Whether your heart belongs to a cat or a dog, one of the hardest parts of going out for the night can be the immense guilt that comes with knowing you’re leaving behind your real best friend.
According to the personal finance website WalletHub, Atlanta is ranked No. 12 among the most pet-friendly cities in the country and tied with five others at No. 1 for most dog-friendly restaurants per capita.
As the city continues to grow, so does your plate of local pet-friendly entertainment options. Afterall, Fido likes to get out and have a good time, too. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has compiled a list of places to go and things to do in Atlanta with your pets.
Piedmont Dog Park
One out of every four people brings their furry friend when visiting the Piedmont Park, so it’s no wonder the Piedmont Dog Park attracts more than 700,000 visitors each year with its three acres of land where dogs may legally run free, off the leash.
Daily from 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Free. Piedmont Park, 400 Park Drive NE, Atlanta. The Piedmont Dog Parks are located under the Park Drive bridge and adjacent to the Education Garden and Six Springs Wetlands. 404-875-7275, piedmontpark.org/dog-parks
Monday Night Brewing
Both the brewery’s main West Midtown location and its Garage taproom along Atlanta BeltLine’s Southwest Trail offer pet-friendly patios that welcome dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs and even goats. Even though all pets must be on a leash, both locations grant nearly any species ample opportunities to socialize.
West Midtown: 4-9 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 4-10 p.m. Thursday, 4 p.m.-midnight Friday, Noon-midnight Saturday, 1-6 p.m. Sunday. Free. 670 Trabert Ave. NW, Atlanta. 404-352-7703, mondaynightbrewing.com.
Garage: 4-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Noon-midnight Friday-Saturday, 1-8 p.m. Sunday. Free. 933 Lee St. SW, Atlanta. 404-352-7703, mondaynightbrewing.com.
MORE THINGS TO DO: What’s happening on the Westside BeltLine
Atlanta Braves’ Bark in the Park
You and your canine can come root on the NL East-leading Braves as they take on the Washington Nationals during this year’s Bark in the Park. During the game, fans and their dogs will have access to both the Xfinity Rooftop and seating in selected sections of the Grandstand Reserved. Every dog will receive a Braves/WAG-A-LOT co-branded dog leash, but it’s important to note at least one human ticket must be purchased for every dog ticket. Fans with two or more dogs must have an additional “owner” accompanying the additional canine.
1:20 p.m. Sept. 8. $25 for humans and $25 for dogs. SunTrust Park, 755 Battery Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-577-9100, mlb.com/braves/tickets/specials/bark-in-the-park.
Fetch Park & Ice House
Fetch Park is Atlanta's first full-service dog park bar and is located minutes from the Atlanta BeltLine in Atlanta's historic Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. Fetch Park is a full-service dog park bar in the Old Fourth Ward that features outdoor TVs, Wi-Fi throughout the park, cooling stations, a dog bath area and "Bark Rangers," who make sure all the dogs are playing nicely.
7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-midnight Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. Free. 520 Daniel St. SE, Atlanta. fetchparkatl.com
ADOPT A CAT
Java Cats Café
If you want to adopt a cat, Java Cats Café may be your next move. In addition to the regular offerings of a café, Java features a lounge area that allows customers to interact with shelter cats, which are all available for adoption. Walk-ins are on a first come first serve basis with priority given to reservations, so it’s best to make a reservation to guarantee a spot in the lounge. All reservations include a complimentary drip coffee or loose leaf tea for everyone in the party. Children’s admission comes with the choice of kid-sized hot chocolate, juice or fruit snack.
11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12 at the Grant Park location. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for children under 12 at the Marietta location. 415 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta. 470-305-7575. 85 Atlanta St., Marietta. 770-635-8403, javacatscafe.com.
About the Author
