Dog-Friendly Portland | The Insider’s Guide

Welcome my fellow dog lovers, to the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon – where four-legged friends are welcomed and celebrated! Portland is a unique city with a blend of hippies, city vibes, and natural beauty, making it the perfect destination for you and your pup.

I’m thrilled to guide you through a tail-wagging adventure in one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country. Let’s jump into dog-friendly Portland! 🐾


Know Before You Go: Is Portland a Dog-Friendly City?

Each city is different with policies, limitations, or information. Be mindful of any restrictions prior to leaving home to make the trip smooth for you and your furry companion.

  • Leash Laws – Certain areas have certain laws, best to confirm laws prior
  • Vet Information – Check for any local pet hospitals nearby in case of any emergencies
  • Pack Essentials – We will dive into this more towards the bottom of the post😊
  • Pet PoliciesHotels, restaurant reservations, outdoor activities…each establishment may have different policies. If you aren’t sure, call ahead and nicely ask to confirm.


Top Dog-Friendly Parks in Portland

Portland has plenty of parks that are dog-friendly and fun to explore. The parks listed below are not designated dog parks. However, these are still my favorite parks to spend time outside with my dog and enjoy the weather.

🌲 Mt. Tabor Park – Situated on an extinct volcano cinder cone, this park has sweeping views of the city and a lot of room to play

🌲 Washington ParkThe oldest park in Portland is home to iconic attractions, beautiful gardens, and expansive lawns where you can walk your dog on a leash

🌲 Forest ParkOne of the largest urban forests in the United States, with over 5,000 acres of lush greenery – this is a playground for your pup

🌲 Cathedral ParkBeneath the St. John’s Bridge is a grassy area and riverside paths for you and your dog to explore

Two pups in dog-friendly portland
Photo by: Caitlin

Groovy Activities for You & Your Furry Friend

These unique activities will create lasting memories for you and your dog in Portland.

🚀 Canine Kayaking Adventure – Right on the river & rentals available

🚀 Portland Saturday Market – March-December, every Sat & Sun, free

🚀 Yappy Hour Yoga – Yoga outdoors for 2-legged & 4-legged yogis

🚀 Oregon Coast – Cannon Beach, Seaside, Rockaway Beach, Manzanita Beach

🚀 Paws & Paint Night – Located at OSU (a little over an hour from Portland)


Dog-Friendly Portland Restaurants

Your dog wants to spend a little time outside sunbathing on a patio. What do you do? Are you hungry? Check out these restaurants that allow you & your dog to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine…or in the PNW way of life…clouds. 😉


🍴 Tin Shed Garden Cafe – Dogs welcome on outdoor patio

🍴 St. Johns Food & Beer Porch – Dog-friendly outside

🍴 Spielman Bagels and Coffee Roasters – Dogs allowed on the patio outside

🍴 Produce Row – Dog-friendly patio

🍴 The Doghouse PDX – Dog-friendly

🍴 Mother’s Bistro – Dog-friendly outdoor seating

🍴 Yalla – Pet-friendly outdoor tables

🍴 The Rambler – Dogs welcome on the front and back patios

Two doggos at a bagel shop in dog-friendly portland
Photo by: Alexandria

Dog-Friendly Portland Coffee

The “Portland Dog-Sniffer Board”, your dog will want to rank high. Just kidding, I just made this up since my dog loves to sniff everything…good or bad. Check out one f these coffee shops to enjoy a latte or cold brew. ⬇️

Snow Bunny Coffee – Fun vibes & dog-friendly

See See Motorcycle – A lot of dog-friendly seating outside

Nossa Familia – Doggies are allowed to sit outside

Upper Left Roasters – Dogs allowed at outside tables

Wonderwood Springs – Dogs allowed outside (trippy vibes indoors + mini golf)

Honey Latte Cafe – Very dog-friendly cafe with outdoor seating for doggies

Dog on a walk in dog-friendly portland
Photo by: Caitlin. I like to call this photo – “Please Mumsi, I Have Been Good & Deserve a Pup Cup”

Dog-Friendly Portland Breweries & Wineries

At Portland’s dog-friendly breweries and wineries, you can raise a pint or a glass of wine with your four-legged friend (next to you…please don’t feed your pup booze).

