Dog-friendly restaurant in New Orleans: Dat Dog.

New Orleans

Dog-Friendly New Orleans: Where to Eat, Sleep and Play

Dat Dog (Photo: Joshua Brasted)

Hospitality has gone to the dogs in New Orleans. And that’s great news if you’re a dog owner.

The Big Easy offers plenty of accommodations for people traveling with their beloved canine companions, from pet-friendly hotels to alfresco restaurants and bars. If you’re visiting during Carnival Season, there’s even a Mardi Gras parade devoted to dogs!

Where to Stay? Pet-Friendly New Orleans Lodging

Give your dog a treat by booking a room at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans. For a fee of $125, your best friend will get Very Important Pooch treatment upon arrival.

What discerning canine wouldn’t love a treat bag featuring a personalized dog tag, doggie-in-room sign and a few Milk-Bones for snacking? Fido can rest in style in a plush bed that comes in small, medium or large.

If you are the kind of owner that spoils your pet rotten, why not splurge and have your pup’s bed personalized? You can take it home as a souvenir for $225. The Ritz-Carlton is in the process of revamping its canine guest perks, so be sure to call in advance.

Where to Frolic? Parks Perfect for Pets

In need of a green space to run and frolic? There are a few notable places to choose from. Audubon Park offers a large green space that’s easily accessible by streetcar. City Bark is also on the streetcar line on the opposite side of the city.

It’s set inside City Park, which boasts 1,300 acres. In other words, there’s plenty of space to run and explore for your four-legged friend.

For a quick romp, try Crescent Park in the Bywater or Wisner Dog Run in Uptown, which offers an adjacent playground.

Where to Eat and Drink? Dog-Friendly New Orleans Restaurants

Visitors and locals alike love to sample New Orleans’ amazing restaurants and bars, and many of these places are pet-friendly.

Café Amelie, Dat Dog, La Thai Cuisine, and Patois offer a mix of casual and upscale cuisines via alfresco dining.

For drinks, Cooter Brown’s Tavern and Oyster Bar is close to the Tulane University campus. Try Swirl Sensational Wines and The Bulldog in the Irish Channel or Mid City for a more local scene. Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant offers convenience to many visitors in its Warehouse District location, which is walking distance from the French Quarter.

Where to Pamper? Doggie Spas

Does your dog need a day of pampering? There are a couple places to choose from, including luxurious doggie spa Belladoggie.

Drop off your dog for the day, or book an extended stay. Belladoggie has thought of everything, from swimming to acupuncture. (Yes, acupuncture.) They even offer specially-designed soft-lit quiet rooms for dogs who panic during thunderstorms.

For a day of pure fun, think Camp Bow Wow. From paw-shaped pools to agility play equipment to ample outdoor space, this place is a dog’s dream. For overnight accommodations, book one of their seven luxury suites, which includes the “Mardi Paws” room. And of course, they offer turn-down service in all their cabins.

Whatever your plans while visiting New Orleans, you can rest easy knowing the city welcomes all visitors — two-legged and four-legged alike.