Dogs are lovable creatures that are loyal and, let’s face it, needy. It’s natural to want to bring your dog with you everywhere, especially when you’re visiting a city like Calgary.
You’ll be glad to know that there are lots of spots to explore because it’s a very pet-friendly place. Whether you want to go for a leash-free hangout or need some pet-centric assistance, there are lots of options to be found in Calgary.
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Top-Rated Dog Parks
There are hundreds of off-leash options for your dog in Calgary, but one of the best places you can go is a dog park. This will let your dog run free, have fun, and even mingle with other pets.
According to pet studies featured in The Wildest, bringing your canine to a dog park can improve their overall well-being both physically and emotionally. Exposure improves their socialization and also makes them more comfortable with busy environments.
The best off-leash park you can find is Sue Higgins Park, which has a 4.7-star rating on Google for the main zone and an even higher 4.8-star rating for its off-leash area.
The area is open and well-maintained, but it still has solid fencing so that you won’t have a hard time reaching your dog if they start straying off. It has a large space with various trails and water spots for you and your pet to enjoy.
The Silver Springs Off-Leash Park actually has an overall rating of 4.8 stars, though it has significantly fewer reviews. It’s genuinely a great space with tons of natural sights and gardens, though it’s not fully fenced to keep your dogs in.
Finally, River Park Off-Leash Dog Park also has a 4.7-star rating. It has a powerful lighting system that makes it great for night or early morning visits, but the real highlight is the swimming area, which is safe and pet-friendly.
If you want to check out other options, you’ll be glad to know that there are 157 public off-leash parks officially approved by the city of Calgary.
Pet-Friendly Attractions
You may want to do other activities that aren’t specifically tied to your dog as the primary audience. Thankfully, there are many attractions in Calgary that allow pets to tag along.
While there are tons of spots to explore in the city, we’ll cover a few of the best ones you and your dog can check out.
Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dancehall is a really fun Western-themed bar with a great dance floor, a fully-functional mechanical bull, and a delectable selection of ribs and other ranchhouse delights.
It’s fun for you and has a special patio that you can bring your dog to! It’s a fun experience for both pet and owner, provided that you have proof of vaccination and a leash.
If you’re interested in cultural sites, you can go to Fort Calgary. Preserved over the years, this place has such a rich history that you can really dive into when you stop by.
Although dogs aren’t allowed inside the actual buildings, they are allowed to explore the grounds as long as they are leashed.
If you’re looking to kick back and explore some local brews, then you may enjoy a visit to the Cold Garden Beverage Company. It’s a local brewhouse with a really interesting industrial aesthetic that you can visit any day of the week!
Dogs are extremely welcome here, so your dog won’t have to worry about any unwanted stares or being relegated to a corner. It’s worth a visit for the awesome craft beers you get to taste and the fun community.
City Safety and Walkability With Pets
If you’re just thinking of walking around the city with your dog, you’ll be glad to know that Calgary is quite safe for pedestrians. It’s also very walkable, actually being considered as having one of the world’s most walkable city centers.
The Calgary Herald even notes that you can walk “the entire length of the city center” without coming across a vehicle. Under good weather conditions, you should be able to happily go about your way with your dog.
The “Look Out For Each Other” campaign in the city also puts pedestrian safety at the forefront, so any sidewalks near major roadways should largely be safe to traverse.
Finally, Calgary also has tons of strict laws made to protect animals. The Animal Protection Act is supposed to provide provisions and resources for animals that are being mistreated or in distress.
Where to Eat With Your Dog
Calgary has many traditional and vegan options that you can try. While not all places will allow you to bring your dog with you, there are many pet-friendly spots that either let you eat inside or outside.
If you’re hankering for something to satisfy your sweet tooth, you may enjoy Village Ice Cream. They have a huge variety of flavors that are all winners, and you can chill in their outdoor sections with your dog.
What’s even better is that they occasionally release ice cream flavors that are safe for your dog to eat, but make sure to ask as these are limited releases.
If you want vegan options that are delicious and exciting, head on down to Vegan Street Kitchen & Lounge. It’s a cozy place with weekly features you can enjoy.
More importantly, you can enjoy your vegan food with your dog right next to you as they also have outside tables you can sit in.
Finally, if you’re looking for something more indulgent, you can visit Boston Pizza. While their obvious specialty is pizza, you can also get sandwiches and burgers.
They are also quite proudly dog-friendly, so you should have no problem having a slice while your dog naps by your feet.
Vets and Dog Services in Calgary
If you need a nice doggy daycare center, you should check out PAWS Dog Daycare. They’ve been in business for more than a decade and have valuable experience with all manner of breeds and personalities.
The place itself is nice but the real highlight is the staff. Every member of the staff is very patient, kind, and knowledgable about different dogs and their nuances.
Should you be having a particularly busy day but still want your dog to get out and see the sights safely, A Bark in The Park Dog Services Inc. is a solid choice to give your dog a walk.
They do private and group walks, have a great track record for different-sized dogs, and know how to pair them up with others. They also offer grooming services.
Finally, if you need medical attention for your dog or simply want to have them checked out, there are many great veterinarians in Calgary. One vet that’s great at both traditional and alternative medicine is Legacy Veterinary Clinic.
The staff is very compassionate and will likely do their best to give your dog the treatment they deserve. It’s also great that they offer different financing options through third-party lenders.
Accommodations For You and Your Pup
When in Calgary, you’re obviously going to have to think about where you’re going to stay. Unless you’ve already got family or a set place to stay, you may want to consider what accommodations will be best for you and your dog.
If you’re in need of a hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn and Four Points by Sheraton are good options that have consistently good ratings from visitors. More importantly, they are pet-friendly.
If you don’t think a hotel is a sustainable choice for you, then you can even rent a place for a while. You’re not stuck to apartment options, either, as there are many homes for rent in Calgary.
Renting a place will also give you and your dog a bit more freedom than other options.
So if you’re planning to visit Calgary, these tidbits should be able to help you figure out where you can bring your dog.
Calgary is a very pet-friendly city, and there is no shortage of options whether you’re looking to have an adventure with your pup or just go about your regular daily activities. You shouldn’t have trouble getting around the place and finding somewhere to go together.
