The snacks are made, the car is packed, and the kids are ready to hit the road for an Iowa adventure. As you shut the door you lock eyes with the big, sad puppy staring back at you. This time, though, you don't have to leave Fido home. Grab the leash because these pet-friendly places are perfect for people… and puppies.
Pet Bakeries
Even dogs love dessert, and these Iowa pet bakeries bring new meaning to the words “puppy chow.” Offering homemade biscuits, doggy cakes and other specialty dog treats, once pups sink their teeth in, they may never settle for dog food again.
Treats on a Leash, Ames
This pet supply store specializes in food, treats and supplies for dogs and cats.
Woofables, Coralville
Treat your dog to gourmet biscuits made from scratch using naturally healthy ingredients.
Freddy’s Fritters, Davenport
Pamper your pooch with gourmet treats, new toys, clothes and pillows. Additionally, dogs can be groomed at The Spaw.
Big Creek Barkery, Polk City
A family owned bakery dedicated to making healthy, homemade, all natural and preservative free dog treats.
People + Pets Kitchen, Sioux City
This Sioux City farmer's market vendor offers a variety of treats for pups and people.
Dog Spas
Pets need spa days too. Treat them to a day of doggy relaxation at one of the luxurious pet spas across the state. Dogs can savor bubble baths, nail trimming and hair grooming at any of these great dog salons.
Shear Pawfection, Valley Junction
Kanine Klips Grooming and Spa, Marshalltown
Yuppy Puppy Salon, Cedar Rapids
Hollywoof Pet Spa, Centerville
Pet-Friendly Lodging
Have a sleepover with man’s best friend. Several camping sites, bed and breakfasts, and hotels around Iowa welcome dogs. Some, like Hotel Blackhawk, even provide doggy bags upon arrival. Check in for a memorable getaway for pets and people.
Dog Parks
Dog owners know that pets have a lot of energy. Bring them to an Iowa dog park where they can socialize with other pets, play fetch or explore a new trail. Before entering the parks, please be sure that your dog is wearing their license and rabies tags.
Raccoon River Dog Park, Des Moines
Users are required to purchase a Dog Park Permit to utilize the facility.
K9 Off-Leash Areas, Marion
Eight acres of grassy area, two-acre training yard, one acre for small dogs.
Paws and Pals Dog Park, Knoxville
Ames Dog Park, Ames
Users required to get access permit. Bring rabies vaccination certificate and Liability Waiver to use facilities.
Cheyenne Park and Training Area, Cedar Rapids
More than 13 acres of fenced recreation yards. Separate training yard. Dog park permit registrations are available online.
Allison-Henderson Park, Dubuque
Two acres of fenced area for large and small dogs. Self-registration station available at the park.
Prairie Pastures Dog Park, Clinton
Eight acres are available for dogs to explore at this nationally recognized park. $3 day passes available.
Little Willow Dog Park, Missouri Valley
Off-leash dog park with shelter available for events or dog birthday parties.
Newton Dog Park, Newton
Convenient access off of Interstate 80.
Sporting Events
If fetch is a dog's favorite game, then they are really going to love these sporting events. Many Iowa athletic teams pair with the local animal shelters to put on events for pets and their owners to enjoy together.
I-Cubs Dog Days of Summer Game, Des Moines
Iowa Wild Paws n’ Pucks, Des Moines
Quad Cities River Bandits Bark in the Park Sundays, Davenport
Sioux City Explorers Bark in the Park, Sioux City
Sioux City Musketeers Pucks n' Paws, Sioux City
