Loveland, Colorado, is not only a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and art lovers but also a paradise for pet owners who want to enjoy a day out with their furry friends. Whether you’re strolling through a sculpture park, sipping a craft beer at a dog-friendly brewery, or enjoying a relaxing hike with your pup, Loveland offers plenty of pet-friendly spots where your dog can join in the fun. If you’re planning a visit to this charming city and want to include your four-legged companion, here are seven pet-friendly things to do in Loveland that are sure to make your visit memorable!
A few things to know before you go: Dogs are welcome in most of Loveland’s public spaces, but they must be leashed and under control at all times outside of designated dog parks, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Pet waste bag stations are available throughout the city’s parks and trails, but pack a few just in case. Loveland is an easy city to explore on foot with a leashed pup. Check out our recommendations on pup-friendly places below.
#1: Breweries
Canines, craft beer and sunny patios were just made for each other. Here are four dog-friendly breweries in Loveland:
- Backyard Tap, with its giant backyard and dog bowls aplenty, will keep four-legged friends happy while mom and dad sip away and nosh on pizza, tacos and more from the rotating food trucks that visit.
- Grimm Brothers Brewhouse, Loveland’s oldest brewery is also dog friendly and is even known to host fundraisers and adoption events to benefit canine rescue organizations. It has a relatively new location at 815 14th St. SW, B100. Bonus: Dog treats are free!
- This spring, enjoy Verboten Brewing & Barrel Project’s refreshing TOSO – Thinking of Something Orange – wheat beer on the patio while your dog lounges by your feet.
- At Loveland Aleworks, dogs are allowed on the patio and one of the brewery’s awesome sour beers is best sipped alongside your four-legged companion.
#2: Shopping & Dining
Loveland’s many outdoor shopping venues allow patrons to shop and stroll – with their pooch! You will often see dog bowls and pick-up bags at The Promenade Shops at Centerra (merchants that permit dogs have a sticker on the door) and in Loveland’s charming downtown shopping district.
After shopping, no need to leave your four-legged travel buddy behind when it’s time to grab a bite. A.K.A. Kitchen offers a spacious, dog-friendly patio where you can settle in for everything from brunch to dinner. CJ’s Patio Grill is another pup-approved option, with a welcoming patio perfect for lunch or a casual meal after a day of exploring. Loveland has plenty of other patios worth checking out, too, so ask about the current pet policy when you arrive and snag an outdoor table where you and your pup can recharge together.
#3: Hiking
The trails at the Devil’s Backbone are even more fun with your pup. Plus, the rocks behind the keyhole provide some nice shade and a great resting spot for water, snacks and “attaboys.” Other hiking trails around the city offer up dog-approved experiences as well, like the easy trails at River’s Edge Natural Area, a 163-acre natural area that includes fishing access at the five ponds in the area, and great wildlife viewing opportunities (just remember to keep your dog leashed). Read about more great hikes here.
Not every trail in Loveland welcomes dogs, though, and locals take the rule seriously. Leave pets at home before heading to Prairie Ridge Natural Area, where dogs are prohibited to protect sensitive wildlife habitat (the same goes for neighboring Coyote Ridge Natural Area). Elsewhere in the city’s parks and open lands, dogs are welcome but must stay leashed and under control at all times, so it’s worth checking posted signage before letting a pup off-leash anywhere outside a designated dog park.
#4: Strolling
Not quite feeling a hike? No problem! There are some beautiful, peaceful spots to walk in Loveland thanks to its three sculpture parks. Chapungu Sculpture Park, McWhinney-Hahn Sculpture Park, and Benson Sculpture Garden are great for a quiet stroll with fido. As a bonus – Loveland’s love for dogs can be seen in several sculptures around town. Find the Great Dane sculpture at Benson for a ‘high five.
#5: Lakes
Looking ahead to warm spring and summer days, dogs sure love Loveland’s lakes and there are some lakes in Loveland that are dog friendly. Boyd Lake, Carter Lake and Lake Loveland are all dog friendly, just remember dogs must remain leashed (no more than 6-foot leash). While they are allowed to be in the lakes, they are not allowed on shore or in the water on or near the swim beaches.
#6: Parks
For super social dogs, don’t miss the delightful dog parks in town. Mehaffey Park includes two dog parks (on the east side, you’ll find one that caters to shy and small dogs). Fairgrounds Park has an easily accessible dog park and boasts beautiful views thanks to its location along the Big Thompson River.
A bit more on what to expect at each: Mehaffey Park’s dog park is fully fenced with a crushed-fine surface, double-gated entrances and a water fountain, and it sits near the park’s popular waterfall feature. Fairgrounds Park’s dog park is also fully fenced, with its own small-dog area, picnic tables, shade, seasonal water fountains and pet-waste-bag dispensers, plus easy parking off Railroad Avenue at Fire Engine Red Road. Dogs must be leashed on arrival and departure at both parks, then are free to romp off-leash once inside the gates.
#7: A Cat-friendly Cafe
Not a dog person? No worries! Go cuddle the cats at NoCo Cat Cafe (121 E. 5th St.) where you can sip coffee or tea while cuddling adoptable cats. As the first cat café in the region, their mission is to provide a safe, friendly environment for cats and community members to socialize. To that end, adoptable cats and kittens are brought in from nonprofit partner Colorado Kitty Coalition cat rescue to roam free and – hopefully – be adopted. Note: There is a $12 fee to enter the café and the money funds rehoming the cats.
Ready to plan a pet-friendly getaway? Browse Loveland’s dog-welcoming hotels under Where to Stay, then start mapping out a dog-approved itinerary for your next visit.
