Northshore is a large neighborhood comprised of several subdivisions located east of Houston's central business core. This neighborhood has many local businesses including restaurants, shops, and services along the East Freeway and Federal Road. The Northshore Animal Hospital is situated within walking distance, as are pet-friendly restaurants such as a Sonic Drive-In and Pappas Bar-B-Q, which allow dogs in their outdoor seating areas.
Houston is warm all year around, so visiting these eateries and enjoying their patios is possible on most days. Winters rarely see sub-freezing temperatures or snow and, usually, a light jacket will suffice. Occasional freezing rain episodes do occur in the area and can make walkways treacherous. You may want to postpone your daily walk with your dog until surfaces thaw. During the warmer months, temperatures can soar. Thunderstorms are also frequent and pose a serious hazard to pedestrians and pets. Take shelter when they are imminent.
Northshore contains several subdivisions, some recently developed, and some older, more established, residential areas. Most homes in the area are ranch style or bungalows set on large private properties with lots of landscaping. There are also some apartment complexes in the community. Hunting Bayou and Greens Bayou wind through the neighborhood and these waterways have ravines and wooded areas along them. During flash flooding, the waterways can become dangerous, so use caution.
The East Freeway runs east and west through Northshore and also creates a barrier for dog walkers traveling on foot in the neighborhood. A pedestrian bridge over the freeway and the main road running under it provide pedestrian access to the opposite side of the freeway. The terrain in the area is flat with no steep hills or inclines.
There's good news for Northshore canines! Maxey Park, which was Houston's second developed dog park, resides in the area. This great dog park is over 12 acres in size and has separate fenced-in areas for large and small dogs to play off-leash safely. There are drinking fountains for your pet as well as a doggie shower to clean off your pooch before heading home.
The Herman Brown Park is located on the north side of Northshore and provides 750 acres of natural wooded greenway for you and your pup to explore. There are over seven miles of connecting trails in and around the park where you can walk with your dog, providing your pet is kept on a leash. Be aware that some sections of the trail can flood in wet weather and the waterway can be treacherous when water levels are high.
Several smaller community parks are also conveniently located to visit when walking with your dog in the Northshore district.