Portland, Oregon, often ranks among some of the most dog-friendly cities in the country. Regardless of if you and your dog like to get out and explore, or you’re looking for something hip and artistic, Portland has something for you and your dog to enjoy together. If you live in Portland or are looking to visit Portland with your dog, here are some pup-centric events and activities you don’t want to miss.
Foodie Culture:
Portland is a foodie’s dream city with a wide variety of food options. Portland is known for its food carts and food cart pods. These outdoor dining areas are almost always dog friendly and an ideal place to dine with your dog. Many of Portland’s restaurants are dog friendly and are ideal places to visit with your dog. Looking to partake in Portland’s famous beer culture?
You won’t want to miss the classic Lucky Labrador Brew Pub, known for its dog-friendly patio seating. Mainly since COVID, many restaurants around the city have created outdoor patio dining, and most of these patios will be dog friendly (call individual restaurants in advance to confirm). Some restaurants like Alberta district’s Tin Shed Garden Cafe even have a doggy menu where your dog can order their favorite brunch treat made just for them. Purchase a bandana (profits go to support local rescues), and when your dog wears the bandana back to brunch, the next time for a discount of your dog’s next brunch order—looking for something sweet? The nationally famous Salt & Straw Ice Cream has a custom ice cream cup, especially for dogs.
Seasonal Events:
Portland is super dog friendly, and there are many dogs’ friendly events. Benefiting the Oregon Humane Society, The Doggie Dash is an annual spring event in Portland’s Waterfront Park which includes a charity walk to benefit homeless dogs and a festival filled with dog-centered activities and vendors. During the winter Portland International Raceway’s Winter Wonderland Lights Show has an annual “Lights & Leashes” night to look at Christmas lights.
During this Christmas event on dog night, the raceway is closed to cars and only open to leashed dogs and their families. Many people dress their dogs in festive attire to look at the lights. The event benefits local rescue groups and is a fun way to get into the holiday spirit with your dogs. Additionally, many other Portland area seasonal events, including the Iris Festival, and Dahlia Festival, are dog friendly.
Shopping:
If you’re looking to do some shopping with your dog, don’t miss the Portland classic Portland Saturday Market, which is open in the middle of downtown Portland from March – Christmas Eve. The Saturday market brings together some of the Portland area’s best artisans and is very dog friendly. Portland is also known for its weekend Farmers Markets where you can purchase fresh food directly from farmers, and these outdoor events are dog friendly.
Many boutique stores throughout the city are also dog friendly and welcoming to leashed dogs (always check ahead before bringing your dog). Suppose you want to spoil your pup with something special head up to Portland’s NW 23rd neighborhood to the pet shop and bakery. In addition to toys and other accessories, they have a fresh dog bakery counter. Want something unique? They can even create a custom cake or cupcake for your dog.
Outdoor Adventures:
There are no limits to the number of fun dog events happening in and around the Portland area that are dog friendly. A favorite location for many Portland dogs and dog lovers is the Sandy River Delta 1,000 Acres Dog Park. Located near the city, this dog-friendly park is an excellent opportunity to experience the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. Note dogs must be leashed when on the hiking trails. If you aren’t a fan of dog parks or are looking for a quiet location for walking a dog who might be reactive, shy or if you just prefer not to engage with others, it’s a good the good news is that most hiking locations, including Portland’s Forest Park, are dog friendly so long as dogs remain on a leash. Just a couple of hours away from Portland is the expansive Oregon coastline.
Oregon beaches are all public and very dog friendly. Be sure to check all leash laws for locations where you go with your dog and follow the leash laws. If you’re looking to venture a little way outside of Portland, two hours outside the city is the Lost Lake resort with breathtaking views of Mount Hood. The resort has dog-friendly boat rentals, so you and your dog can go out on a rowboat, kayak, or paddleboard to explore the crystal-clear lake together.
If you’re planning to visit Portland, don’t leave your dog at home, as many of the city’s hotels are welcoming to dogs. Portland is called the “City of Roses,” but it’s also a city of dogs! In one of the most dog friendly cities in the country, there is always something fun to do with your dog. Regardless of if you and your dog are outdoorsy types or are looking to dine and shop, there are plenty of activities to keep you and your dog entertained.
