According to research, more than half (54%) of American travelers plan on taking their pets with them when they travel. If you’re having a “ruff” time finding a vacation spot that’s fun for you and your furry friends look no further than Columbus, Ohio. Columbus is one of the country’s best destinations for all visitors, whether you’re traveling on two legs or four legs.
BARK, the world-renowned brand responsible for the toy and treat boxes that make our dogs jump for joy each month, has a dog-friendly office in Columbus, and the city is full of dog-friendly restaurants, lodging, shopping and attractions to help you and your pets get the R&R you deserve.
In time for National Dog Day (August 26), here are some fun ways you can spoil your pooch Columbus-style:
Dog-friendly hotels:
BrewDog USA offers the world’s first craft beer hotel, Doghouse Columbus. In addition to being attached to one of the city’s most popular breweries and a 6,000-square-foot interactive craft beer museum, each of the hotel’s 32 beer-themed rooms features beer on tap and even a shower beer fridge. As the name implies, the hotel is entirely dog-friendly, with an on-site dog park and dog beds and treats in every room. They even offer the world’s first craft beer for dogs, the Subwoofer IPA.
In addition to Doghouse Columbus, the city is home to several other dog-friendly hotels. The Graduate Columbus even has an in-house greeter Scarlett, a bulldog who loves the Buckeyes.
Dog festival:
Every dog has its day, and in Columbus, that day is August 27, when thousands of pet owners and their dogs gather for the annual WAG! festival. The free event takes place in the city’s Metro Parks and features product samples from established vendors and live entertainment in the form of agility and disc demonstrations from Southern Ohio Flying K9s and Sky Dogs. Plus, WAG! is the biggest event in Ohio for helping dogs in need and brings dog-serving rescue groups and organizations together with thousands of donors and potential adopters.
Dog-friendly breweries:
Columbus is a craft beer destination, and pups are welcome on many of our brewery’s patios and in our beer gardens. In addition to BrewDog USA’s DogTap Columbus and BrewDog Franklinton locations, other popular spots include Seventh Son Brewing and Land-Grant Brewing Company.
When you’re ready to fetch a drink or a bite, or go shopping with your furry companion, just make sure to look for the “Dogs Welcome Here” window decal while you’re out exploring Columbus.
Founded in 2004 by Animal Welfare Advocate and Pet Lifestyle Expert, Colleen Paige, National Dog Day celebrates all breeds, mixed and pure and serves to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, either from public shelters, rescues and pure breed rescues.
National Dog Day honors family dogs and dogs that work selflessly to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. Dogs put their lives on the line every day – protecting our families and homes, for their law enforcement partner, for their blind companion, for the disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and helping to locate and rescue victims of accidents and tragedy.