With Poe at Turkey Creek, one of many off-leash trails Austin has to offer
It’s no secret that Austin is a thriving city with plenty of activities to enjoy. While it’s common knowledge that Austin is also super dog-friendly, do you know about the other fur-friend attractions? Don’t worry; we did the research for you. Here are five fun things to do with animals in Austin!
1/ GOGA Goat Yoga
Adrienne Albregts, Austinot Associate Editor, practicing her GOGA skills
Do you like yoga? Do you like baby animals? Then GOGA Goat Yoga is the perfect weekend activity for you! Founded by Rachel Philips and Trey Kitchen, GOGA started as a way to raise funds for Hurricane Harvey victims. Yogis are led by excellent instructors through a variety of poses, while baby goats run around and jump up on backs!
A few bloggers from The Austinot had a chance to go to a GOGA class recently. So take it from us–it is absolutely worth your while! Thirty dollars gets you an hour of instruction and playtime with the cutest goats Austin has to offer. Keep a close watch on GOGA’s Facebook page for upcoming events because tickets sell out in the blink of an eye.
1100 S. Lamar Blvd. – Website
2/ Blue Cat Café
The vibrant exterior reflects the fun to be had inside Blue Cat Café
Blue Cat Café is the best place in Austin to get some kitty therapy. For only five dollars, you can spend as much time as you like, snuggling and playing with cats. The café houses older stray and abandoned cats (the ones who could use some extra love). All cats are fully vaccinated and available for adoption.
Blue Cat Café has a food trailer onsite that serves delicious food. The vegan menu is also gluten-free friendly. The café has an extensive coffee menu, as well, and the cat-themed specials are heavenly (Tuxedo Cat is my favorite).
If adopting a cat is not on your radar, then you can support Blue Cat Café’s efforts by purchasing some cute, kitty-themed merchandise from the online shop.
95 Navasota St. – Website
➡ Keep reading: “Inside Look Into Austin’s Blue Cat Cafe”
3/ Austin Zoo
Sango and Jelani, Austin Zoo’s 4-year-old Transvaal lions (Credit: Austin Zoo)
Austin Zoo has been home to rescue animals for over two decades. With over 300 animals from at least 100 different species, this beloved local institution is a great place to spend time around four-legged friends. The zoo is a self-guided one, but has plenty of staff members ready to help. It’s home to a rare family of Barbary lions, African lions, and emus, as well as several other exotic animals.
The nonprofit works hard to give furry residents the best life possible and it shows in how content the animals appear. The zookeepers give entertaining, educational talks routinely. Try to catch one, if you can!
10808 Rawhide Trail – Website
➡ Keep reading: “What to Expect During Your Trip to Austin Zoo”
4/ Tiny Tails to You Petting Zoo
One of many cute, furry animals that are a part of Tiny Tails to You Traveling Petting Zoo (Credits: Tiny Tails to You)
Tiny Tails to You is full of cute, fluffy animals, approved for snuggles. The best part is that you don’t have to go to them – Tiny Tails brings the petting zoo to you! The creative local business has several species of animals, from bunnies and chicks, to hedgehogs and even some reptiles.
Austin’s traveling petting zoo prides itself on its humane way of raising the animals, always putting the safety of the animals first. To uphold this ethos, Tiny Tails sets up safe and comfortable environments for the animals, as well as visitors. Tiny Tails to You offers several packages for a variety of events for children and adults. The business even offers a pet therapy setup.
5/ 1Dog1Hour
One of the many friendly faces at Austin Animal Center who would love a walking buddy! (Credit: Eileen McFall)
This local grassroots movement is all about getting healthy while giving a furry friend a break from the shelter. 1Dog1Hour is the brainchild of two Austin ladies, Melissa and Catelyn. They came up with the idea after volunteering at local shelters. They noticed an improvement in the behavior of shelter dogs as the result of interaction. It’s a simple concept: take one shelter dog for a one-hour walk, whenever your schedule permits and however many times you want. Visit Austin Animal Center to meet your new walking buddy.
7201 Levander Loop, Building A – Website
@theAustinot wants to know:
What’s your favorite fun thing to do with animals in Austin?
