If you are looking for a pet-friendly destination in Virginia, Staunton should definitely be on your list! Traveling with your dog is easy in this charming town.
Here’s our guide to dog-friendly restaurants, lodgings, parks, and activities.
Dog-Friendly Activities
The many parks and trail systems in Staunton are perfect for you and your dog. Here are some of the destinations to enjoy:
- Gypsy Hill Park has a Bark Park with areas for small dogs and larger dogs; as well as enrichment opportunities such as training ladders, tunnels, fire hydrants and space for running. There are plenty of benches, as well as doggie bag stations, a creek for jumping in and a walking loop.
- Montgomery Hall Park
- Betsy Bell Wilderness Area
- Shenandoah National Park is one of the few national parks that allows leashed dogs on most hiking trails.
- George Washington and Jefferson National Forest allows leashed dogs on trails, and off-leash in undeveloped areas.
- Crozet Tunnel Trail, the Humpback Rocks Trail, and Augusta Springs Wetlands allow dogs on a leash.
- Coyner Springs Dog Park has a large off-leash area as well as trails.
- Staunton Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings is a great place to walk leashed, well-behaved dogs while enjoying the best food and crafts from the area.
Dog Friendly Restaurants, Breweries, Wineries and Dining
When you want to bring your pet with you while dining, these are the dog-friendly eateries in Staunton:
- Queen City Brewing and Seven Arrows Brewing allow dogs on the patio and inside the taproom
- Redbeard Brewing allows dogs in the beer garden.
- Stable Craft Brewing allows dogs in outside spaces.
- Ramalous Ridge’s allows leashed dogs in the outdoor spaces.
- Barren Ridge Vineyards allows leashed dogs both in the tasting room and outside spaces.
- Ciders from Mars is a cidery that allows leashed dogs outside at the shaded tables on the deck.
The outdoor seating, sidewalk seating or patio areas at these restaurants are dog-friendly:
- The By & By
- Gloria’s Pupusaria
- Seed to Tail
- Marino’s Lunch
- Thai Staunton Restaurant
- Maria’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant
- Byers Street Bistro’s
- The Pampered Palate
- Cranberry’s Grocery & Eatery
- The Split Banana
- BLU Point Seafood
- The Clocktower Eats & Sweets
- The Green Room
- Baja Bean Co
- Mi Rancho’s
- Sam’s Hot Dog Stand
- Peck’s Bar-B-Que
- Kline’s Dairy Bar
- Edelweiss Restaurant
Perhaps one of our favorite dog-friendly eateries has got to be Reunion Bakery where there is a doggy doorbell! Ring the doorbell and a staff member will come out and watch your dog (and give them love) while you go inside to get your coffee or pastries. Then enjoy on their sidewalk patio.
Be sure to get a free dog treat inside Reunion Bakery, too!
Dog-Friendly Hotels and Lodging
There is no shortage of pet-friendly hotels and motels in Staunton. These are the places where you can spend the night with your dog:
- Hotel 24 South (see our review)
- The Blackburn Inn
- Howard Johnson
- Hampton Inn
- Holiday Inn Staunton Conference Center
- Comfort Inn Staunton
- Motel 6 Staunton
- Econo Lodge
- Best Western Staunton Inn
- Sleep Inn Staunton
- Red Roof Inn Staunton
If you love camping, you can bring your dog to Walnut Hills KOA and Sherando Lake Campground.
Dog Boarding, Grooming and Care
If you can’t travel all day with your dog, rest assured that there are great places that offer pet boarding in the Staunton area.
Blue Barn Daycare & Boarding offers both indoor and outdoor play areas and lots of socializing activities for your pup.
Looking for healthy food for your pet or maybe an animal massage? The Well Balanced Paw Pet Wellness Shoppe and Barkery, located in the Wharf historic district, offers both!
Need a dog groomer? Get your pet Instagram-ready at these pet groomers in Staunton:
- Pet Parlor
- Staunton Dog Wash
- Fluff and Fetch Dog Grooming
- The Dapper Dog, Puppy Spa
- K9 Heaven
Planning a visit to Staunton? Be sure to see these travel guides next: