Pet Lovers Getaway

If you're looking for something to do this weekend but you don't want to leave Fido at home, then Fort Wayne has got you covered! With more than 20 pet-accommodating hotels and plenty of parks and trails, Fort Wayne invites you and your four-legged friend to come, sit, stay.

Start out your trip by picking any one of the numerous local hotels that welcome your furry travel companion. From the great, many local vacation rentals, like AirBnb to the larger, national chains like Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Center and even the luxury boutique hotel, The Bradley; there is no shortage of places that would love to accommodate your entire family.

Once you are ready to get outside and burn off some energy, you can hop onto the Rivergreenway to explore parks and trailheads. This 25-mile long linear park stretches from Fort Wayne to New Haven and follows the banks of several rivers giving users a multitude of views of the city, parks, and natural beauty of Allen County.

There are dozens of county parks just outside of Fort Wayne that have miles of fabulous trails providing great exercise and awesome views for you and your pet. Fox Island County Park - 25 minutes from Fort Wayne's downtown - is a 600 acre park that has seven miles of trails as well as a dog beach on the banks of the small lake where you and your pooch can take a dip to cool off ($2 entry fee, check park hours).

Sign up for the free Hikes, Bikes, & Paddles Fort Wayne Outdoor Pass for simple itineraries around the city.

There are more than 20 restaurants that accommodate pets in their outdoor seating areas.

A few in the downtown area include Dash-In, 816 Pint & Slice, and Fortezza and each have additional patio seating at the Porch off Calhoun.

The Landing is home to several restaurants with dog-friendly outdoor seating - you might even meet Cholla, resident pup and #1 Good Girl at Nawa restaurant.

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Fort Wayne Outfitters offers canoe and kayak rentals from Promenade Park for a float down the St. Marys river. If your dog is comfortable around water, they are welcome to adventure with you while you paddle down the scenic and calm waterways. 

What better way to end the day than rewarding your pet with a homemade, all natural dog treat from green DogGoods on North Anthony Boulevard. This healthy and natural pet supply store offers freshly baked (yes baked, like cookies!) dog treats as well as holistic toys, healthy and natural dog foods as well as options for your feline friends. If you want, green DogGoods also offers grooming services so that your pet can leave Fort Wayne with a fresh trim and a shiny coat! Be sure to stop next door at Firefly Coffee House for a human treat and a house-made dog biscuit.

Or, give your pets a rest, and visit the Black Forest Cat Café! Anyone is welcome to come enjoy an espresso or tea in the café, where you can watch through the windows to see cats at play in the Cat Lounge. Better yet, book a 55-minute spot INSIDE the Cat Lounge! You’ll be surrounded by cats – all available for adoption through a partnership with Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control. You are not at all required to adopt. Simply relax and enjoy the playful company of the cats!

Before setting out to Fort Wayne for your fun weekend away with your pets, it is important to note that while your pets are welcome at any of the parks and trails, there are rules and restrictions regarding bringing pets into protected nature areas. Please contact any parks and preserves you wish to visit and ask about pet accommodations. Always read and follow trail signs to ensure a safe and fun visit for everyone!