Four-legged Hoosiers live the good life in Indianapolis, where there are many dog-friendly
parks,
trails, events, and businesses. Here are some places and activities you can enjoy with your furbaby in Indy!
Dog-friendly eateries in Indianapolis
Grab a bite to eat with your pup at these dog-friendly eateries in the city!
Metazoa Brewing Company
Where in Indianapolis can you drink beer, help animals, and socialize your dog all at the same time? At the Metazoa Brewing Company, that’s where! This craft brewery in Downtown Indy offers more than 16 craft beers on tap, donates 5% of its profits to animal and wildlife organizations, and even has its own dog park! Your furry friend can also join you on the patio and inside the taproom.
Fire by the Monon
Serving casual American fare and craft beers, this Broad Ripple restaurant is praised by patrons for its food and service. Snag an outdoor table on the patio and tuck into your dirty mac and cheese while Fido relaxes at your feet. There is no dog menu, but canine customers do get water and treats.
Public Greens
This modern cafeteria on the
Monon Trail serves a rotating menu of bowls and handheld items, with several gluten-free and vegan options. Dishes are prepared with produce and herbs from its own urban microfarm, and profits are donated to an anti-hunger organization. Your pup is welcome to join you on the patio, where you can watch other people and dogs walking along the trail.
Dog-friendly activities in Indianapolis
Don’t leave your best friend at home, dogs are welcome at these activities around Indy!
Wheel Fun Rentals
Hop onto a swan pedal boat and experience Downtown Indianapolis in a new way as you glide down the Central Canal. Each swan boat fits up to five passengers (whether human or canine) so bring the whole pack! You can also bring food and drinks aboard, so remember to pack treats for the pups.
Tibbs Drive-In Theatre
Family owned and operated since 1967, Tibbs is the only drive-in theater in Indianapolis, showing a mix of current releases and classic titles. Your pup is welcome to join you for movie night under the stars, but must be kept on a leash when outside your vehicle.
Pins Mechanical Company
Meeting your friends for games and drinks at Pins Mechanical Company? Bring your pooch along to this hip hangout, where four-legged guests are allowed inside on all levels. Show off your duckpin and foosball skills as your loyal companion cheers you on!
Where to take pics of your dog in Indianapolis
Got a pup who loves to ham it up for the camera? Take them to these places for pawsome photos!
Garfield Park Sunken Garden
Paved walkways, historic fountains, and seasonal flower displays make the Sunken Garden one of the most picturesque spots in Garfield Park. This 3-acre European formal garden blooms with tulips in the spring, annuals in the summer, and mums in the fall.
Bottleworks District
Once the world’s largest Coca-Cola bottling plant, this mixed-use neighborhood retains its retro charm with Art Deco architecture and brick streets, making it a great location for cute photos. Photogenic buildings include The Garage Food Hall, Living Room Theaters, and Bottleworks Hotel (which is also pet-friendly!).
Indianapolis Art Center ARTSPARK
The Indianapolis Art Center’s ARTSPARK is a sculpture park located along the Monon Trail and White River. More than 27 interactive sculptures by various artists dot the landscape of this 9.5-acre site, so you’ll find plenty of photo opportunities here!
Holliday Park Ruins
The centerpiece of Holliday Park, the Ruins comprise various pieces that were salvaged from demolished buildings, including three sculptures that were originally part of the St. Paul Building in New York. It has become a favorite photo spot among Hoosiers since its opening in 2016.
Ndy Sculptures
Let your dog become the “I” in Indy with these fun interactive sculptures. Simply have them sit on the footprints and snap their photo. The sculptures rotate around the city, and right now they can be found at Highland Park, Lugar Plaza, Indianapolis International Airport, Massachusetts Avenue and Alabama Street, and the Bicentennial Unity Plaza.
Dog-friendly event in Indianapolis
Mutt Strut: Biscuits and Brews
Mutt Strut, the largest annual fundraising event benefiting IndyHumane, is back for its 20th year! This family-friendly event will include a 5K fun run,
Dachshund derby, costume contest, and parade of adoptable dogs. All 5K participants will get a race bib, event T-shirt, drink tickets, and an opportunity to sample various human and dog biscuits from local bakeries and restaurants—yum! All finishers will also receive a medal that you can proudly show off to your friends.
Mutt Strut: Biscuits and Brews is happening on October 14, 2023, 10 AM at the Celebration Plaza Amphitheater in White River State Park. Registration is $45 for adults and $35 for kids ages 15 and under. There’s also an option if you can’t attend but would still like to get the T-shirt. To register, donate, or sign up as a volunteer, visit the Mutt Strut 2023
website!
Animal shelter spotlight in Indianapolis
Rosie’s Southside Animal Shelter
Rosie’s Southside Animal Shelter is a no-kill shelter located on the southside of Indianapolis. It was founded by Rosie Ellis, who started rescuing stray kittens in her home in 1987. In 1994, she and her son purchased the property where the shelter is currently located. Construction began the following year after nonprofit status and zoning approval were granted. Southside Animal Shelter has rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed over a thousand at-risk dogs and cats each year since 1995.
Thinking of adding a furry member to your family? See Southside Animal Shelter’s adoptable dogs and cats on its
website,
Facebook, or
Instagram. Adoption fees include spay/neuter, vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, a bag of food, and a wellness exam.