Dog-friendly Guide to Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington is often considered one of the most dog-friendly cities in the United States. The city is home to a large number of dog parks, dog-friendly restaurants and cafes, and even a few dog-friendly hotels. In addition, Seattle also has a strong animal welfare community. It’s a fantastic place to live with dogs and a wonderful place to visit as well. Here’s the ultimate dog-friendly guide to Seattle.
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Side note: This post was written by Tammi, a local of Seattle. This way, you can be sure you are reading the best and most accurate dog-friendly guide to Seattle. Locals know best! See the author’s bio at the end for more information
Table of Contents
Dog-friendly Things to do in Seattle:
Seattle has over a dozen off-leash dog parks, which are often located in scenic areas with hiking trails or waterfront views. Many of these parks have separate areas for small dogs and large dogs, and some even have designated swimming areas for dogs. Below are some of my favorite dog-friendly things to do in Seattle!
Discovery Park
This 534-acre park is located on the shores of Puget Sound and offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. The park features several trails for hiking and walking, as well as off-leash areas for dogs to run and play. A must-see when visiting Seattle, especially on a clear day.
- Cost: free
- Hours: 4am to 11:30pm
- Physical Address: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199
Green Lake Park
This popular park is in the heart of Seattle and offers a 2.8-mile paved trail for walking or running. Dogs are welcome on leash, are allowed on the shores and in the water, and will appreciate the huge variety of birds to be seen along the path.
- Cost: free to enter, several free and low-cost parking lots
- Hours: open 24 hours
- Physical Address: 7201 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115
Magnuson Park
One of the most popular off-leash dog parks in Seattle is Magnuson Park. Located in northeast Seattle, Magnuson Park is the largest off-leash dog park in the city, with over 8 acres of fenced-in space for dogs to run and play. The park also has a designated area for small dogs, a dog beach for swimming, and several hiking trails for on-leash walks.
- Cost: free
- Hours: 4am to 11:30pm
- Physical Address: 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115
Edmonds Dog Park, Marina Beach
Just north of Seattle a lovely fenced off area of Marina Beach has been set aside for dogs, complete with an obstacle course for canine exploration. Dogs are also welcome, on-leash, to stroll the boardwalk of Edmonds Waterfront Park.
- Cost: free
- Hours: 7am to 9:30pm
- Physical Address: 470 Admiral Way, Edmonds, WA 98020
Marymoor Park
While this park is located just outside of Seattle in Redmond, it is one of the largest dog parks in the area and offers plenty of space for your dog to run and play. It is a favorite for dogs and their owners in all parts of western Washington, with over 40 acres of farmland, including a swimming area.
- Cost: free
- Hours: 8am to 8:00pm
- Physical Address: 6046 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE, Redmond, WA 98052
Rattlesnake Ledge Trail
The Rattlesnake Ledge hike, one of many wonderful hikes in North Bend (just 30 miles from downtown Seattle), is a popular and fantastic dog-friendly trail with an amazing view from the top. About 4 miles round trip on a well-maintained trail, with an elevation gain of approximately 1200 feet. The hike is considered moderate in difficulty.
- Cost: free
- Hours: dawn to dusk
- Physical Address: 17905 Cedar Falls Road SE. North Bend, WA 98045.
Mt Si Trail
The Mt Si Trail, also in North Bend, is a challenging 8-mile hike that rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the Snoqualmie Valley, Mount Rainier, and the Cascade Mountains. It’s one of the most popular hikes in Washington state.
- Cost: Discover Pass required
- Hours: dawn to dusk
- Physical Address: 2.4 miles, on the left, of Mt Si Road, North Bend, WA 98045
City Scavenger Hunt
You and your pup can explore Seattle with the help of Let’s Roam’s fun and affordable self-guided scavenger hunts. There are 7 Seattle tours to choose from that range from walking .5 miles to 3 miles. The Supreme Mural Hunt is a fun one (and full of Instagrammable moments!)
- Cost: $12.99 per player
- Hours: Self-guided
- Physical Address: Depends on Scavenger Hunt
Seattle Water Tours- Ice Cream Cruise
How cool is a dog-friendly cruise?! AND there’s ice cream involved! Seattle Water Tours has a pup-friendly cruise that departs every hour on the hour every Sunday (and Saturdays in the summer). During the 45-minute cruise, you can enjoy your ice cream and some of the best views of Seattle.
- Cost: $18 (adults)
- Hours: 11:00 am- 3:00 pm (Sundays from March- October and Saturdays from June-August).
- Physical Address: 860 Terry Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109 (or search MOHAI Seattle)
Dog-friendly Retail/shops in Seattle
There are many dog-friendly retail shops in Seattle! Here are a few examples:
Mud Bay
This awesome pet store chain has several locations in Seattle and allows dogs to come inside with their owners. They offer a wide range of products for dogs, including food, treats, toys, and grooming supplies.
- Hours: 9am to 7 pm Sat & Sun, 10am to 7:30 Mon – Fri
- Physical Address: 522 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
Elliott Bay Book Company
While not a pet store, this popular independent bookstore in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood is known for its dog-friendly policy. Dogs are allowed to browse the shelves with their owners, and the store even has a resident canine, a friendly black Lab named Ada.
