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 over twenty pet-accommodating hotels and plenty of parks and trails, Fort Wayne is a highly pet-friendly city.

Start out your trip by picking any one of the numerous local hotels that accept your furry friends. 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 new 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 wear out your pet, you can hop onto the Rivergreenway from a number of 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 that provide 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 that are available 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.

The city features many other great destinations for dog lovers like:

• Foster Park hosts a 2-mile path around the golf course that is perfect for walkers, riders, and anyone in between.
• Promenade Park offers a tree canopy trail that overlooks the river and the park! Enjoy a little rest time while sipping a local beer from Trubble Riverside Tap & Café in the beautiful dining gardens

If you ever get hungry in Fort Wayne, there are more than 20 restaurants that accommodate pets in their outdoor seating areas.

Just to name a few in the downtown area, Dash-In, 816 Pint & Slice and Fortezza each have patio seating additionally they are adjacent to the Porch off Calhoun. Three Rivers Distilling has an excellent menu with a spacious patio – they even allow dogs to visit indoors on the distillery side of the building!

The Landing is home to several restaurants with dog-friendly outdoor seating.

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Depending on how sea-worthy your pet is, Fort Wayne Outfitters offers canoe and kayak rides down the St. Mary's river. If your dog is comfortable around water and isn't too fidgety, they are welcome to sit in the canoe while you paddle down the river. The rivers here in Fort Wayne are a great way to see the natural beauty of the river banks even amidst the hustle and bustle of the busy city around you. It offers a nice, quiet escape and after only a few minutes, you forget that you are in the middle of Indiana's second largest city!

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! The folks at green DogGoods use the same organic, all natural house made shampoo, conditioner and skin treatments so you can feel better about making your pet look their best. Be sure to stop next door at Firefly Coffee House for a human treat and a house-made dog biscuit.

Or, opt to leave your pets at home 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, be sure to check out any of Fort Wayne's pet-friendly hotels. It is important to note that while your pets are welcomed 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!