Dog's Life

City Spotlight: Austin, Texas

By Paula Felps

Visiting a new city is always exciting, but experiencing it with your dog always doubles the fun! Whether your idea of a fun-filled getaway involves shopping, dining, romping, or just soaking in the sun, Austin, Texas, has you covered.

Although the Lone Star State is filled with dog-friendly cities, none can quite match Austin for its fantastic fur-friendly ways. The state’s capital city is home to a dozen off-leash dog parks and is filled with shops and restaurants that are just as friendly to four-legged customers as they are to mere bi-peds. While it bills itself as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” dog lovers have discovered that it could just as easily be called the canine-friendly capital. So whatever your idea of “getting away from it all” may be, Austin probably has just what you—and your best friend—are looking for!

Austin Java Company
Jump-start your day with a big cup of joe while your best friend enjoys a complimentary bowl of water at the Austin Java Company. You can enjoy great people- and dog-watching opportunities or make new friends as you sip your morning beverage, and the two of you will be welcomed on both the front and back patio of this Austin staple.
1206 Parkway, Austin, TX, 512-476-1829
www.austinjava.com

The Furr Factor Canine Emporium
After you’ve gotten fueled up for the day, burn off some energy by visiting The Furr Factor Canine Emporium, a spectacular shop for you and your dog. Whether you’re looking for some new outdoor gear, doggie accessories, or new bowls, this store has it all—and it’s all in style, from doggie tank tops to collars and leads.
2210 South 1st Street, Austin, TX, 512-502-5750

Austin City Tours
One of the best ways to get to know Austin is, of course, to walk around the city. And there’s no better way to do that than to try the guided walking tours, which are free to you and your pooch––make sure he’s on a lead––and begin on the steps of the Capitol. The tours are offered year round, except on major holidays. Three different tours let you choose which area you’d like to explore—the Capitol grounds, Austin’s Victorian neighborhoods and the architecture of downtown Austin.
If you’d prefer to let someone else do the legwork, hop aboard a horse-drawn dog-friendly carriage and enjoy a day tour of the city’s historic areas—offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the weekends. In the evening, the downtown area also offers rides from 7 to 11 p.m. Rates range from $40 for 30 minutes to $80 for a full hour.
Austin Guided Walking Tours
11th and Congress Avenue, Austin, TX, 512-478-0098
Austin Carriage Tours
Various downtown locations (call for information), 512-243-0044

Town Lake
Among the city’s extensive park system, Town Lake is great for swimming, hiking or just playing together. The park provides 10 miles of trails, and the beaches alongside the lake welcome people as well as their pooches looking for some playtime.
2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX, 512-974-6700