Dog-Friendly Austin Travel Guide

Austin, TX is one of the most traveled to cities in the entire United States. From the thriving nightlife, the craft beer scene, the beautiful landscape and greenery, being the “Live Music Capital of the World” … and being one of the top dog-friendly cities in the country, Austin has everything. So, we’ve decided to give you the inside scoop about traveling to the beautiful city of Austin — with dogs.

Dog-Friendly Austin Travel Guide

Best Dog-Friendly Hotels

As with any hotel, we always recommend reaching out prior to booking to see if they can accommodate you outside of their normal pet policy. Kindness goes a long way.

• Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt — perfectly located on Rainey Street, the Van Zandt does not have weight, size or breed restrictions, nor a max number of pets allowed.
• The Line Hotel — smack in Downtown Austin, they also don’t have any restrictions or pet fees for our furry family members.
• East Austin Hotel — two dog maximum with a combined weight of 100lbs.
• Aloft Austin Downtown — make sure to stop by their bar Upstairs at Caroline for one of our favorite dog-friendly hangouts.
  

Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants, Bars and Breweries

We have a whole post dedicated to this one simply because there are sooo many incredible dog-friendly spots in Austin. However, we’ll include some favorites below.

Austin has a phenomenal craft beer scene, so we recommend checking out as many breweries as you are able your wallet allows! Most (if not all) allow dogs in their taproom or covered patio.

Best Restaurants

• Uncle Billy’s Brewery and Smokehouse — while they brew their own beer, they also have delicious BBQ that sets them apart from other breweries. Get the Redneck Roadkill on french fries … you can thank me later.
• Scholz Garten — deliciously authentic German food and a huge patio, what more could you ask for?
• Torchy’s Tacos and Tacodeli — okay, any Austinites that see this are going to raise hell. But, hear me out, both have delicious “Austin-esque” tacos, and we can’t pick a favorite. Sorry not sorry. Visit both if you can and judge for yourself!
• Anthem — located on Rainey St, this new-ish restaurant has already been named one of the best in the country. Check them out during happy hour for incredible deals!

Best Breweries

• Nomadic Beerworks — one of the newest breweries in Austin, they have already reached the top of many Austinites lists as one of the best. Plus, they allow dogs inside.
• Circle Brewing — a smaller brewery in North Austin, they truly pack a punch. Their beer is delicious, they are extremely friendly people and they allow dogs both inside and out.
• Jester King Brewery — while not technically within the Austin city limits, they are totally worth the drive. Located in the skirts of the hill country, it’s hard to find a brewery more beautiful than this one.
• Austin Beer Garden Brewing — an adorable beer garden with delicious pizza … need I say more?

Best Bars

• Any bar on Rainey Street — seriously, most if not all of the bars on Rainey are dog-friendly. However, we only recommend bringing your pup for day drinking as it can get a little rowdy and crowded at night.
• Upstairs at Caroline — right smack in the middle of downtown, this “rooftop” bar is so dog-friendly it’s not even funny. If you go on Sunday with your pup they even have extra specials!
• Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden — coffee, beer and food oh my! This huge spot allows dogs both inside and outside and has enough food/drink options to keep you there all day.
• Easy Tiger (two locations) — while they have food and beer as well, we have to include this as a local watering hole.

Best Dog-Friendly Activities

• SUP or kayak  
• Hike the Greenbelt
• Walk/run around the Butler Hike and Bike trail
• Swim at Auditorium Shores
• Explore South Congress/Downtown Austin
• Visit iconic murals
• Relax at Zilker Park 
• Shop at the Domain
• Take a trip to McKinney Falls State Park
• Visit one of the many local pet stores (Phydeaux and Friends, Paws on Chicon, The Great Outdogs)

Disclaimer: September 2019. Unfortunately, Austin’s lake water is currently infested with toxic blue-green algae that is fatal in dogs. Please double check with media sites/use your best judgment when allowing your pups to swim!

What to Pack

Now that you have all of the necessities for when you’re in town, let’s not forget about what’s going into your suitcase before your trip begins. While I won’t shouldn’t need to tell you what to pack for yourself, I surely can help guide you as to what you’ll need for your pups go-bag. 

Ultimate Packing List for Traveling to Austin With Your Dog

• Let’s start with the obvious — your dog(s)
  • Make sure they have a secure collar and tags with your phone number on it. Also, make sure your pup is microchipped and bring their number with you
• Interstate or international health certificate
  • Most airlines will require it, so make sure to call ahead. If you’re traveling to/from a different country, be sure to call and ask what vaccinations and protocols are required
• Dog food
  • You can either bring some with you or buy a small bag at a local pet store
• Leashes
  • Yes, multiple. If something happens during your travel days, you’ll want to have a backup
• Toys
  • I recommend only bringing one or two toys to make your pup feel at home
• A portable bed or blanket
  • This will allow your pup to have a place to call theirs anywhere you go
• Treats
  • You’ll want something small and not too pungent, especially if traveling by plane
• Poop bags/poop bag holder
  • No need to explain this one. Please pick up after your dogs
• Portable bowls
  • I recommend something like this that can double as a water bowl for those hot summer days
• A copy of their vaccination records
  • If anything happens or if you have to board them/take them to daycare, you’ll want to be prepared
• CBD (optional)
  • This one is up to you, but traveling can be stressful even for the pups. CBD is a great, natural alternative to anxiety medications that help take the edge off during stressful situations
• A first aid kit
  • You can buy one online or make your own.
• Extra Prescription medications (if your dog needs them)
  • The last thing you’ll want to do is run out, save yourself the unnecessary vet visit while in town and pack extra
• Booties
  • Hear me out on this one. Chances are you’re coming from a much cooler (temperature-wise, Austin rocks) city and your dog is not used to the heat here in Austin. The booties will help keep their paws safe from the extremely hot concrete.

We hope this dog-friendly Austin travel guide helps you and your pup have the best time in our beloved city! Traveling to Austin and need more help? Please feel free to always reach out! Austin is home, so we’d be happy to provide any other recommendations, be your travel guide or simply tell you where not to go.

Xoxo,
The GGW Family