Are you an Ann Arborite, or thinking about house sitting as a pet sitter in Ann Arbor? This guide to dog-friendly Ann Arbor has everything you need to know, from the best pup-friendly patios to parks and stores that welcome furry friends.
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Dog-friendly restaurants in Ann Arbor
Food is a top priority in pet-friendly Ann Arbor! You’ll be pleased to know, these Ann Arbor dog-friendly restaurants, cafes, and breweries all have outdoor spaces that happily welcome four-legged guests.
Frita Batidos
This Cuban-inspired spot serves juicy Fritas (Cuban burgers), shoestring fries, and tropical milkshakes (aka batidos). It also has one of the most popular Ann Arbor patios, particularly among local pups and their people!
Location: 117 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Sava’s
Book a table on the dog-friendly patio and enjoy salads, bowls, and sandwiches during the week – or come for their stellar weekend brunch. Favorites include the bang bang shrimp, mac & cheese, and Greek salad.
Location: 216 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Zingerman’s Delicatessen
This iconic deli has a patio out back – complete with water bowls for pups – where you can enjoy one of their legendary sandwiches al fresco. Don’t miss the classics like Binny’s Brooklyn Reuben or Gemini Rocks The House with fresh mozzarella and pesto.
Location: 422 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
RoosRoast Coffee
This art-filled cafe is the place to come for your caffeine fix! You may have to wait in line to get your daily Java, but it’s well worth it for great quality coffee. Luckily, there’s plenty of outdoor seating for you and your furry friend to choose from.
Location: 1155 Rosewood St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Fleetwood Diner
This quirky diner serves breakfast, burgers, and bites all day long. The legendary Hippie Hashbrowns are a must-try, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything off their menu – and they’ve got a dog-friendly patio!
Location: 300 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
This local chain has multiple locations throughout Ann Arbor, but the Kerrytown location is particularly popular with dog owners. Grab a coffee and a light bite and relax in the outdoor courtyard with your canine companion.
Location: 407 N 5th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Grizzly Peak Brewing Company
This craft beer pub goes the extra mile for pooch pals with their very own “Pups on the Patio” menu! Order your furry friend a pup patty, bacon bites, or a doggy ice cream, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Humane Society of Huron Valley. Meanwhile, you can enjoy house-brewed beers paired with hearty pub grub.
Location: 120 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Jolly Pumpkin Café & Brewery
Famous for their truffle fries and award-winning brews, Jolly Pumpkin also serves wood-fired pizzas, salads, and small plates. Pups are welcome to join in the outdoor area, which has plenty of shade, water bowls, and super-friendly staff.
Location: 311 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
HOMES Brewery
Pups are welcome on the patio of this casual brewpub, which serves tasty Asian-fusion dishes alongside an excellent lineup of IPAs, sours, and stouts.
Location: 2321 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Dog parks in Ann Arbor
Looking for the perfect spot to let your pup run, sniff, and play? There are plenty of options for off-leash adventures and on-leash strolls at these Ann Arbor dog parks. It’s important to note that Michigan law requires pups to have a valid Ann Arbor dog license to enter any official dog parks – visit the city’s website to find out more.
Swift Run Dog Park, Ann Arbor, MI
This 10-acre off-leash park is the crème de la crème of dog parks in Ann Arbor! It’s grassy and fully-fenced, with separate areas for small and large pups plus poop bags and waste stations dotted throughout.
Location: 4000 Platt Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Olson Dog Park
Located inside a 54-acre park, this special off-leash area is the perfect place for a playdate. It’s clean and well-maintained, with benches, shelter, and dog waste stations throughout.
Location: Off-leash Dog Play Area, 1551 Dhu Varren Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Broadway Park
Broadway Park has two good-sized dog areas and connects to nearby riverside parks via paved trails – ideal for combining playtime with a longer on-leash walk.
Location: 800 Broadway St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Barton Nature Area
Pups are welcome in this 98-acre park so long as they’re kept on a leash at all times. Its location on the Huron River makes it a beautiful place for a stroll or a picnic with your pooch.