- Hours: 10am to 10pm
- Physical Address: 1521 10th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
Ballard Sunday Farmers Market
This family and dog-friendly market is open year-round and offers a variety of organic foods, flowers, and other products. They have live music, hot lunch items, and a lovely atmosphere.
- Hours: 9am to 3pm on Sunday
- Physical Address: 5345 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Dog-friendly Restaurants in Seattle:
Seattle’s dog-friendly culture extends beyond just its parks. The city also has many restaurants with seating areas that allow dogs, and some even have special menus for dogs.
Norm’s Eatery & Ale House
Also known as Norm’s Kitchen and Bar, this charming pub serves classic American food and local beer. Dogs are allowed inside and outside on the patio as well.
- Hours: 11am to 10pm MTWTh, 11 am to 2pm F, 10am to noon S, 10am to 3pm U
- Physical Address: 460 N 36th St, Seattle, WA, US, 98103
Barking Dog Alehouse
This dog-themed bar and restaurant offers a dog-friendly outdoor patio and a menu of classic pub food and delicious local craft beers. This is my favorite in Seattle, for the atmosphere alone. The food is not bad either!
- Hours: 12pm to 9pm TWThF, 10am to 9pm SU
- Physical Address: 705 NW 70th St, Seattle, WA 98117
Optimism Brewing Company
This large brewery hosts events and gatherings, as well as tables for a casually friendly meal. They have heated concrete floors in their dog-friendly outdoor patio and a rotating selection of local beers. While they don’t serve food, they have many food trucks in the area for your choice of cuisine.
- Hours: 12pm to 11pm MTWTh, 12pm to 12am FS, 12pm to 9pm
- Physical Address: 1158 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122
Dog-friendly Stays in Seattle:
Seattle has plenty of dog-friendly accommodations to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels. Here are some top picks.
The Edgewater Hotel
This waterfront hotel offers stunning views of Elliott Bay and is just steps away from the famous Pike Place Market. They welcome dogs of any size and offer a range of amenities including dog beds and bowls, as well as dog-walking and pet-sitting services.
- Physical Address: 2411 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98121
- Pet fees: $100/stay
- Restrictions: 2 pets/room
Book the Edgewater Hotel Here!
Ace Hotel Seattle
A lovely historic building in the heart of Belltown. You can leave your dog alone inside the room if necessary, as long as you provide a contact number in case they need to reach you. A dog-friendly park is close by.
- Physical Address: 2423 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
- Pet fees: no additional charge
- Restrictions: dogs only
Book the Ace Hotel Seattle here!
Kimpton Hotel Monaco
This chic hotel is in the heart of downtown Seattle and welcomes pets of all sizes with no additional fees. They offer a range of amenities such as pet beds, bowls, and a pet concierge service. Your dog may have a better time than you here!
- Physical Address: 1101 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
- Pet fees: no additional charge
- Restrictions: no restrictions
Book the Kimpton Hotel Monaco here!
When is the best time to visit Seattle?
Seattle has a mild climate and is delightful throughout the year, but the best time to visit really depends on your interests and preferences.
If you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring the city’s many parks and gardens, then the summer months from June to September are the best time to visit. The weather is typically warm and dry during this time, with average temperatures ranging from the high 60s to low 80s °F.
If you prefer cooler temperatures and smaller crowds, then the fall months from September to November can be a great time to visit Seattle. The city is still beautiful with the fall foliage, and the temperatures are usually in the 50s and 60s °F.
If you’re interested in winter activities like skiing and snowboarding, then you may want to visit Seattle during the winter months from December to February. While it can be rainy and cold, there are several ski resorts within a few hours’ drive of Seattle, making it a great winter destination.
Dog-friendly packing list for Seattle
If you’re planning a trip with your furry friend, here are some essentials to include on your dog-friendly packing list:
- Dog food and treats: Bring enough food and treats for your dog to last the duration of the trip.
- Water and food bowls: Pack collapsible or portable bowls that are easy to transport.
- Leash and harness: Make sure to bring a sturdy leash and a well-fitting harness.
- Bedding: Bring your dog’s favorite bed or blanket to make them feel more comfortable in a new environment.—This is a great foldable travel bed!
- Toys: Pack a few of your dog’s favorite toys to keep them entertained during downtime.
- Medications: If your dog takes any medications, be sure to bring enough for the entire trip.
- Waste bags: Bring plenty of waste bags to clean up after your dog.
- Towels: Pack a few towels for wiping off muddy paws or drying off after a swim.
- Identification: Make sure your dog has up-to-date identification tags with your contact information.
- Copy of vaccination records: In case of an emergency, it’s always a good idea to have a copy of your dog’s vaccination records on hand.
Final thoughts – Is Seattle dog-friendly?
YES! Seattle, Washington is a very dog-friendly city. From its many off-leash dog parks to its dog-friendly restaurants and hotels, Seattle has something to offer for both dogs and their owners. The city’s strong animal welfare community also serves as a testament to the importance of responsible pet ownership and the value of companion animals in our lives. If you’re a dog lover looking for a great city to explore with your furry friend, Seattle is absolutely worth a visit.
About the author!
Tammi Kaeberlein, author of Wander Healthy, has lived in the Seattle area for well over two decades. She has always had at least one dog child and loves to bring them with her wherever she travels.
If you found this dog-friendly guide to Seattle helpful, be sure to check out my other dog-friendly city guides around the USA!
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