Top 10 Best Dog Friendly Towns in Washington State

I have been a Washingtonian for the past 20 years of my life, and I am so glad that our state is ranked as having some of the best dog friendly towns in the nation. From small feel towns to ski heights buildings, beautiful Pacific Northwest offers a variety of scene for everyone to enjoy with their furry friends!

1.Whidbey Island

The largest island in Washington coast surrounding by natural beauty and diverse landscape. Many outdoor areas are dog friendly with trails and hiking activities. 

Breathtaking Scenery: Everywhere you look, Whidbey Island offers stunning views. From the North Cascades to Mount Rainier, the panoramic scenes are awe-inspiring. Leashed pets are welcome on the island’s trails, allowing you to explore nature together.

Small town vibe: You won’t see modern large homes or big scene bars and clubs. Instead, you’ll find farms, vineyards, orchards, fishing villages, and artist communities. The locals are friendly too creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Mount Erie Views: Take your dog for a climb to Mount Erie for the best views on Fidalgo Island. Remember to bring water to your pet. From here, you can see the North Cascades, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains across Puget Sound. You mush leash your dog to walk the trails.

Deception Pass State Park: Another favorite of the area with 38 miles of hiking trails. The park also offers activities such as camping, fishing, kayaking.

Pet-Friendly Places to Eat: There are a variety of dog-friendly restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, and wineries.   

Source : https://whidbeycamanoislands.com/

2. Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is sure a gorgeous place to be. There are miles and miles of river views and many of the spots you can take your dog for a swim or walk.

Scenic Hikes with Your Pup: The Gorge offers breathtaking hiking trails that you can explore alongside your dog. 

Dining: Backwoods Brewing Company in Carson, Washington, has a patio during the summer that is a favorite for dogs.

Carson Ridge Luxury Cabins ensures that you don’t have to leave your pup behind or pay extra for boarding. Source: https://www.fs.usda.gov/crgnsa

3. Long Beach Peninsula

Ocean side: Dogs are welcome to play on the 28 miles of wide open beach year-round. 

Discovery Trail: With the ocean view by your side, take your puppy for a hike. Nothing better than a walk alongside ocean view.

Dog Walking Group: There are dog walking teams if you want to join other dog lovers in the journey. South Pacific County Humane Society. 

Pet-Friendly Lodging: May options for lodging with your dog, including hotels, cottages, RV parks, and vacation rentals. 

Dog-Friendly Restaurants: There are many restaurants with available patio sitting, so bring your puppy for a outdoor dining experience. Source:https://www.visitlongbeachpeninsula.com/    photosource

4. Port Townsend

Friendly Everywhere: Walking around the streets of this town does make every dog feel so welcome. You will often see dog dish water in from stores or restaurants to ensure your dog stays hydrated.

Discovery Bay Golf Club: Not many golf places allow dogs but this one do. Tee off with your pup by your side.

Fort Worden Historical State Park: Explore the historic grounds and enjoy scenic walks

Chetzemoka Dog Park: Let your dog socialize and play off-leash.

North Beach County Park: A beautiful spot for beach walks.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations: If you’re staying overnight, you’ll find several pet-friendly hotels in Port Townsend. One such option is The Swan Hotel, where you and your furry companion can enjoy a comfortable stay. Source: https://enjoypt.com/

5. Leavenworth

Pet-Friendly Accommodations: This German influence town has a ton of variety of pet-friendly hotels and vacation rentals. 

Dog-Friendly Activities: Leavenworth offers a plethora of activities for dogs and their humans. Whether you’re exploring the scenic Lake Wenatchee State Park or hiking the trails at Der Sportsmann, your canine friend is welcome to join you. Leashed pets can even accompany you inside pet-friendly stores like A Paw Above1.

Pet-Centric Businesses: Leavenworth takes its pet-friendliness seriously. 

Dog Park: Leavenworth features a designated dog park, where your four-legged companion can frolic off-leash. Source: https://leavenworth.org/

6. Walla Walla

Picturesque Landscapes: Walla Walla boasts scenic beauty, with rolling hills, vineyards, and charming streets. It’s an ideal setting for leisurely walks with your furry companion.

Welcoming Community: The locals in Walla Walla are warm and friendly, and they genuinely appreciate the bond between humans and their canine companions. You’ll find a sense of camaraderie among dog owners.

Abundance of Pet-Friendly Spots:

AK’s Mercado: Taco lovers rejoice! AK’s Mercado welcomes pups on their patio, where you can people-watch while indulging in Mexican fare or a boozy slushie.

Balboa Winery: Sip wine among the vines on Balboa’s patio, and you might even meet their winery pup, Abby.

Quirk Brewing: Beer lovers can visit Quirk Brewing and enjoy their dog-friendly outdoor space.

