Memphis, a city celebrated for its rich musical heritage and delicious barbecue, extends a warm welcome not just to humans, but also to their beloved pets. For those looking to explore this vibrant city without leaving their four-legged friends behind, you’ll be pleased to discover a wealth of pet friendly locations in Memphis. From spacious dog parks where your pup can roam freely to welcoming patios at restaurants and breweries, Memphis ensures that you and your canine companion can enjoy the city together. This guide dives into the best spots in Pet Friendly Memphis, ensuring a memorable experience for both you and your furry friend.
Unleashing Fun: Dog Parks in Memphis
Memphis understands the importance of open spaces for dogs to exercise and socialize. The city boasts a variety of dog parks, each offering unique features for your pet’s enjoyment.
Mud Island Dog Park
Located within the scenic Mississippi River Greenbelt Park, Mud Island Dog Park provides 1.3 acres of off-leash fun. Open from sunrise to sunset, this downtown gem features separate areas for small and large dogs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for every pup. It’s the perfect spot for your dog to stretch their legs while you enjoy the beautiful surroundings of downtown Memphis.
The Barking Lot
For a quick potty break or a bit of urban doggy playtime, The Barking Lot in Downtown Memphis is an excellent choice. This smaller, fenced-in park, complete with cleanup bags, is conveniently located at Main Street and Jefferson Avenue. Adding to its charm, The Barking Lot often hosts local food trucks, allowing you to grab a bite while your dog socializes.
Overton Bark at Overton Park
Overton Park, a Memphis landmark, features “Overton Bark,” a dedicated dog park area. This space includes adjacent fenced areas specifically designed for large and small dogs. It’s a fantastic addition to the already impressive Overton Park, offering a safe and designated spot for dogs to play.
The Outback at Shelby Farms Park
Shelby Farms Park, another of Memphis’s treasured green spaces, offers “The Outback,” a vast off-leash area where dogs can truly run free. This expansive space even includes areas for dogs to swim, providing a unique and adventurous experience for water-loving pups.
Bartlett Dog Park
Located next to the Bartlett Animal Shelter, Bartlett Dog Park offers a large, fenced-in area where dogs can play off-leash. With a mix of expansive lawn and shaded, forested areas, this park provides a relaxing environment for owners while their dogs burn off energy.
Pet-Friendly Patios: Dining and Drinks in Memphis
Memphis’s culinary scene is best enjoyed with company, and thankfully, many restaurants and breweries welcome your canine companions to join you, especially on their outdoor patios.
Aldo’s Pizza Pies
On South Main Street, Aldo’s Pizza Pies invites you and your pup to relax on their pet-friendly patio. Enjoy a delicious slice of pizza while engaging in some prime people-watching with your furry friend by your side.
Central BBQ Midtown
For those craving authentic Memphis barbecue, Central BBQ Midtown offers a pet-friendly outdoor seating area. Indulge in their famous barbecue nachos, wings, or smoked sausage, and let your dog enjoy the enticing aromas (and maybe a small treat!).
Babalu Tacos & Tapas
Babalu Tacos & Tapas provides a vibrant atmosphere with a dog-friendly patio that offers great city views. Sip on fruity cocktails and savor mouthwatering tableside guacamole while your canine companion enjoys the outdoor ambiance.
Celtic Crossing
For a taste of Ireland in Midtown, Celtic Crossing is a dog-friendly Irish pub serving traditional dishes like shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash. Their welcoming patio is perfect for enjoying a pint while watching sports on their big-screen TVs with your four-legged pal.
Hammer & Ale
Located in the Cooper-Young District, Hammer & Ale is a craft beer haven with a dog-friendly outdoor seating area. Sample from their wide selection of craft beers and shareable food plates, all while enjoying the company of your canine companion.
High Cotton Brewing Co.
Known for its incredibly dog-friendly atmosphere, High Cotton Brewing Co.’s taproom is a must-visit for beer lovers and their dogs. With a rotating selection of craft brews, this brewery even boasts a popular Instagram account, @drunkdogsathighcotton, dedicated to their furry patrons.
