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Dogs are cherished members of many families, and they, like their human companions, deserve to venture out and have enjoyable experiences. While there are numerous designated dog parks and dog-friendly spaces, there are also various everyday places where you can take your furry friend for a fun and rewarding outing.
As you plan outings with your dog and vacations in Arkansas, here are three dog-friendly resources that may help you plan your destinations.
- Bring Fido – dog-friendly destinations
- Dog-Friendly Cities in Arkansas
- Bark Ranger Dog programs – Hot Springs National Park and Fort Smith National Historic Site
1. Community Parks and State Parks
Most parks welcome dogs, providing ample space to run, play and socialize with fellow canines. Remember to keep your dog under control and avoid areas where children are playing to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. In 2022, the Buffalo River and Hot Springs National Park, two National Park properties, were voted top 10 pet-friendly parks in the country.
Arkansas State Parks: Most Arkansas State Parks are pet-friendly and excellent places to practice courtesy with others, be mindful of others’ comfort level with animals, clean up after dogs, consider noise levels, and consider native wildlife. Dogs are required to be on a leash in State Parks at all times. No pets are allowed in public buildings with the exception of service animals. All of the parks with lodging have dog-friendly designated cabins and lodge rooms. Please contact the park directly for information.
2. Dog Parks
Many communities now host dog parks in common areas near community parks or civic centers. In larger communities, dog-friendly areas are divided into areas for larger and smaller dogs. Pay attention to signage, but these designated areas often offer special water systems, obstacle courses and leash-free zones.
3. For a Drive
Don’t overlook the most basic way to entertain your dog beyond playing catch from the couch! Take your dog with you for a drive. Getting your dog in the car to drive the neighborhood can help them feel like they took an outing. You can bring them along to pick up children from school, do a grocery pickup, go to family ice cream night or get coffee. Many stops often have a pup cup option that your dog will enjoy!
4. Coffee Shops and Breweries
Numerous coffee shops and local breweries have become dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry companion for your morning latte or afternoon pint. Before entering, ask permission from the staff to ensure they’re comfortable with dogs inside. Often, these locations will have outdoor spaces that make connecting a leash to a chair or keeping animals away from other patrons easier.
5. The Farmer’s Market
Many farmer’s markets allow dogs, providing a fun and educational outing for you and your dog. Please keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them to maintain the market’s cleanliness. But being outside together and exploring your community is a great way to spend a Saturday morning. These locations often attract live music, local performers, and food trucks to create environments where it’s more than a “grocery experience.”
6. The Pet Store
Most pet stores welcome dogs, so you can bring your furry friend along when shopping for food, treats or toys. To ensure everyone’s safety, keep your dog on a leash and prevent it from interacting with other animals without permission.
7. Sandy Beaches and Water’s Edge
It sounds ridiculous in Arkansas, but the water’s edge is often a great place to hang with a dog, and we have a few “beaches.” Whether a river, fishing hold, lake or “beach,” it’s a fantastic spot for your dog to enjoy a stroll, a refreshing swim, or an energetic game of fetch.
So, what are the friendliest towns in Arkansas for dogs?
- Hot Springs – the “ultimutt” vacation!
- Little Rock
- Eureka Springs
- Fayetteville
- Bentonville
- Rogers
- Fort Smith
- Bryant
Arkansas Destinations That Are Pet-Friendly
Pet-Friendly Destinations
- Buffalo National River | Harrison, St. Joe, Yellville, Jasper
- Caddo River | Glenwood
- Garvan Woodland Gardens | Hot Springs
- River Market District and Art Path | Little Rock
- Vogel Schwartz Sculptural Garden | Little Rock
- Historic Railroad Bikeway | Lonoke
- Helena River Park | Helena
- Craighead Forest Park | Jonesboro
- Ozark Highlands Trail
- Ouachita National Forest
- South Arkansas Arboretum | El Dorado
- Feaster Trail | Arkadelphia
- Rock Town River Outfitters | Little Rock
- Ron’s Coleman Mining | Mount Ida
- Four States Auto Museum | Texarkana
- Compton Gardens and Crystal Bridges Art Trail | Bentonville
- Natural Bridge | Clinton
- Burns Park | North Little Rock
- Lake Atalanta | Rogers
Pet-Friendly Restaurants
- Black Apple Brewing | Springdale
- The Little Red Restaurant | Fairfield Bay
- Weinkeller Restaurant | Altus
- Juniper Tree Meadery | Paragould
- Ivory Bill Brewing Co | Siloam Springs
- Post Winery | Altus
- Superior Bathhouse Brewery | Hot Springs
- The Root | Little Rock
- Bricktown Brewery | Fort Smith
- Hopkins Icehouse | Texarkana
- Good Dog Café | Fayetteville
- Norfork Brewing | Norfork
- The Crazy Donkey Mexican Grill and Pizza | Palestine
- Wing Shack and Cheeseburger Grill | Mountain View
- MuleKick | Magnolia
- Purple Cow | Conway
- Jtowns Grill | Jonesboro
- William’s Tavern | Washington
- Allen’s BBQ Company | Arkadelphia
- Big Orange | Rogers
- The Filing Station | Eureka Springs
- Salem Dairy Bar | Benton
- Johnny B’s Grill | El Dorado
- US Pizza Company | Little Rock, Maumelle, Sherwood, Bryant, Batesville, Conway, Cabot, Springdale
- Onyx Coffee Lab | Bentonville, Springdale
- Tacos For Life | Conway, Rogers, Springdale, Fayetteville, Texarkana
Multiple restaurants across the state boast a dog-friendly environment. But it is always safe to call ahead and confirm online information is correct to ensure a welcome experience!
Specialty Dog Stores
- Bark Bar | Little Rock
- Just Dogs Gourmet | Little Rock
- Doods and Dames | Barling
- Bow Wow Bakery | North Little Rock
- Claudia’s Canine Bakery | Maumelle
- Barkansas Pet Supply | Hot Springs
- Three Dog Bakery | Bentonville
- Woof and Wander | Rogers
- Koda and Company | Springdale
- Barkberry | Fayetteville
Dog Parks
- Keller Park | Mountain Home
- Eureka Springs Bark Park
- IAMS Dog Park | Fayetteville
- Love’s Travel Stops | Clarksville, Hazen, Malvern, Alma, Blytheville, Prescott, Searcy
- Riverside Dog Park | Benton
- Sara Low Dog Park | Batesville
- Burns Park | North Little Rock
- Petsafe JefFURson Park | Texarkana
- Midtown Park | Jonesboro
- Mitchell Park | El Dorado
- Abby’s Dog Park | Horseshoe Bend
- Alcoa 40 | Bryant
- Harmon Playfield Park | Paragould
- PetSafe Dog Park | Conway
- Check with your local town or a town you are visiting. Many towns now have dog parks as part of a public/community park system.
If you want to adopt a dog, check out these tips for finding your perfect pet!
Following these tips can help ensure your dog is a welcome community member. And let’s be honest: It’s close to Halloween, so start planning a little costume. We all love to see a dog in a tutu, especially if it’s a mastiff or Yorkshire terrier!
Cover image used with permission from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.
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