Many things make Washington, DC, a great place to live and raise a family in. The job market is stable, there are many job opportunities in various fields, and education is very high. It’s great for young professionals and families with kids. Washington is rich in history and culture, making it a fascinating city. And while all of that sounds amazing, there is one more question to be answered. Is Washington a good city for pet owners? And if so, which one of the dog-friendly neighborhoods in Washington is best for you?
Even with all the other benefits of living in Washington that we mentioned, if it’s not a pet-friendly city, that can be an absolute deal breaker for many people. People love their pets and want the best possible environment for them. Luckily, Washington is a pet-friendly city. However, certain areas are more welcoming to your furry friends than others. That’s why we made a list of some of the most dog-friendly neighborhoods in Washington, DC.
Every neighborhood must fulfill specific requirements to be considered dog-friendly.
What makes a neighborhood dog friendly?
Before telling you about the best neighborhoods for you and your pet in Washington, let’s clarify what precisely a dog-friendly neighborhood means. For a neighborhood to be considered dog-friendly, it has to fulfill certain requirements, such as:
- Dog parks
- Well-lit sidewalks
- Dog-friendly restaurants
- Pet shops
- Vet
- Pet-friendly housing
These are just some of the basic things a neighborhood needs to have. And while you can find a pet shop or a vet office in almost any neighborhood, finding one with dog parks and many friendly restaurants is a little bit more difficult. That’s why experts at helixmove.com advise everyone who plans a local move with their pets, to thoroughly research the area and see if it fulfills the requirements. Thankfully, the neighborhoods on our list meet all that, especially regarding dog-friendly cafes, restaurants, and many dog parks.
Capitol hill has everything a puppy might need
The first spot on our list of dog-friendly neighborhoods in Washington goes to the largest one, Capitol Hill. In addition to being one of the political centers in America, it is also home to approximately 20.800 residents. But how dog friendly is it actually? Well, many things make this neighborhood ideal for dog owners. Let’s start with dog-friendly restaurants, which there is an abundance of on Capitol Hill. It’s a lot easier when you bring your puppy to a restaurant than leaving him at home or finding someone to dogsit for you. Here is a short list of dog-friendly restaurants in Capitol Hill:
- The Duck and the Peach
- The Salt Line
- La Famosa
Another feature of Capitol Hill that makes it dog friendly is the parks. Having dog parks such as Virginia Avenue Park and Kingsman Field Dog Park near your home is a lifesaver for owners with big dogs who need a lot of physical activity. Not to mention that such a huge space will make it easier for you to relax while playing with your dog. And who knows, maybe they’ll meet some other furry friends to enjoy the vastness of Capitol Hill outdoors.
Columbia Heights is one of the most dog-friendly neighborhoods in Washington.
Columbia Heights
We continue our list with another dog-friendly neighborhood in Washington, DC, Columbia Heights. Located in Northwest Washington, Columbia Heights is an incredibly diverse neighborhood with a population of nearly 32 thousand people. This neighborhood is famous for its fantastic food scene and great shopping. But it is also known as a good neighborhood to have pets in. Many of its restaurants and cafes are welcoming to our four-legged friends, which makes a dog owner’s life a lot easier. You can drop by restaurants such as Purple Patch, Doi Moi, or Heat Da Spot and bring your dog with you.
Another thing that makes Columbia Heights so good for pet owners is the number of dog-friendly housing options. You will be able to easily find pet-friendly apartments/houses both to rent and to buy. Then there is the Columbia Heights Dog Park, open every day from 6 am to 10 pm.
Shaw – One of the Most Dog-Friendly Neighborhoods in Washington
The Shaw neighborhood is known for many things but mostly for being one of the symbols of African American history and their fight for equal rights. Today almost 18 thousand people live in this lively neighborhood filled with restaurants, bars, cafés, and many entertainment venues. But is it a good neighborhood for pet owners? Yes, it absolutely is!
Nina May, The Royal, Convivial, and La Jambe are just some of Shaw’s many dog-friendly restaurants and cafes. In this neighborhood, you will have no problem finding a place to grab a quick bite, even if you have your pet with you. But the best thing about this area is the Shaw Dog Park. It is a15 thousand-square feet fenced area where your dog can run, jump and have fun playing with other dogs. The park is also leash-free, so your dog has maximum freedom. And the best part is that the park is split into two areas, one for larger dogs and one for smaller ones, so you won’t have to worry about your small pet getting hurt.
Georgetown is heaven for your pet
Georgetown, another Northwest Washington neighborhood, also takes a high spot on our list. This historic neighborhood is home to eleven thousand people. Famous for its architecture, this neighborhood is a feature that any dog owner will appreciate. Many well-lit sidewalks. If you have a pet, you know how necessary it is to have nicely lit sidewalks so you can take your dog for a quick walk when you don’t have the time to go to the park. Especially when it’s dark outside. Like other neighborhoods on this list, Georgetown has a variety of dog-friendly restaurants and cafes. Here are some of them where you can spend a fantastic time with your furry friend:
- Farmers Fishers Bakers
- il Canale
- Kafe Leopold
- Martin’s Tavern
Then there is the Georgetown Waterfront Park, where you can bring your dog for a walk or a lovely afternoon outside, but they must stay on a leash. Another useful feature for dog owners is The Dog Wizard DC. This is the perfect spot if your dog needs obedience training, leash training, or socialization.