🍺 River Pig Saloon – Outdoor, pet-friendly tables, grab a drink or some fried pickles

🍺 Lucky Labrador Brewing Company – Patio is dog-friendly & heated

🍺 Breakside Brewing – Dogs allowed on covered patio

🍷 Sokol Blosser Winery – Dogs are allowed on the patio

🍷 Airlie Winery – Dogs are allowed to splash around in the pond + relax on the patio (which is heated during the winter)

🍷 Cellar Dog – Dog-friendly wine pop-up bar

Are you visiting Seattle soon and curious about Dog-Friendly Seattle?
Read more here!


Top Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Portland

These trails offer a “paw-some” adventure for you and your doggo. Portland and the greater area of Portland have a variety of hikes from strolls to challenging hikes.

🥾 Tryon State Park – Dogs welcome, but must be on a leash

🥾 Powell Butte – Dogs welcome, but must be on a leash

🥾 Dog Mountain – Dogs welcome, but must be on a leash

🥾 BPA Road Trail – Dog-friendly

(Check out Alltrails for more hikes)

Two dogs on a hike outside dog-friendly portland
Photo by: Caitlin

Dog-Friendly Portland Shops

Each of these shops is unique in its own way AND is dog-friendly.

🛍️ Filson – Outdoor apparel, luggage, bags, & accessories

🛍️ Paxton Gate – Offers taxidermy, butterflies, skulls, crystals, and other treasures

🛍️ Portland Leather – For those who know me, I am obsessed. Purses, laptop cases, & more

🛍️ Tender Loving Empire – Jewelry, accessories, & home decor

🛍️ Woonwinkle – Independent boutique w/ home goods, dog items, toys, & gifts

🛍️ Portland Pet Supply – Get your pups’ products, food, toys, and other pet goodies


Dog-Friendly Accommodations Near Portland

If you decide to stay in Portland, finding a pet-friendly place to stay can be a little overwhelming. These hotels, Vrbos, and campgrounds are highly recommended and safe places for your pup.

* Please read any fine print for each of these stays, extra fees may be applicable for weight, size, or other factors. If you are unsure, call the hotel and kindly ask about their pet policies*

Hotels

🏨 The Mark Spencer Hotel – Pets are allowed on request

🏨 Hotel Lucia – Pets allowed on request

🏨 Heathman Hotel – Pet amenities

🏨 The Bidwell Marriott Portland – Pets allowed

🏨 The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel – Pets are allowed on request

🏨 Dossier – Offers pet beds, bowls, a toy, & a treat when you arrive

Vrbo

Campgrounds

Dog in a sleeping bag sitting by a fire
Photo by: Caitlin

Pup Respect to Keep Them Tails Wagging

✅ Please help keep Portland a dog-friendly city and pick up your dog’s poop and dispose of it properly.

✅ Be mindful of petting dogs, don’t pet another dog unless you have asked the owner for permission and they have granted the permission.

✅ Just like humans, not all dogs get along. Don’t assume other dogs are friendly or feel comfortable to play with your pup.

✅ Travel Tips:

  • Car Safety: There are several ways to keep your dog safe while traveling. Some people like pet carries, others use doggie seatbelts, and some use dog hammocks in the back seat. *I’m not a vet or safety professional, so please ask your vet if you need help deciding.*
  • Trail Safety: Follow local leash laws, don’t assume all people or dogs like other dogs, understand your dog’s fitness levels, choose the hike accordingly, and bring enough water and snacks (with collapsible bowls)
  • Doggie Check-Ins: Some dogs get extremely anxious in the car, and some sleep the entire time, it is important to check in with your dog for any signs of distress. Try bringing their favorite toy, or a shirt of yours, and see if that helps comfort them.

Doggy Packing List

🐶 First Aid Kit

🐶 Collapsible Bowls (+ Food)

🐶 Dog Water Bottle

🐶 Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags

🐶 Wilderdog Leash

(If you have a dog that chews on leashes, this rope is indestructible)

🐶 Collar

🐶 Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Wax

🐶 Blanket

🐶 Toys
(I haven’t met a dog that doesn’t love this toy!)

Dog in a car with the window down and a big smile on his face
Photo by: Caitlin

Conclusion: Dog-Friendly Portland

If you’re looking for a city that’s not only rad for humans but also welcoming to your four-legged friends, look no further than dog-friendly Portland!

With amazing parks and welcoming cafes, tail-waggingly good breweries, and activities, Portland has everything you and your pup need for a paws-itively fun adventure.

Pack some treats for you and your furry family member and hit the town. 🐾

Happy Trails & Wagging Tails,
Mindful PNW Travels