Seven Hills Winery: Notably, Seven Hills Winery allows dogs indoors, and you might even spot adorable labs, Sugar and Beaux, accompanying the winemaker1.  SOurce: https://wallawalla.org/

7. Bellingham

Outdoor Lifestyle: Bellingham is an outdoorsy city, and its residents embrace an active lifestyle. With abundant parks, trails, and natural beauty, it’s no wonder that dogs are welcomed companions on hikes, walks, and outdoor adventures.

Off-Leash Parks: The city boasts several off-leash dog parks, providing ample space for our furry friends to run, play, and socialize. Squalicum Creek Park, for instance, is a popular destination with its zip line and off-leash area1.

Dog-Friendly Trails: Bellingham’s trail systems are perfect for dog owners. Whether you’re exploring Chuckanut Ridge, Galbraith Mountain, or the Interurban Trail, your canine companion can join you on the journey.

Pet-Friendly Businesses: From hotels to breweries, Bellingham’s establishments warmly welcome dogs. Even if a restaurant isn’t specifically dog-friendly, you’ll find plenty of outdoor pubs serving scrumptious food where your pup can tag along2.

So, whether you’re strolling along the waterfront, enjoying a craft beer, or hiking through lush forests, expect to see wagging tails and happy pups—it’s just part of Bellingham’s charm . Source:https://www.bellingham.org/

8. Vancouver

Abundant Green Spaces and Parks: Vancouver boasts numerous parks and open spaces where dogs can roam freely. Ike Memorial Dog Park, for instance, covers about 10 acres and offers beautiful open fields and hills lined with trees. There’s even a separate area for small dogs. The park’s entrances are double-gated to ensure canine safety. While exploring, you can refill your furry friend’s water bowl at the seasonal dog drinking fountain.

Off-Leash Dog Parks: Vancouver provides several off-leash dog parks where pups can socialize and play. These parks allow dogs to run, fetch, and enjoy the outdoors without the constraints .

Dog-Friendly Beaches: Vancouver’s off-leash beaches are a hit with both dogs and their owners. These sandy shores provide a perfect spot for dogs to splash in the water, dig in the sand, and enjoy the coastal breeze. If your pup loves the beach, Vancouver won’t disappoint2.

Pet-Friendly Businesses: Many local businesses in Vancouver welcome dogs. From pet-friendly cafes to shops with outdoor seating, you’ll find plenty of places where you can enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee with your furry companion.

Community Support: Vancouver’s community actively supports dog-related initiatives. Non-profit organizations and local volunteers work to maintain and improve dog parks, ensuring they remain safe and enjoyable for everyone. Source: https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/

credit: Visit Vancouver 

9. Spokane

Abundant Outdoor Activities: Spokane boasts dog-friendly trails for running, hiking, and mountain biking. Even in winter, there are several areas within a 45-minute drive from downtown where you can enjoy Nordic skiing and snowshoeing with your pup. Two of the largest state parks in Washington—Mount Spokane and Riverside—are just a short distance away and offer these snowy adventures1.

Dog-Friendly Parks: Spokane’s 87 city parks and 4 state parks welcome our four-legged pals. As long as they’re on a leash, dogs can explore and sniff around to their heart’s content. 

Pet-Friendly Businesses and Breweries: Brick West and NoLi are just a couple of the many pet-friendly businesses and breweries in Spokane.  Source: https://www.visitspokane.com/

10. Seattle

For being a bigger city, Seattle has shown to love dogs among the ski heights buildings. From inner city parks to a quick drive to the suburbs, Seattle offers many off-leash dog areas. Going out to dine is also very popular in Seattle. May restaurants allow your furry companion to join the inside dining.

Off-Leash Dog Parks: Seattle boasts a plethora of off-leash dog parks, providing ample space for pups to run, play, and socialize1.

Dining with Dogs: Many restaurants in Seattle allow dogs to join their human companions inside, making it a delightful experience for both foodies and their four-legged pals2.

Scenic Trails: The city is surrounded by dog-friendly trails, perfect for exploring nature together. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Seattle has options for every canine adventurer2.

Urban Hiking: Seattle offers urban hiking opportunities, allowing dogs to accompany their owners on city explorations. From waterfront walks to hilltop vistas, there’s something for everyone2.

Dog-Friendly Public Transportation: Yes, your dog can ride the bus in Seattle! The city’s public transportation system welcomes well-behaved pups, making commuting a breeze for pet owners1.

Cruises with Canines: Seattle even has dog-friendly cruises, so your furry friend can enjoy scenic views of the Puget Sound alongside you1.

Large Public Parks: Seattle’s largest public park, Volunteer Park, spans 534 acres and includes 11.81 miles of walking trails—all of which are dog-friendly. Plus, there’s a beach where pups can frolic, as most other public beaches in the city have a no-dogs-allowed policy.  Source https://visitseattle.org/