Dog walking in Palmer

Downtown Palmer

Palmer is home to the annual Alaska State Fair, and hosts the doggone exciting competition of Flyball. This dog sport is second to only sledding in dog-based competition in Alaska. Flyball operates like a relay team only with dogs. At the end of the relay, there is a specially designed box that the dog must press to release the ball for the next in the relay. Dogs of every size, and breed can be a part of a Flyball team. If not on a team, dogs may wag on their favorite competitors.  The Fair runs every year in August.

Talkeetna

Hatcher’s Pass, located 12 miles north of Palmer in the Talkeetna Mountains, provides rugged backcountry hiking. The pass  is maintained by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.This beautiful trail into the mountains will exercise even the fittest working dog. Dogs may walk off-leash, but dog and person are advised to stay on the trail lest an encounter with a bear could make for a ruff misadventure. This trail is only passable on foot a few short months of the year so bring water, food, and some well-functioning hearts. In the winter, the pass is popular with snowboarders and skiers. Most dogs -- apart from sled dogs -- would opt for visiting during the summer, since things are slow-going on the Pass in fall and winter.

Sutton-Alpine

Matanuska State Park in Sutton-Alpine, located an hour’s drive away from Palmer, has it all: camping, hiking, biking, fishing, and outdoor fun for tailed and tailless.The park has a boat launch and boat rental, and the waters are also stocked with trout. Dogs are not prohibited from any activities. Polite dogs may traverse the many hiking trails off-leash. However, you’ll need to keep your furry friend on a leash at the campsite. There are quiet hours enforced at the campground so no barking, please. This is a fur and family-friendly park, and campers are asked to clean up after their dogs especially on hiking trails. The park is open year round.

Wasilla

Lake Lucile Park in Wasilla, just 20 minutes outside of Palmer, gives dogs a chance to be dogs in a breathtaking outdoor setting. This park offers camping, fishing, and swimming. Dogs can roam free outside the main camping area, where there are few restrictions. Well-behaved dogs may stay off-leash under their owner’s guidance. If your puptastic pal wants to make a few furr-ends, let him play in the expansive, on-site dog park, open all year from 8 a.m until 10 p.m.  The dog park is located at the entrance of Lake Lucile park. It’s a good place to stretch your legs before heading out for a day’s adventure on Alaska’s scenic roadways.

South Palmer

Alaska TLC Kennels, at 2031 S Terrace Court in Palmer, provides a home away from home for dogs who need to board.  This boarding facility has 14 fenced exercise areas for dogs to enjoy during their stay.  Alaska TLC Kennels limits the number of boarders so is a good idea to call in advance to hold your spot. Dogs that board can get down and dirty with their fellow furry friends in the yard four times a day. The business also offers full service grooming to both boarders and non-boarders who just want a little pampering. Give your pal a treat with the puppy pedicure, a popular service at Alaska TLC.