Downtown Boise, ID
It’s said that Boise was named for a French word meaning “wooded.” The abundance of gorgeous natural scenery plus a thriving urban center make Idaho’s capital city a fantastic place for active dog parents.
Whether you’re new to Boise, a new dog parent, or just looking for more places to bring your pup — we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know.
Planning the day with your dog
There are tons of ways to fill a day with your pup in the vibrant city of Boise, whether you’re into connecting with nature, exploring the city’s culinary scene, or just want to get some errands done. Here are some of the best stops for a fun-filled day with your dog.
Where to stay with your dog
When you stay in central Boise, you’re just steps from walking trails, restaurants, retail shops, and more. Here are our top picks.
The Riverside Hotel
As the name suggests, this three-star hotel sits on the banks of the Boise River. Pets are welcome, though the site does not state whether the hotel enforces a pet fee or weight restrictions. The hotel is on the east side of Boise near Garden City.
Hilton Garden Inn Boise Downtown
If you want to be a short walk from all the action, this Hilton property in the heart of Boise is the way to go. The pet fee is $50 for a 1–4 night stay and $75 for a 5+ night stay. There are no breed or size restrictions, but can’t bring more than two dogs.
Hotel 43
Another centrally-located option is Hotel 43, a boutique hotel just off Fairview Avenue. The pet fee is $75 due upon check-in, with a maximum of two dogs. Even better, the hotel provides premium, plush beds so your pup can feel pampered, too.
Where to get coffee with your dog
Your dog may wake up buzzing, but sometimes you need a little help getting there. That’s why it pays to know a few dog-friendly coffee shops.
Big City Coffee & Cafe
This breakfast joint offers an array of classic American food, from wraps to granola, and dogs are welcome on their modest patio out front. Plus, it’s located downtown, walking distance from all kinds of activities for the rest of your day.
The District Coffee House
This downtown coffeehouse has a great patio facing the street, making it the perfect place to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee and do some people-watching.
Java Downtown
This café serves up coffee and tea, breakfast, lunch, and pastries every day of the week. Enjoy your brew on the shaded patio, or take it to go and stroll through the nearby Cecil D. Andrus Park.
Other honorable mentions
Where to walk with your dog
The “city of trees” has more than a few places to enjoy a shaded stroll with your pooch. These ones are not to be missed.
Ridge to River Trail System
Boise’s foothills offer more than 200 miles of picture-perfect trails. Be sure to check the rules of the particular trail you’re walking, as some trails allow off-leash walking and others don’t.
Polecat Gulch-Collister Trail
Head for the hills to this trail when you’re looking for a quick getaway. With stunning mountain vista views, it’s no wonder this six-mile loop is a popular area for dog walkers and runners alike.
Freak Alley Gallery
In the mood to walk, but looking for a bit of manmade entertainment? Freak Alley Gallery is the northwest’s largest open-air, multi-artist mural gallery, and it’s right in the middle of downtown Boise.
Other honorable mentions
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).
🚨 Off-leash play is great for relieving the zoomies, but Boise currently has leash laws in place. Be sure to check any location you take your pup before letting them run free!
Ann Morrison Park
One of Boise’s most beloved parks, Ann Morrison is a 150+-acre park that sits along the Boise River’s banks. In the park’s southwest corner is Together Treasure Valley Dog Island, a 5.4-acre fenced dog park with a pond.
Julia Davis Park
The city’s oldest park sits on 43 acres of land along the Boise River. You and your dog can easily walk here from downtown, making it a great stop between coffee and lunch.
Camel’s Back Park
On the north side of the city in the mountains’ foothills is Camel’s Back Park, an 11-acre green space with lots of flat land. With a postcard-ready backdrop, this park is perfect when you need a little change of scenery.
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. Boise’s food scene is full of diverse options to choose from, depending on what you’re in the mood for that day.
The Lift
Sometimes, a restaurant’s outdoor seating can feel like an afterthought. That’s not the case with The Lift’s patio. With fire pits, string lights, and a leafy pergola, the patio is one of the coziest places in the city to enjoy classic American food.
BACON Boise
This southern bistro in the heart of downtown won’t disappoint, whether you’re stopping in for brunch or lunch. Your pup is bound to be happy, too, as the restaurant sells bags of bacon dog treats to go.
Fork
This farm-to-table eatery is a step up from ultra-casual, yet relaxed enough to bring your pup along for a bite. The outdoor patio is dog-friendly, offering a great view of Boise’s downtown streets.
Other honorable mentions
Where to shop with your dog
You don’t have to leave your dog behind when you want to get some window-shopping in. If you like to bring your dog along for every step of your day, take note of these dog-friendly outposts.
8th Street Downtown Boise
This hip strip of restaurants and shops is the perfect place for some retail therapy. Even better, as part of a larger revamp, the street became pedestrian-only in 2020.
Capital City Public Market
This weekly pop-up market hosts 150+ local businesses and brings thousands of shoppers to downtown Boise every Saturday. Find produce, art, and all manner of locally-made products here.
Hyde Park
If you’re looking for quaint shops, head over to the North End neighborhood of the Hyde Park Historic District. In this adorable, quiet strip, you’ll find locally-owned gems like Hyde & Seek and Dunia Marketplace.
Other honorable mentions
Where to enjoy the outdoors with your dog
From rugged, tree-lined hideaways to urban oases, Boise has lots of options for getting in touch with your granola side. Keep in mind that even in more remote areas, it’s always safest to keep your dog on a leash.
Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park
This riverfront park on the east side of downtown Boise is the perfect place for a peaceful afternoon. Lots of trees give this park tons of natural shade, and the Boise River Greenbelt runs through it if you’re interested in a scenic walk.
