Dogs Thrive in Austin, Texas

Fall is officially a few days away and that means cooler temperatures are on the way which will make Austin more enjoyable for humans and pets alike. Austin is a very dog-friendly city, with plenty of places for dogs to play, swim*, and explore outside. Now that our record breaking summer heat in Texas is (hopefully) coming to an end, here are a few of the best places to take your dog in Austin:

• Zilker Park: Zilker Park is a huge park in the heart of Austin near the Mopac Loop 1 highway. It has lots of space for dogs (and humans) to picnic, run, and play. 
• Dog Parks: There are several off-leash designated areas for dogs in Austin. These can be a simple enclosed dog park, open parks, places with walking paths, and grassy open areas.  You and your dog have lots of options!
• Lady Bird Lake aka: Town Lake Trail: The Town Lake Trail (technically a reservoir) is a 10-mile paved trail that runs along Lady Bird Lake. Most of the trail has large trees for shading and is a great place to take your dog for a walk or run. This trail has easy and abundant free parking under the Mopac highway aka Loop 1. 
• Red Bud Isle: Red Bud Isle is a 13-acre area on the far west end of Lady Bird Lake. Dogs are allowed to run off-leash, and there is lots of shade, and access to the lake.
• Shoal Creek Greenbelt: This ribbon of a park spans nearly 81 acres, which include shady trails and a dog park. It is located at 2600 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78705. 
• Neighbors Dog Park & Cafe: This dog park and cafe is in south Austin and has a large fenced-in area for dogs to play, as well as a patio where you can enjoy a meal or drink while your dog frolics with new friends. It is located at 5609 S Congress Ave #220, Austin, TX 78745.
• Yard Bar: This is in north Austin and similar to Neighbors Dog Park and has a large outdoor area filled with patio tables where you can lounge and drink refreshing beverages from the full service bar while your dog mingles with the others. There is also food available at the patio area next to the main park.
  
  

In addition to these outdoor spaces, there are also many dog-friendly businesses in Austin. Many restaurants, bars, and shops allow dogs on their property or patios. 

Don't have a dog? Thinking of getting a dog? Adopting a dog in Austin is a great way to enjoy daily life and the outdoors, and a great way to meet people. Where to adopt a dog in Austin? There are several shelters and rescue organizations that have dogs and cats available for adoption.

Some of the most popular shelters include:

• Austin Pets Alive!
• Austin Humane Society
• Austin Animal Center
• Texas Humane Heroes
• Friends of Austin Animal Center

In addition to shelters, there are many breed-specific dog rescue organizations in Austin and surrounding areas that a quick google search can reveal. 

Austin is a great place to live with a dog (or cat). There are many places for dogs to play, swim*, and explore. There are also a plethora of dog-friendly businesses, services, and accommodations in the city. Need a recommendation? Ask us!

*Be careful about your dog in water, the algae in Austin waters can be toxic to pets.

Dog on kayak approaching downtown Austin, Texas. Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash