Dog-friendly restaurants in Tampa
After all that fresh air and exercise exploring Tampa with your doggo, your stomachs may be growling! Head over to one of these dog-friendly restaurants for a bite.
Pups Pub
Humans are welcome to join their dogs for a treat at
Pups Pub. This unique indoor and outdoor off-leash dog bar is a great place for you and your pal to meet new friends. They feature handcrafted “dogtails,” a full-liquor bar, and a rotating line-up of food trucks. Canines need to be up to date on their
rabies and
parvo vaccines, and spayed or neutered if they are over a year old.
Ulele
Ulele is a dog-friendly restaurant at the pawfect location, along Tampa’s Riverwalk and right next to a dog park. After burning some calories, you can grab some chow with your canine companion. This restaurant features a unique menu that commemorates Florida’s historic Native American land and waters. They even have a special ice cream made specially for four-legged friends.
City Dog Cantina
When you’re craving Mexican food,
City Dog Cantina is a great place to go with your little “mascota” (or pet). This relaxed bar and eatery has an outdoor, dog-friendly space right in the bustling Channel District in downtown Tampa.
Mad Dogs & Englishmen
Mad Dogs & Englishmen is a fine English pub that offers tasty food, pints, and a good time with your pal. Their menu even has some special meals for four-legged friends like a chicken breast or hamburger patty. The partially shaded patio welcomes dogs. Check it out on a Saturday night for some live music!
Tampa Bay Brewing Company
A visit to Tampa would be lacking without a stop at
Tampa Bay Brewing Company for some local flavor. Located in the trendy Ybor City neighborhood of Tampa, this brewery features a large patio, great food, and a wide selection of beers. Your pup will be greeted with a bowl full of water and a dog menu.
Dog-friendly event in Tampa
Most pups are big fans of playing ball, but have you ever tried bringing your canine to a baseball game? Every Tuesday home game from April 18, 2023, to August 29, 2023, the Tampa Tarpons baseball team is having
Tail Waggin’ $2 Tuesdays. Not only is your furry friend welcome, but tickets (for dogs and humans) and select concession items are only two dollars through the second inning! This minor league Yankees-affiliate team plays at George Steinbrenner Field, and the event is hosted by Dog Bar. Check the Tampa Tarpons website for dates and tickets.
Be sure to keep your doggo leashed and pick up after them. And as tempting as it may be, dogs may not participate in the ball game!
Story of a famous dog in Tampa
Bolt, the yellow lab’s life changed directions when he was dismissed from his
guide dog training program. Sadly, they discovered an eye condition that wouldn’t allow him to follow that dream, but instead, he’s capturing the hearts of Tampa Bay Lightning Fans!
Bolt was adopted by a Lightning employee and quickly became a recognizable feature of the Lightning games because of his energetic and friendly spirit. The furball is now a staple for Tampa Bay fans. His bark is even a featured sound after the National Anthem is played and throughout home games! His official tasks involve joining the hype on game days and playing with employees and fans.
Bolt has even become a brand ambassador for the program that he was removed from, Southeastern Guide Dogs. To bring awareness to the organization’s services, he proudly wears their vest to the game and features them on his
Instagram, where he has a whopping 21.5K followers.
Where to take pics of your dog in Tampa
While exploring the city with your pooch, you’ll want to capture the memories! Here are some of the top Instagram-worthy spots to take pics around Tampa.
Tampa Riverwalk
This 2.6-mile dog-friendly walk in Tampa along the Hillsborough River is home to 3 dog parks, several restaurants, shopping, art, amazing skylines and more! With pawlenty of furbulous photo-ops, from fountains to colorful nighttime lighting, this waterfront stroll is sure to spur your creativity.
City of Tampa mural
If you want a picture that looks like a vintage postcard from Tampa, head downtown to the City of Tampa mural. It’s located at 1102 N Florida Ave. You can’t miss this vibrant, iconic artwork painted by Carl Cowden III.
Kerby’s Nursery
For some gorgeous floral scenery, where better to go than a nursery?
Kerby’s Nursery welcomes pets and even hosts an annual Plants and Pets event, typically held in August. The butterfly murals are the pawfect photo op. They even have a mini butterfly wing mural where pets and children can have their pictures taken. Pets need to be kept on a leash, and the staff will provide water if your pup gets thirsty!
Tampa Theater
For some cinematic magic, head over to Tampa Theater. This ornate movie palace built in 1926 provides a dreamy backdrop for photos with your pet. It’s located at 711 North Franklin Street. A photo of the glowing Tampa sign will bring back great memories of strolling the streets with your fur baby.
Animal Shelter Spotlight in Tampa
For more than 100 years, the
Tampa Bay Humane Society has been dedicated to ending animal homelessness and providing care for pets. This non-profit organization’s core values include compassion, commitment, and community. “Compassion and respect for all, each other and animals”, “commitment to lead the way in animal welfare” and “serving the community with optimism and integrity.”
In 2012, TBHS opened a full-service animal hospital that offers affordable and accessible services to pet owners. This includes vaccinations, spaying, and neutering surgeries,
microchipping, and basic medical care. By providing these services, they help pet owners properly care for their animals and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.
On top of striving to find a safe haven for animals and finding them loving, forever homes, TBHS places a strong emphasis on education and community outreach through programs and workshops. Their adoption programs, affordable veterinary services, community outreach efforts, and volunteer opportunities have changed the lives of countless pets and pet parents. Check out their website for a list of fun
events, and other ways you can help.