maintenance coat, you know just how important having a good groomer can be. Here are some top picks for bathing and full-service grooms in the Charlotte area.
Where to find training for your dog
From puppy classes to basic commands to leash reactivity and more, having a reputable trainer in your corner is extremely helpful when training your dog. You even have options for more specialized trainers, like agility or therapy training.
Brynn, owned by Sarah Rogers, showing off her off-leash training.
Charlotte Off Leash Dog Training
Where to board your dog or find doggy daycare
Going out of town and can’t find a dog sitter? Maybe you’d rather leave your pup at doggy daycare versus having someone come let them out for you during the day. Whatever your reason, Charlotte has an array of dog boarding and daycare facilities.
Where to buy dog supplies
Whether you just brought home a new furry best friend and need to buy all of the essentials, or if you running low on your dog’s favorite food or treats, it’s nice to know there are options on where you can go to grab it all. Aside from the big box stores like PetSmart or Petco, Charlotte has some smaller, more local businesses you can consider, too.
Experiencing Charlotte as a dog owner
Charlotte’s explosive growth over the last few decades has only made it a more dog-friendly city. Today, there’s no shortage of places you can take your pooch, and you have a wealth of options when it comes to care and other services. The best way to find out what works for your dog is to do your research, and if you’ve made it this far, you’re on the right track.
We encourage you to try out the recommendations in this guide, talk to other pet parents, and don’t be afraid to try something new until you find the perfect match for you and your pup.
