Top 5 Reasons Why Dogs Love Annapolis!

Deciding whether or not you should take your pup on a trip can be quite a conundrum. Leaving them at home means anxiety for them and guilt for you but taking them to a not-so-dog-friendly destination can ruin what’s supposed to be a restful and relaxing vacation. Luckily, Annapolis and Anne Arundel County are as dog friendly as it gets. Read along for the Top 5 Reasons you should bring your pet on your next vacation to Annapolis & Anne Arundel County.

1. Pet-Friendly Hotels

For starters, there are plenty of pet-friendly hotels, from Graduate Annapolis to The Hotel at Arundel Preserve. Does your pet like a room with a water view? We've got you covered with a room at the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel. Or if you want a yard with some acreage for your pup to roam free, consider booking a home with iTrip Vacations Annapolis. It will give your pet and the whole family room to spread out and relax.

2. Puppy Approved DTA

DTA stands for Downtown Annapolis and to say that it's gone to the dogs is a good thing! Just walking the streets and visiting the stores of downtown Annapolis you'll find water and snack bowls are common, as are the area’s abundant dog parks. Finally, you’ll take comfort knowing that there are 30 animal hospitals and plentiful pet stores, including specialty options such as Crunchies Natural Pet Foods and Loyal Companion, located throughout the county.

3. The Views Are Pup-Tacular

There’s no better way to see the many sights of Annapolis than to take a dog-friendly walking tour or boat cruise. On Watermark’s always-popular Colonial Annapolis Walking Tour, you and your colonially-clad guide will visit historic landmarks such as the Maryland State House and Paca House.

On the water, Watermark’s wide array of Cruises on the Bay includes rides on the Severn River and Spa Creek aboard the spacious Harbor Queen, a faux tugboat, or the Annapolis Water Taxi. Anne Arundel County Parks are a wonderful way to explore the county from the countryside to the Bay!

4. Run Puppy Run

For those looking to get a bit closer to the water, your dog can do what all the cool local dogs do – play in the sand and go swimming in the river – at the Dog Beach at Quiet Waters Park. You can take things up a notch by renting a stand-up paddleboard, complete with life jackets for both you and your dog, at Capital SUP. And if your dog isn’t a fan of the water, take a trip to the newest dog park in town: the 10,000 square-foot playgrounds at Happy Tails Pet Resort.

5. Get Some Pup Grub

While outdoor seating means that most restaurants in the region are dog-friendly and a few, such as Federal House and Davis’ Pub, offer legit doggie menus, there are a few standouts.

Describing itself as “Your local pub where patrons, pups, and prohibition-free pints are our priority,” Pour Dog House oozes dog-themed décor – and eats for humans as well as pups. For something sweeter, Salty Paws has a full dog ice cream bar, with flavors ranging from peanut butter and pumpkin to bacon and banana, along with cases full of tasty gourmet treats. There's also Sea Dog Pet Boutique located on Main street. This shop provides ethically sourced pet products as well as tasty treats. They'll even hold your purchases for the day while you continue your adventure with Fido downtown.

You can also pick up a pup cup for your pooch at Always Ice Cream or Annapolis Ice Cream Company any time of year!

*Bonus* Get Some Selfies

Last but not least we'll throw in a bonus, here are some of the most Instagram-worthy spots for selfies for you and your pet:

• Ego Alley Boardwalk, with downtown Annapolis and Main Street behind you. 
• Susan Campbell Park, for a shot that includes boats and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
• Chancery Lane, with red-bricked walls framing the State House for a perfect pic. 

Check off all of the above and, while you and your pooch will both be pooped, you’ll have made the most of our incredibly dog-friendly destination.