CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cleveland has recently been ranked among the most dog-friendly cities in the United States, highlighting the region’s many attractions for dog lovers.
From dog bars to beach days with your pup, Northeast Ohio offers a variety of dog-friendly adventures.
Jen Brasdovich, senior public relations manager for Destination Cleveland, said the city’s growing reputation as a dog-friendly destination has contributed to increased tourism.
“The number of travelers choosing to travel with their dogs — and considering pets to be their family — is growing,” Brasdovich said.
Dogs are welcome at many Cleveland-area restaurant patios.
“We’re lucky that here in Cleveland, we have an increasing number of dog-friendly locations that welcome visitors and their four-legged friends.
“Hospitality businesses in Cleveland have really embraced the increased interest in pet-friendly travel, offering everything from pet-friendly hotels to a wide variety of restaurants and bars that welcome pups on their patios.
“That, combined with our many outdoor and green space options — even including a few dog-friendly beaches — make it easy for us to market Cleveland as a dog-friendly tourist destination.”
Among the must-visit spots Brasdovich highlighted is Taps & Tails — Cleveland’s first dog bar — located in the Tremont neighborhood.
A dog poses with a mural at Taps and Tails in Tremont.
Taps & Tails features over 9,000 square feet of play space for pups, along with drinks and food for humans.
The venue also offers doggy daycare and monthly memberships.
“Cleveland has a variety of opportunities for dog lovers of all kinds,” Brasdovich said.
“For those who prioritize food and drink, The Land offers plenty of dog-friendly restaurants, bars and breweries.
“Terrestrial Brewing hosts a weekly doggie brunch on Sundays, Mason’s Creamery in Ohio City offers four-legged friends a free scoop of ice cream, Luxe Kitchen in Gordon Square offers a special brunch menu for pups and countless other restaurants and bars welcome dogs on their patios.”
Hundreds and hundreds of dogs, and their humans, partied at Woofstock 2024 at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field in Chagrin Falls on Sunday, September 8, 2024. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
Brasdovich also recommended that first-time visitors explore Cleveland’s green spaces, including the Cleveland Metroparks and Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
She encouraged nature lovers to visit K-9 Coastline at Edgewater Beach, a dog-friendly section of the beach where pups can swim and play off-leash along Lake Erie.
For visitors, Brasdovich noted that Cleveland offers multiple dog-friendly hotel options.
She also advised checking the weather and confirming the availability of patios at dog-friendly restaurants and bars, especially as the colder months approach.
In an effort to promote Cleveland as a dog-friendly city, Destination Cleveland launched a national ad campaign earlier this year showcasing the city from a dog’s perspective.
As part of that campaign, the organization introduced the CLE Dog Adoption Program, which covers $300 toward adoption fees from a local shelter for new Cuyahoga County residents.
For those moving to the area with their dog in tow, the program provides a one-year membership to Taps & Tails, Brasdovich said.
Kylie Betler, shelter operations manager for City Dogs Cleveland, shared some of the volunteers’ favorite places to bring dogs in Northeast Ohio.
One popular event is Bark at the Park, where Guardians fans can bring their pups to Progressive Field to enjoy a game.
“The Cleveland sign at Edgewater is a must photo op,” Betler said, adding that there are “lots of great parks in the area” for dogs to explore.
City Dogs volunteers also recommended several dog-friendly breweries, including Terrestrial Brewing Company, Forest City Brewery, BrewDog, Masthead, Great Lakes, Market Garden, Fat Head’s Brewery, Mason’s Creamery and more.
For East Side residents, Betler noted that Pinecrest is “very dog friendly for shopping and eating.”
Betler also reminded dog owners to keep their pets leashed in public spaces and to prepare for Cleveland’s ever-changing weather.