Lucky Peak State Park
You can do a full day of outdoor activities at Lucky Peak, which is just a ten-minute drive from downtown Boise. Enjoy swimming, picnicking, fishing, boating, biking, and walking.
Eagle Island State Park
This state park spans 545 acres and is bordered by the north and south branches of the Boise River. It’s perfect for a game of fetch or, in warmer months, a swim in the river.
Other honorable mentions
Where to grab a drink with your dog
Thanks to the brewery boom, dogs no longer have to go home when party time starts. Here are some of the best pup-friendly watering holes in Boise.
Payette Brewing Co
Payette has been brewing in Boise for over a decade, earning its spot as one of the city’s favorite breweries. Leashed dogs are welcome in the outdoor beer garden area, which is also home to bocce courts and a permanent food truck.
Bear Island Brewing Co
This veteran-owned, family-operated brewery is the perfect stop for a pint on Boise’s west side. Leashed dogs are welcome on the patio.
Lost Grove Brewing
Located in the hip Hyde Park neighborhood, Lost Grove serves up more than just craft beer. They have a full bar, including craft cocktails, plus handmade pizzas.
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
As much fun as it is to plan a fun-filled day with your pup, it’s equally important to keep a list of go-tos for everyday care, like groomers and veterinarians. We dug through the nitty-gritty to find top choices for your pup’s everyday needs.
Where to take your dog to the vet
It pays to establish a good relationship with a veterinarian as soon as possible. Here are some of Boise’s most trusted veterinarians who have a track record of excellence you can feel good about.
Ada Veterinary Hospital
This full-service animal hospital has been serving the pets of Boise for over 30 years. Take care of wellness exams, vaccinations, emergency care, and more here.
Hometown Animal Clinic
Near downtown Boise, Hometown Animal Clinic is your vet for wellness care, dental care, and surgery. Compassion is at the core of its mission, and your entire family is encouraged to be involved with your pet’s visit.
Hendricks Veterinary Hospital
Dentistry, microchipping, check-ups, vaccinations, labor and delivery, and much more can be done at Hendricks. Even better, they offer PAW plans to lessen the lifetime cost of care.
Other honorable mentions
Where to get your dog groomed
Regular haircuts, nail trims, and gland expressions are a part of your pooch’s hygiene regimen, and being that you share a home, it’s in your best interest to stay on top of it. Here are our top picks.
Loved Up Pup Dog Grooming
All de-shedding treatments and haircuts at this groomer include a blueberry facial, custom coat-specific shampoo and conditioner, a blowout, nail trims, and teeth brushing.
Snoopy’s Dog House
This locally-owned groomer is full-service, offering all the services you might need. Conveniently, Snoopy’s also offers drop-in windows for nail trimmings every Friday and Saturday.
Pet Spa Dog and Cat Grooming
Your pooch is sure to feel pampered leaving this West Boise pet spa. Though it’s a newer facility the 5-star Google reviews speak for themselves.
Other honorable mentions
Where to find training for your dog
When entrusting your dog to a trainer, you want to be sure they’re using positive reinforcement tactics that are worth the investment. Here are our top trainer picks that you can feel comfortable entrusting your furry friend to.
Tip Top K9 Boise Dog Training
Tip Top K9 is so sure you’ll like the program that your first lesson is only $1. Whatever your goal is, from off-leash obedience to behavioral modification, they can help you and your pup get there.
Positive Pets Dog Training
As the name suggests, Positive Pets believes in positive reinforcement in all types of training, from group puppy school to advanced one-on-one courses. The trainer’s site boasts the title of “best dog training in Idaho” in 2022 and 2023.
Adventure K-9 LLC
Serving Boise for more than 20 years, Adventure K-9 offers training for all types of goals, including a “Master Dog” premium package. If you’re not sure what’s best for your pup, their professionals can help you decide.
Other honorable mentions
Where to board your dog or find doggy daycare
Find it hard to say goodbye, even for a day? We get it. One way to make it a whole lot easier is to find a boarding facility you trust.
Boise Kennels
Amazingly, this facility near Veterans Memorial Park has been caring for the dogs of Boise since 1939. Additionally, the pricing is one of the most competitive in the area: Dog boarding starts at $25 per night, and daycare starts at $23 per day.
Camp Bow Wow
Sometimes, the trust of a national brand can help you feel at ease. Boarding starts at $50 per night, and a full day of daycare starts at $33.
Escape the Crate
This south Boise boarding house promises “a safe, sparkling clean, and friendly environment” every time. Plus, if you download their app, you can check in on your pup via webcam. Overnight stays start at $53, and daycare starts at $35.
Other honorable mentions
Where to buy dog supplies
Every dog parent needs to know where to drop in for treats, toys, and other supplies around town. Here are our top picks.
Molly’s Healthy Pet Food Market
This locally-owned pet shop in Treasure Valley has everything from raw food to canine Halloween costumes. All orders of $75 or more get free next-day delivery.
Bark n’ Purr
This all-purpose dog and cat store on the south side of town is sure to be a favorite. Its staff of passionate, knowledgeable workers are ready to assist, whether you’re looking for healthy food or a quick rinse in the dog wash.
Boise Co-op Pet Shop
This holistic pet shop is all about healthy living. Here, you’ll find the best premium dog food, all of which is organic.
Other honorable mentions
Experiencing Boise as a dog owner
Boise describes itself as “part rugged, part refined,” and with an abundance of green spaces and a thriving downtown, we’d say it lives up to that reputation. For dog parents, Boise is a dream, offering tons of opportunities to make memories with your pup, whatever you’re into.
