Dog walking in Washington

Dog-friendly event in Washington

On a summer day in Washington, skip the dog park and head to the ballpark instead. Thanks to Pups in the Park hosted by Pedigree Foundation, you and your canine companion will both get to enjoy a game at Nationals Park with other dogs and dog lovers from seats in the pet-friendly outfield reserved section. 

There are games from April to September, and a seat for your dog will cost $10. Pet parents need to sign the waiver and bring it to the game in order to bring their dog into Nationals Park. All proceeds from dog ticket sales will be donated to the Humane Rescue Alliance. For more information head over to the Nationals website. Your fluffy baseball fan with thank you!

Stories about famous dogs in Washington

The White House has been home to presidential pups consistently throughout the 1900s and well into the 21st century. A few of these dogsters have left quite a legacy. 

Sweet Lips

Our first president was a dog fanatic! It’s believed George Washington owned some 50 or so dogs and even created an entirely new dog breed: the American Foxhound. He was an avid fox hunter and wanted a superior dog that was speedy, intelligent, and had a strong sense of smell. This led to him cross-breeding his Black and Tan Coonhounds with French Hounds to create the American Foxhound. He described his pup Sweet Lips as “the perfect foxhound”. It’s clear by her endearing name that Sweet Lips was one of his favorite furry friends! 

Pushinka

Pushinka (“Fluffy” in Russian) is more than just a presidential mascot. She’s famous for good reason: her mother, Strelka, was the first dog to fly into space and return safely; she was accused of being a Russian puppy spy; and she may have helped save the world from nuclear destruction. Pushinka was a gift from the Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev to the President of the United States, John F. Kennedy in 1961. When she arrived, she was examined by the CIA for fear that she might be concealing a listening device. When tensions were high during the Cold War, many believe that JFK and Khrushchev's communication—and their gifts such as cute Pushinka—helped end the Cold War!

Fala 

Murray the Outlaw of Falahill, or Fala for short, is pawsibly the favorite presidential pup and the only one honored with a statue. This Scottish Terrier was Franklin Roosevelt’s best canine pal. Treated like true royalty, he was served a bone on the President's breakfast tray and slept on an exclusive chair at the foot of Roosevelt's bed. They traveled together on ships and planes to countless meetings, speeches, and engagements around the world. So famous was Fala that U.S. soldiers during World War II would often ask each other the name of Roosevelt’s dog as a password to prevent German infiltration within their lines.

Dog-friendly restaurants in Washington

The Salt Line

The Salt Line is the ideal place to bring your seaworthy pup. This seafood-focused restaurant is located in the Navy Yard area of Washington, DC. It’s known for its dog-friendly patio, which is open year-round and provides a great view of the Anacostia River. They even have a dog menu featuring options like the "Puppy Chowder" and "Doggy Biscuits."

Wet Dog Tavern

Wet Dog Tavern is DC’s first pet-friendly bar garden. It was named in memory of the owner’s late dog and created with dog lovers in mind. They welcome and encourage you to bring your well-behaved pupper. Dogs have to stay on the patio, but there are heaters to keep it open all year. They offer drinks, snacks, and a burger menu.

The Coupe

The Coupe is the restaurant all the dogs are barking about in the Columbia Heights area of DC. They have a spacious outdoor patio that is dog-friendly and perfect for brunch or dinner. They also have a dog menu with items like "Pupperoni Pizza" and "Chicken and Rice."

Dacha Beer Garden

Don’t furget to add Dacha Beer Garden to your pup-crawl! This popular outdoor beer garden is located in the Navy Yard. They have a large outdoor space with picnic tables, string lights, and a chill atmosphere your pup will love. Dogs are welcome to join their owners on the patio, and they even have a "Dog of the Month" program.

District Winery

For the classier canines, head over to District Winery in the Navy Yard. This winery and restaurant offers a dog-friendly patio where you can enjoy gorgeous views of the Anacostia River and the DC skyline with your furry friend. They offer a wide variety of wines, as well as a seasonal menu that features locally-sourced ingredients.

Dog-friendly trails in Washington

If you and your pup fancy a walk, check out these puptastic trails in Washington, DC!

Mount Vernon Trail

The Mount Vernon Trail is a 17-mile trail that runs along the Potomac River from George Washington's Mount Vernon estate to Theodore Roosevelt Island. It’s mostly paved, with some boardwalks through the wetlands. The trail is a popular destination for dog owners and has a little bit of everything: views of the river, parks, wooded areas, towns, and nearby monuments. 

Anacostia River Trail

The Anacostia River Trail is a 20-mile trail that runs along both sides of the Anacostia River from Prince George's County, Maryland to Washington DC. This trail is a busy place, but it’s designed to support it! The trail is 10-12 feet wide and designed to accommodate all kinds - from cyclists to runners and skaters to walkers, and their dogs of course! Along the way, you’ll find seating, system maps, bike racks, and interactive maps. 

Theodore Roosevelt Island Trail

A Presidential trail for the prestigious pup! The Theodore Roosevelt Island Trail is perfect for when you want a short but sweet outing with your furry friend. It’s a 1.5-mile loop trail that runs through a wooded island in the Potomac River. Although it’s relatively short, it’s big on views of the river and nearby wildlife. 

C&O Canal Towpath Trail

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath Trail is a 184.5-mile dirt and stone pathway that runs from Washington DC to Cumberland, Maryland. It was originally built for the canal mules to walk beside the canal as they “towed” the canal boats through the waterway. Along the trail, you’ll get to enjoy scenic views, historical landmarks, and wildlife sightings with your fur baby. 

Animal shelter spotlight in Washington

The Humane Rescue Alliance is doing much of the heavy lifting for animal welfare in DC. It’s the largest animal services provider in the region, with five campuses in the District of Columbia and New Jersey. They touch the lives of over 100,000 animals annually, conquering problems big and small. They go beyond just animal rescue and adoption. HRA offers animal control and law enforcement, low-cost spay and neuter services, pet behavior and training programs, and humane education programs for children and adults. They even have the largest disaster response team on the East Coast, allowing HRA to deploy on a moment’s notice to ensure animals survive and can be reunited with their families.

HRA is a giant in the region, and its mission is to protect animals, support families, and advocate for positive change to create a more humane community in the DC area. Looking to adopt a new family member from Humane Rescue Alliance? Check their website for a pop-up adoption event near you!