Dogs and Austinites go hand in paw. We love our four-legged friends so much that we take them everywhere we can. Though we’re used to taking our dogs jogging, swimming, hiking, and even to work sometimes, you may not know some of the more unusual dog friendly activities in Austin that you can enjoy with your furry friend.
Shopping at The Domain
Photo credit: Market Cred
To many Austinites, The Domain seems like a little slice of Dallas that has been planted in the Capitol City. The place has a lot of glitz and glam. With all of the high-end retail stores and restaurants at The Domain, you might expect to find very strict no-dogs-allowed policies here.
The Domain in Austin (Photo credit: Joe Diev)
Yet, surprisingly, The Domain is one of the most dog friendly parts of Austin.
Every store in the shopping area allows dogs inside. You will find waters bowls in front of H&M and Luis Vuitton. Though state law prevents dogs from going inside the restaurants, your dogs are still welcome on many of the outdoor patios.
Drinking Downtown
Bar dog (Photo credit: Will Murphy)
There is no reason to leave your dog inside when you head out on a Friday evening. First off, though, make sure that your dog is old enough to handle the excitement. Also, don’t forget the shots. Dogs need their shots. There are more than a few dog-friendly bars in Austin, so you have a bit of a choice.
Locals love The Liberty on East Sixth because the lot of ‘em are dog lovers. Same goes for the Flying Saucer in the Triangle and Snack Bar (closed) on South Congress.
Lustre Pearl (Photo credit: Cheri Lucas)
Specifically, though, Lustre Pearl on Rainey Street gets my vote as the most dog friendly bar in Austin. Dogs are more than welcome here – they are encouraged to show up.
Since Lustre Pearl has a sprawling backyard with a high fence, your dog can wander from person to person and truly be a part of the party.
Paddle Board Lady Bird Lake
Photo credit: Mike Baird
Everybody knows that going to the lake with your dog is a great way to spend a hot summer afternoon. But how about going on the lake instead? If you’ve never been stand up paddle boarding, this is a great time of year to get started.
Photo credit: Nomadic Pursuits Photography
Simply rent a board, paddle, and life jackets for you and your pup. Once you’re suited up, it’s time to spend a few hours exploring the calm waters of Lady Bird Lake. Start by visiting one of the kayak shops along the river. They teach you the basics of stand up paddle boarding, so you and your favorite canine can hit the water right away.
Be sure to keep an eye on your dog whenever you go out. Be aware of its mood, health and safety at all times. The Austinot supports safe pet ownership!
@DustyVegas asks:
Those are my three somewhat unusual dog-friendly activities in Austin. What do you like to do with your dog on a lazy weekend? Comment below and let me know!
Photos via Flickr CC, property of their respective owners.
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I didn’t know you could take your dog on the paddle boards!! Maybe I looked at the wrong place. Hmmmm…I wonder if mine would do it…
I’m sure you could do it with time. Some dogs are better suited for it than others. My old border collie despised water, but my retriever loves it. It’s kind of hit or miss with breeds I think.
I have a Samoyed, he LOVES the water hose and seems to like frolicking in the water at Walnut Creek. I have hope! 🙂
Samoyeds are practically the most loveable dogs, after retrievers. I bet he’d be great on a paddle board. It would have to be a huge one though.
It is very surprising to me that they allow dogs in clothing stores in the Domain. Have they not heard about the dog that urinated in the middle of Lululemon? I don’t want to buy clothes that could potentially have dog piss on them. I guess I can bring my diaperless toddler to the Domain and let him have a go at it? The Domain used to be so nice. Last time I went it smelled like dog crap and I almost stumbled over all the dog bowls outside the stores. Seriously, I am not a dog hater. I think they can be down right cute and a super companion. But, they are still animals when you get right down to it, people. They are not your brother, sister, etc. They are not humans, and we shouldn’t treat them as such. I used to think dogs were pretty awesome. But bring ’em in a place of business and that can become annoying pretty quick!
Lol you’re a hateful person. Shop somewhere else the domain doesn’t need annoying people like you.
Some view their pets as family members and I stand by Austin by “keeping it wierd”. Go to a city more your speed like Houston and San Antonio. We won’t miss ya.
I would rather shop with dog’s than annoying kids because the parents of today don’t discipline their kids at all. They let them run through stores and then say “OK 1,2 etc”. And people like myself that do bring their pets to stores don’t let them pee anywhere but outside. So go shop somewhere else with what I assume to be your annoying brats.