It’s International Dog Day!

Modified: December 14, 2022 | Story by Samantha Scott

That’s right, it’s International Dog Day and no one loves pups like metro Detroiters! Today, we take the time to show our four-legged friends some extra special love and appreciation for the endless kisses, jumps and cuddles they give every day. Whether you’re a local looking for new ways to spend time with your pup, visiting from out of town and looking for pet-friendly accommodations or ready to bring home a new friend, we have some great recommendations to share. Check it out!

Photo Courtesy of: @Rico.theChico

Patios & Restaurants:

After a year of being indoors, it’s hard to leave your barking buddy at home, even if it’s for a bite to eat or a cold beer. Here’s some great places that will welcome you and Fido with open arms.

MotorCity Wine

If you love wine and a spacious patio, MotorCity Wine is the place to be! Sip some wine, nibble on small plates and spend time with friends with two or four legs.

Old Miami

The patio here is almost as iconic as its owner, Old Miami. The veteran’s bar on the Cass Corridor, has an outdoor bar, stage area, tons of seating, and a the biggest dog-friendly lawn a bar can offer that will be irresistible to your little tyke.

The Skip

If you’re exploring the infamous Belt with your canine, when your done taking ‘usies,’ together, be sure to stop by The Skip for tasty drinks, prime people watching and a welcoming space for your dog.

Atwater in the Park

Nothing like a cold one and man’s best friend by your side. At Atwater in the Park you get the best of both worlds at this popular and picturesque dog-friendly beer garden, which offers German bites and a massive beer menu.

Detroit Shipping Co.

Variety is the word when it comes to Detroit Shipping Company. Head to Midtown, to their multi-level shipping container, that fuses together various food options, a beer garden, and a beautiful outdoor courtyard providing the perfect space to enjoy a tasty meal and time with your four-legged bestie.

Eastern Market Brewing Co.

Eastern Market Brewing Co. is ready for you and your pup to join them for one of their seasonal beers and to soak in the hustle and bustle of the open-air market.

Hotel Accommodations:

Whether you’re looking to visit or to take a staycation, these hotels throughout the tri-county area, happy to receive you and your pup with enthusiasm and treats. From custom dog inspired hotel packages to low pet fees, check out these hotels to find the best option for you and your dog to enjoy your time away.

The Element Hotel (Detroit)

In the heart of downtown, the Element Hotel is not only pet friendly, they treat your fur baby like a VIP guest. Check out their custom-made Detroit Experience- the Detroit Dog City Package featuring a plush pillow bed, treats and more.

Element Hotel at the Metropolitan

Trumbull and Porter (Detroit)

If you’re looking to explore the Corktown area with your dog, Trumbull and Porter is the place for you. After a restful night, find your way to their beautiful (and enclosed) patio space made for you and Fido to enjoy a nice summer breeze and one of their outdoor concerts.

Daxton Hotel (Birmingham)

For a posh experience, venture your way to metro Detroit’s newest hotel, the Daxton. With easily accessible dog parks nearby and pup-specific amenities, the Daxton is the perfect place for you and your furry friend to add a little finesse to your vacation.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Detroit- Novi (Novi)

Only 30 minutes from the airport, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Detroit- Novi is worth the drive for dogs and their owners. With suites big enough for your dog to run around while you order room service or take a dip in their indoor pool, this hotel is ideal for you and your four-legged family member.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Warren Detroit (Warren)

This all-suite hotel offers homelike comforts, ideal for an extended stay or a weekend getaway. At the Homewood Suites by Hilton Warren- Detroit, located in Warren, MI, you’ll find it easy to access Detroit attractions including Detroit Zoo, Ford Field, Comerica Park, Little Caesars Arena and tons of dog parks and trails.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Detroit Warren (Warren) On a business trip or just need a change of scenery? The TownePlace Suites by Marriott Detroit Warren include a free hot breakfast, fully equipped kitchens and a home office. With welcoming treats and more for your pup, they won’t mind if you catch up on emails for a bit.

