Why I Love Houston: Pet Friendly Houston Outings


Welcome to my Why I Love Houston series, where I share my favorite Houston experiences and excursions. My goal is to make my hometown of Houston more accessible to the ever-changing mix of folks adopting our amazing city as their home base and reminding natives of the hidden gems throughout H-town! 

Why I love Houston….city adventures for our four-legged friends!

It’s the perfect time of year to get out and about with your furry family members! Houston has lots of fun pet-friendly outings for exploring the city.

Hit the Buffalo Bayou Park trails with Fido where you can spot a heron or two along the bayou while taking in views of the downtown skyline. Pose your pup for an inspiring social media pic by one of the Monumental Monuments series word sculptures, like “Listen” or “Reflect.” A stop at the popular Johnny Steele Dog Park will ensure your dog will be napping the rest of the day after romping around with their new playmates. The park has special areas for little and big dogs and water features for cooling off. After working up an appetite at the park, treat yourself to breakfast or lunch at The Kitchen at The Dunlavy, which has a dog-friendly patio. Paws on Patios keeps an updated list of bars and restaurants where dogs are welcome on outdoor patios for other dining options around the city.

For a water adventure, take a day trip to Seabrook where you and your dog can rent a kayak at Pinky’s Kayak Rentals. Spend a couple of hours exploring Taylor Lake and the nature of Armand Bayou with either a self-guided or guided tour of the area. Back on shore, head to nearby Boondoogles for burgers and refreshments on their patio. Finish the day with a stroll through Clear Lake Park before heading home.

Mark your calendars for May 13th, when Puppies for Breakfast takes over Market Square Park downtown. This celebration is all things dog! You can find a variety of dog-focused vendors, artists, and activities. Your pup can also strut their stuff during the costume contest. The event is free, but a $5 donation benefiting the Animal Justice League Rescue is suggested.

For those who are looking for a new furry addition to the family, National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day is April 30th. You can visit one of Houston’s many animal rescue organizations to find your family’s new best pal. BARC, Friends for Life, and Scout’s Honor Rescue are all great places to start your search. For all the cat lovers, Houston’s first cat cafe, El Gato Coffehouse, will open in May. In the meantime, you can meet all the cafe’s friendly felines looking for forever homes at their scheduled events, like Yoga with Cats, Meowvie Night, and Caturday Morning Cartoons.

Peace, love, and pets!

Kathlyn