If Charlotte is your next destination, and you aren’t too sure how to plan your days, look no further than this list of dog-friendly places in North Carolina’s most populous city that are sure to please both you and your dog.
Check Out a Dog-Friendly Bar
Many breweries in Charlotte are known for welcoming pet parents and their pets to relax on the patio. At the dog bar, if your pup is well-behaved, spayed, and vaccinated, it is allowed to run around and socialize off-leash while you can sit back and enjoy a cocktail.
The Lucky Dog Bark and Brew has three locations in Charlotte and offers a similar situation, including doggie daycare and grooming services should you need them. They pride themselves on being a sanitary and safe space for owners and dogs, whether you’re just stopping by for a drink or dropping your pup off for a day or two. Jack Beagles is another well-esteemed place with outdoor seating to grab a bite or drink while your dog enjoys your company.
Take Your Dog for a Swim
If your dog likes playing in the water, or you want to try something new, Charlotte has a few renowned swimming clubs designed specifically for dogs. AquaPups offers swimming lessons or group swimming for your dog and is veterinarian-owned, so you know your fur baby is in good hands. If your dog is full of energy and needs to blow off some steam, swim time might be right down your alley, especially during hot North Carolina summer days.
Dog World Dog Park is another option for your dog to swim, with a 16-acre property that includes an Olympic-size swimming pool, baby pools, an obstacle course, and water slides for your fur baby to enjoy and socialize while you can meet like-minded dog owners too. They have a temperament screening to ensure that each dog can coexist and play safely.
Both the above-mentioned dog water parks require dog vaccinations to be up to date so everyone can stay healthy.
Book a Pet-Friendly Hotel
If you’re vacationing with your dog and need a place to stay, a big priority is likely finding a hotel that will accommodate and welcome both of you. Aloft Charlotte allows two pets of up to 40 pounds. The Sonesta Charlotte Executive Park is another option, with rooms averaging a little over $100 a night, plus a small fee for your furry companion.
The Hampton Inn Charlotte and Drury Inn are both promising options as well, with similar price points, and each has four-to-five-star reviews. Many hotels require that you don’t leave your dog unattended, and some just ask that you put a “do not disturb” sign on the door so that housekeeping doesn’t enter while your dog is in there. It’s always a good idea to call ahead and let them know you’ll be bringing your dog just to ensure you don’t run into any issues.
Shop With Your Dog
Plenty of restaurants and bars in Charlotte allow dogs, but you can also bring your dog shopping. Park Road Books prides itself on being Charlotte’s only full-service independent bookstore. They are pet friendly, so long as your dog doesn’t mind making friends with the store’s dog named Yola. Sleepy Poet Antique Mall welcomes leashed dogs as well and has over 60,000 square feet of vintage clothing, décor, and everything else you’d expect to find at an antique shop. Plenty of other secondhand shops welcome dogs, too, including House of Thrifts, The Poet’s Vault, and The Depot at Gibson Mill.
Sightsee With Your Dog
Carolina History & Haunts is a candlelit historic walking tour of Charlotte. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, you’ll get to hear stories of hauntings and see some of the city’s landmarks. Reservations are required, and you’re welcome to bring your pup along. The U.S. National Whitewater Center is a dog-friendly outdoor hub. It’s complete with mountain trails, restaurants, kayaks, and paddle boards, plus activities that your dog can’t do, like ziplining and rope courses. They also have special events like live music and camping that dogs of all sizes are allowed to attend.
Eat Out with Your Dog
If you get hungry, Charlotte has no shortage of restaurants that allow well-behaved dogs to accompany you. The Peach Stand is a produce market that offers an ice cream parlor, a butcher shop, a deli, and pretty much anything you can think of. They call themselves a “one stop shop”. Leroy Fox offers southern-inspired food, particularly known for their fried chicken. Their outdoor dining setting is aesthetically pleasing, and it’s hard to find any negative reviews about the food. The Cowfish has sushi and burgers and has won many awards for its unique food, which are displayed on its website.
All in all, if you’re planning on visiting Charlotte with your dog, there are plenty of attractions for both of you to enjoy, whether for treating your dog, yourself, or both. This is why North Carolina is considered one of the 10 best dog-friendly travel destinations in the US.