Woodley Park
Woodley Park is a Washington neighborhood that has absolutely everything a dog owner might need. Starting with the best thing – housing. You can easily find affordable housing in Woodley Park that also welcomes you and your four-legged friends. And that’s not all. There are also a lot of dog-friendly hotels, such as Omni Shoreham Hotel, if you are only visiting for a few days.
Now, let’s take a look at the dog-friendly restaurants in Woodley Park. Lillies Restaurant and Bar, Residents Café and Bar, and The Admiral are some of the most popular places for dog owners in this area. But the best is definitely Open City coffeehouse and restaurant. This is because they have a dog-friendly patio outside, serving some lovely healthy treats for puppies. A perfect spot where you can grab a coffee after a long walk with your dog.
Southwest Waterfront has many pet supplies stores with your puppy’s favorite toys.
Southwest Waterfront
Along with Capitol Hill, Southwest Waterfront is one of the Washington neighborhoods with the fastest population growth. And while that is due to many factors, one of them is the fact that this is a highly pet-friendly neighborhood. There is a variety of great pet-friendly housing options. Many pet shops are stocked with all the supplies your puppy might possibly need, and sidewalks are also a great feature. But the best part is the Wharf, a multi-billion waterfront neighborhood with a lot of dog-friendly activities available.
As with the other neighborhoods, there are many dog-friendly restaurants to choose from. You can bring your puppy to the outdoor patio of Shake Shack, Mi Vida, or Pearl Street Warehouse. Then there are dog-friendly hotels such as Hyatt House and InterContinental. Whatever your puppy might need, Southwest Waterfront has it. So if you are thinking about making a local move in DC and hiring movers, this could be a perfect DC neighborhood for you and your dog. Moving companies are affordable here, and you can always reach out to skilled neighbors to help you with the whole process.
Exploring Hidden Gems: Lesser- Known Dog-Friendly Spots in DC
While the aforementioned neighborhoods are fantastic choices for dog owners, it’s worth noting that there are other less-talked-about spots in DC that are also becoming increasingly dog-friendly. Exploring these lesser-known areas can give you a fresh perspective on the city’s commitment to canine companions.
Adams Morgan is one such neighborhood that’s been growing in terms of dog-friendliness. This vibrant area, known for its nightlife and diverse dining scene, is also becoming a hit with dog owners. A stroll down 18th Street reveals several dog-friendly patios and cafes. The Walter Pierce Park is a fantastic spot for dogs to play and meet other furry friends. NoMa (North of Massachusetts Avenue) is another rising star in the dog-friendly
neighborhood scene. With new residential buildings popping up, many are integrating pet-friendly amenities like dog-washing stations and dedicated play areas. NoMa also boasts the Swampoodle Dog Park, an urban oasis for city pups. Bloomingdale, a residential neighborhood with Victorian-style homes, has its own charm. Crispus Attucks Park is a hidden gem, offering a green retreat for dogs and their owners. Plus, several cafes in the area have started offering outdoor seating where dogs are more than welcome.
It’s also worth mentioning that DC’s commitment to becoming a dog-friendly city isn’t just about parks and restaurants. The city has initiated several programs aimed at promoting responsible pet ownership, like free spay/neuter services and community dog training sessions. To wrap up, while the well-known neighborhoods are undoubtedly fantastic for dog owners, it might be worth it to venture out and discover the hidden gems that DC has to offer. Sometimes, the less popular places offer unique experiences that can strengthen your bond with your canine companion.
In Conclusion
As you can see, Washington, DC, is a very dog-friendly city. You won’t go wrong with picking any of these neighborhoods we listed. Living in a community that doesn’t meet your puppy’s basic needs can be a nightmare. Just imagine having to drive for hours because your neighborhood doesn’t have a vet or a dog park nearby. You won’t have to worry about that when you are living in Capitol Hill, Georgetown, Southwest Waterfront, Woodley Park, Columbia Heights, or Shaw. Any of these dog-friendly neighborhoods in Washington, DC, is excellent for dog owners.
But the key is finding the one that is the best for you. We only gave you the necessary information so you can make a well-informed decision for you and your puppy. The best thing to do is to make a trip with your dog to one of these dog-friendly neighborhoods in Washington. That way, you can see for yourself if this is a good area for you. And most importantly, if it meets your criteria.
Images used:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/architecture-backlit-dawn-dusk-261093/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/photography-of-three-dogs-looking-up-850602/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/dog-running-on-grass-422220/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-dog-lying-on-the-floor-4445461/
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