Memphis Made Brewing Company
Memphis Made Brewing Company, off York Avenue, also welcomes dogs. Be sure to snap a photo with your pup at the iconic “I Love Memphis” mural while enjoying locally crafted Memphis beer.
Caffeine and Canines: Pet-Friendly Coffee Shops
Memphis’s coffee scene is booming, and many java spots are happy to host you and your dog.
Café Eclectic
Café Eclectic in Midtown provides a welcoming patio for dogs and even offers fresh water bowls upon request. Enjoy artisan coffee, baked goods, and a diverse menu for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in this dog-friendly setting.
Bluff City Coffee
In the South Main Arts District, Bluff City Coffee features a dog-friendly outdoor area. Indulge in high-quality Italian espresso, fresh breakfast, and local pastries while your dog relaxes by your side. Remember to bring your own bowl (BYOB)!
Retail Therapy with Your Pup: Dog-Friendly Shops
Shopping in Memphis doesn’t mean leaving your dog behind. Many stores throughout the city, particularly those listed below, happily welcome leashed dogs.
Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid
The Memphis Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid is not only a retail destination but also a pet-friendly experience. Well-socialized, leashed dogs are welcome, and the store is known for hosting special “Dog Day” events, making it a fun outing for both you and your pup.
Burke’s Books
In the hip Cooper-Young neighborhood, Burke’s Books, an independent bookstore owned by novelist Corey Mesler, welcomes well-behaved, leashed dogs. Browse their shelves for a new read with your canine companion by your side.
Hollywood Feed
For all your puppy supply needs, Hollywood Feed considers dogs VIP customers. With multiple locations in Memphis, this store offers a wide range of dog essentials, toys, and even whimsical baked goods that are sure to get your dog’s tail wagging.
Doggie Daycare: Pampering Your Pup in Memphis
If you have plans that are not suitable for dogs, Memphis offers excellent doggie daycare options to ensure your pet is well-cared for and entertained.
Camp Bow Wow
Camp Bow Wow provides doggy daycare and boarding at two Memphis locations. This upscale facility offers a safe and fun environment for dogs to play and socialize, complete with live webcams so you can check in on your furry friend.
The Doghouse
Popular among Memphis residents, The Doghouse offers supervised playtime, naptime, field trips, and even art and music classes for dogs. Boarding, grooming, and canine park adventures are also available.
Riverdog Inn Daycare, Boarding & Spa
Riverdog Inn Daycare, Boarding & Spa offers luxury accommodations for your pooch. With three fenced play yards and luxury suites featuring raised beds and glass doors, your dog will be pampered in style.
More Memphis Adventures with Your Dog
Beyond the specific categories, Memphis offers even more dog-friendly experiences.
Crosstown Concourse
Explore the Crosstown Concourse, a vertical urban village with shopping, dining, arts, and music, where leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome. This community-focused space is perfect for a stroll with your pup.
Loflin Yard
Loflin Yard, a bar, restaurant, and event space in Downtown Memphis, welcomes dogs in its outdoor areas. Relax in their yard with your canine companion while enjoying food and drinks.
Overton Park Shell
Enjoy live music with your dog at the Overton Park Shell, which hosts over 50 free outdoor concerts annually. Designated areas are available for you and your leashed fur baby to enjoy the tunes.
Railgarten
Railgarten, a 1.5-acre destination in Midtown Memphis, is another great pet friendly spot. With a tiki bar, diner, ice cream parlor, and a large outdoor space featuring games and live music, leashed dogs are welcome to join in the fun.
Conclusion: Memphis Welcomes You and Your Pet
Pet friendly Memphis truly lives up to its name, offering a wide array of options for visitors and residents alike to enjoy the city with their dogs. From off-leash dog parks and welcoming restaurant patios to dog-friendly shops and fun daycares, Memphis ensures that your furry friend is not just tolerated but truly welcomed. So pack your bags, leash up your pup, and discover all that pet friendly Memphis has to offer!
