Tips for Owning a Dog in Washington D.C.
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Washington DC, the capital of the United States, is defined by numerous iconic sites such as the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol Building, and of course, the White House. Not only can you visit many of the city's famous landmarks with your doggo, but you'll also find various spots where you can exercise and relax with your canine buddy, from parks and green spaces, to bars and restaurants with pooch-friendly patios. You'll discover that there's always something to do and somewhere to go with your pup in Washington DC, making the District a woofderful place to live with a dog!
Research Pooch-Friendly Apartments
If you and Fido are new to the nation's capital, you'll be pleased to know that more and more apartments in the Washington muttropolitan area are becoming pet-friendly! In fact, many developments go above and beyond for their four-legged tenants, offering pawsome amenities such as rooftop dog parks, grooming stations, and indoor running tracks! Be sure to schedule a meeting with building management so you can tour the property and confirm if there are any pet fees and restrictions. With several options available, you and your pup should be able to settle into your new home in no time!
Tour the City's Monuments
One can't reside in Washington DC and not see the city's iconic monuments. The good news is, most of them welcome furry visitors, so leash your pooch up and get ready to brush up on American history! Fido is allowed to join you in some areas of the National Mall and throughout the entire FDR and MLK Memorials. Remember to bring plenty of water for your canine pal, especially during the hot summer months. You and Fido can also take a dog-friendly pedicab tour if you prefer to do a little less walking!
Take a Trip Down the Potomac River
Enjoy puptacular views of the city from the Potomac with your four-legged pal! Capitol River Cruises offers 45-minute narrated boat tours that will take you and your doggo to puptastic sites such as the Key Bridge, Roosevelt Island, the US Capitol, the LBJ Memorial, and many more. Plan your trip around the cherry blossom season so you can see these beautiful blooms as well! If you'd rather explore the river at your own pace, you and your pooch can rent a kayak or canoe from Key Bridge Boathouse.
Exercise at Local Parks and Trails
With several pup-friendly parks and trails in DC, it's easy for Washington doggos to get their daily exercise. You can take your canine companion for a stroll at the National Arboretum or Smithsonian Gardens, or let them romp unfettered at the S Street or Shaw Dog Parks. If you and Fido are up for a workout/adventure, hit the Mount Vernon Trail, an 18-mile multi-use path that offers furrific views of the city's skyline. With the exception of off-leash dog parks, be sure to keep your best friend on a leash at all times!
Explore the City's Gastronomic Delights
Dog-friendly restaurants abound in the District—in fact, there are over 350 of them! A few of the eateries where you can grab lunch with Fido in tow are Cafe Ole, Chef Geoff's, Logan Tavern, RedRocks, and Art and Soul, which even has a special menu for furry patrons! If you're looking for a place to grab a drink, look no further than Atlas Brew Works, Bluejacket, and Bardo Brewing, where dogs are permitted to go off-leash in the spacious outdoor area.