Location: 1010 W Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Gallup Park
One of Ann Arbor’s most popular parks for dog walkers, Gallup features 69 acres of riverside trails and green space. Keep your pup leashed as you explore the scenic paths and enjoy the fresh air.
Location: 3000 Fuller Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
University of Michigan Nichols Arboretum
Known locally as “The Arb,” this isn’t a dog park but is absolutely worth a visit. With 3.5 miles of trails and endless spots to sniff, it’s a beautiful place for a relaxed, on-leash adventure.
Location: 1610 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Dog-friendly stores in Ann Arbor
Shopping’s always more fun with your best friend! There are a handful of stores in Ann Arbor that welcome leashed dogs inside – just be sure to double-check before entering!
Downtown Home & Garden
Fido will be happy to munch on a couple of treats from the sample “Pup Cups” as you peruse the gardening and pet supplies here.
Location: 210 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Literati Bookstore
Book lovers, rejoice! This independent, three-story bookstore invites well-behaved pups on short leashes to join as you wander the shelves.
Location: 124 E Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Sierra
This department store sells everything – including dog toys! Bring your pup along to sniff out their new favorite plaything while you shop for gear.
Location: 215 N Maple Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Other dog-friendly places in Ann Arbor
Looking for more fun ways to explore Ann Arbor with your pup? From beer gardens to ice cream shops, here are a few extra spots where four-legged friends are welcome to tag along.
Dog-friendly beer gardens
Grab a pint with your pup! Both The Grotto and Bill’s Beer Garden have spacious outdoor areas where dogs are free to join. While neither serves food, you can BYOF (bring your own food) or order in from nearby restaurants.
The Grotto: 303 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Bill’s Beer Garden: 218 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market
Held every Wednesday and Saturday, you can browse this farmer’s market for produce, flowers, jewelry, and handmade goods with your favorite furry by your side.
Location: 315 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Graffiti Alley
With colorful, ever-changing murals painted on every wall, this alley is a famous spot for photos.
Location: E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Blank Slate Creamery
Come here for all-natural ice cream in a variety of exciting flavors like lavender honey, basil, and peanut butter fluff, plus all the classics. Best of all, they serve pup cups!
Location: 300 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
So, is Ann Arbor dog-friendly?
Absolutely! From the patios at restaurants, cafes, and breweries to the dedicated dog parks and shops that welcome pups on-leash, Ann Arbor has plenty of spots where dogs can join the fun.
Ann Arbor skyline
Tips for pet parents in Ann Arbor
- Get your Ann Arbor dog license in advance. You can apply online through the city’s website, and having it sorted saves last-minute hassle.
- Keep an eye out for salted sidewalks in winter. Stick to the unpaved paths at Nichols Arboretum or Gallup Park after snowfalls, and rinse paws when you get home to avoid irritation.
- Plan ahead for your next trip. Enjoying dog-friendly Ann Arbor is just the start – connect with a trusted in-home sitter so your furry friend can stay safe and happy at home next time you’re away. Click below to learn more.
Connecting with pet sitters in Ann Arbor
Tips for pet sitters in Ann Arbor
- Get to know the neighborhood. Map out the nearest dog parks and walking trails – pet parents will love knowing you’ve got some great routes planned for their pup.
- Avoid Central Campus with dogs. Central and South Campus areas are often loud and crowded with students – guide pups to quieter neighborhoods like Old West Side or Burns Park instead.
- Experience Ann Arbor as a house sitter. Love the idea of leafy river trails, colorful street art, and buzzing brewpub patios – all with a dog beside you? Click below to discover how to start your house sitting adventures.
House sitting in Ann Arbor
More dog-friendly travel guides near Ann Arbor
Thinking about house sitting as a pet sitter in Ann Arbor, or want to explore more of the area with your canine companion? Explore our travel guides below for dog-friendly places to visit, along with local tips and advice.
