Roam: Travel to pet friendly Atlanta

Atlanta is iconic for a lot of things—the 1996 Olympics and The Varsity (aka the world’s largest drive thru) to name a couple. This Peach State city is also becoming a haven for four-legged friends, going beyond simply removing restriction. You’ll find businesses that are excited to welcome your pet, offering amenities just for them.

Pet Friendly Transportation

Atlanta is a connected city, with several options to get from point a to b. A couple of the better choices even allow pets.

• The BeltLine was once a railway corridor, but now serves as a modern trail system connecting vital parts of the city. Being the holy grail of transportation in the heart of Atlanta, walking and biking paths weave near restaurants, shops, art galleries and other spots that welcome animals.

• MARTA, Atlanta’s primary train and bus line allows service animals to ride on leash, while others will have to find a comfy crate to chill in during the trip.

• Not your cup of tea? Action Limousines allows small pets to ride in style, for free.

Best Places to Eat With Your Dog

The food scene is diverse, flourishing and incredibly delicious. Narrowing down where you actually want to go is the tough part, especially since many places have doggy accommodating areas.

• Parkgrounds is a rustic coffee shop-dog park hybrid; think Starbucks, but more fun. Sausage, egg and cheese bagels here are drool-worthy, as all of the breakfast items are!

• Ladybird is conveniently situated on the BeltLine with an excess of outdoor space to go along with its campfire cuisine theme. Right off the Eastside Trail, the modern setting is perfect for a cocktail break after an afternoon jog.

• Perk-n-Pooch is designed to be the ultimate dog and family hangout—the cute cafe doubles as groomer. Pet parents have the option to do the scrubbing themselves or to leave it to the professionals, and either way means more time socializing with friends and other fur buddies.

• Not only does Shake Shack have incredibly juicy, all-natural angus burgers atop fluffy potato buns, there’s a menu especially for your dog. Suppose your pup is staring at your hand spun milk shake with those doe eyes—well they can have one made with vanilla ice cream, peanut butter and treat crumbles.

Of course, you have to zip through The Varsity during your stay, for a famed chili dog or thin crispy onion rings. Carside Service means you don’t have to leave your fluff buddy by their lonesome—chow down together!

Fun For You And Your Pooch

Atlanta Georgia is packed with plenty of buildings and attractions, but doesn’t lack in the park department. Acres of open space are available for a full day of outdoor exploration, or a quick walk.

• Piedmont Dog Park is centrally located within the heart of Atlanta, and provides an enormous amount of lush green grass for rolling, running and lounging.

• With over 20 acres of space to explorer, Centennial Olympic Park commemorates the 1996 Olympics with monuments like the fountain of rings which doubles as a summertime splash pad. It’s a great historical stop you and your dog can enjoy together. At night, the colorful SkyView Ferris Wheel adds a pop of color to the backdrop.

• It gets toasty in the southern heat, and ice cream and fun in the sun go hand in hand—Paolo’s Gelato not only offers an extensive list of flavors for humans, but they have selections for pups too. You can also stop by the City Dog Market, or one of their mobile dog treat stations, Street Treats ATL, for a wind down snack.

Dog Friendly Rest And Lodging

• Loews Atlanta Hotel is conveniently near Piedmont Park, so you can stroll to and from with ease. Your dog will always have plenty of space to play staying at this beautiful hotel.

• For a more catering experience, stay at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta. Rather than simply allowing your dog to stay, they cater to them with amenities like treats and comfy beds. That’s more like it!

The Verdict

Atlanta is a dog destination fit for royalty, which your pup undoubtedly is! There’s a lot to do, the International airport makes traveling in and out a breeze, and you’re in the foothills of the beautiful North Georgia Mountains. Pet paradise.

Karyn Wofford is a “Mom” to her fluffy, sweet dog Halli. She spends much of her time traveling and advocating for Type 1 diabetes—and Halli sometimes accompanies her on her adventures. You’ll find Karyn’s work on sites like Mother Earth Living, and in magazines such as Diabetes Forecast.