 

Parks and Trails:

Now that you’ve had a chance to check in and eat, it’s time to take your tail-wagger for a walk or to a park for them to run around and get their energy out. The metro Detroit area has a lot of options, but we’ve picked a few of our favorites to share below to help narrow them down.

Dequindre Cut (Detroit)

This two-mile greenway that ends at the riverfront, is perfect for bikers, runners, walkers and dog owners. Take in the art and beautiful scenery as you make your way down the Dequindre Cut Greenway, finishing with breathtaking views of the Detroit river and Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

Riding bikes on the Dequindre Cut

Dequindre Cut cyclists – Photo by Jesse Green

Riverside Park (Detroit)

Located next to the Ambassador Bridge, the Riverside Park is perfect for families with dogs. Not only is there a dog park, there’s also a skateboard park, basketball courts and picnic spaces for everyone and the family pup to enjoy.

Orion Oaks Dog Park (Lake Orion)

Trails, and fields, and a beach, OH MY! What can we say? Orion Oaks Dog Park is a one stop shop for your puppy to play until they can’t any more.

Quickstad Park (Royal Oak)

This park sits on 2.54 acres and is a local favorite featuring on and off leash spaces. Beautiful all year round, Quickstad Park, maintained by the Royal Oak Nature Society, is sure to leave an exhausted smile on your dog’s face.

Stony Creek MetroPark (Shelby Township)

This gem of a park extends across two counties with over 4,000 acres of outdoor space with award winning trails, picnic tables, fishing and more. Take your dog to Stony Creek Metropark for both of you to be able to experience that ‘up north’ feeling, in Southeast Michigan.

Lake St. Clair MetroPark (St. Clair)

If your doggy loves the beach as much as you do, this is the place to be. Only 20 minutes from downtown Detroit, bring your furry friend to Lake St. Clair MetroPark to take in the beautiful sites and newly extended trails.

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Mentioned Attractions And Venues





  1. 1
    Motor City Wine
    1949 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI 48216
    313-483-7283
  2. 2
    The Old Miami
    3930 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI 48201
    313-831-3830
  3. 3
    The Skip
    1234 Library St., Detroit, MI 48226
  4. 4
    The Belt
    Between Broadway and Library Streets, linking Gratiot and Grand, Detroit, MI 48226
    313-736-5533
  5. 5
    Atwater Brewery
    237 Jos. Campau Ave., Detroit, MI 48207
    313-877-9205
  6. 6
    Detroit Shipping Co.
    474 Peterboro St., Detroit, MI 48201
    313-462-4973
  7. 7
    Element Detroit at the Metropolitan Building
    33 John R St., Detroit, MI 48226
    313-306-2400
  8. 8
    Trumbull & Porter
    1331 Trumbull Ave., Detroit, MI 48216
    313-496-1400
  9. 9
    Daxton Hotel
    298 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, MI 48009
    248-283-4200
  10. 10
    DoubleTree by Hilton - Detroit Novi
    42100 Crescent Blvd., Novi, MI 48375
    248-344-8800
  11. 11
    Homewood Suites by Hilton - Detroit Warren
    31993 Van Dyke Ave., Warren, MI 48093
    586-979-7600
  12. 12
    TownePlace Suites - Detroit Warren
    7601 Chicago Road, Warren, MI 48092
    586-264-8800
  13. 13
    Dequindre Cut Greenway
    Dequindre Cut Greenway, Detroit, MI 48207
    313-566-8200
  14. 14
    Oakland County Parks
    2800 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48328
    248-858-0916
  15. 15
    Huron-Clinton Metroparks
    13000 High Ridge Drive, Brighton, MI 48114
    810-227-2757
  16. 16
    Detroit Animal Care & Control
    7401 Chrysler Drive, Detroit, MI, USA
    (313) 224-6356
  17. 17
    Sweetwaters
    43346 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI, USA
  18. 18
    Humane Society of Macomb
    11350 22 Mile Road, Utica, MI 48317, USA
    (586) 731-9210