In a study a few years ago, it was found that around half of millennials who were searching for a home said that their dog, or the desire to have one, would influence their future home-buying decisions. Fast forward to the current day, and DINKWADS are taking over TikTok. Don’t worry – it’s not an insult. It stands for “double income, no kids, and a dog.” Today, people are increasingly wanting to hang out and have fun with their pets, and some pets even have higher social media followings than human influencers do. Welcome, fellow animal lovers, we believe pets are a part of the family, too.
If you’re anything like us, then you probably love finding unique things to do with your four-legged best friend and helping your pets live their best life. With Georgia’s pleasant climate, parks galore and an abundance of pet-friendly businesses and restaurants, there are plenty of unique, paw-some spots for pups and pet parents alike. From cat cafes to pupfriendly bars and everything in between, we have sniffed out some of the best tail-wagging experiences for you and your companions. Unleash the fun and embark on these five experiences with your favorite furry friend.
COSMIC DOG OUTPOST
An outdoor beer garden situated along the Etowah River in Rome, GA, Cosmic Dog Outpost is your next unique experience. What is not to love about tasty craft beer, cider and wine, food trucks, the riverside location, AND the fact that this outpost is pet-friendly? Beer, pups and good vibes are in abundance at Cosmic Dog. Whether you are floating down the river or visiting the outpost by car, you are guaranteed a paw-some time.
Cosmic Dog Outpost consistently has specials, various events, live music, and one of the best views in town. For more information on events and specials, check out their Facebook page at facebook.com/CosmicDogOutpost/.
FETCH PARK
Tired of having to make the choice between hanging out with your friends or taking your dog to the dog park? Check out Fetch Park, a community-driven, social hub for dog owners and lovers. With several locations around Atlanta, there are plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy this park with your friends and your dog’s friends. Featured by CNN, The Travel Channel, Discovery Channel and more, Fetch Park was Atlanta’s first full-service restaurant and dog park bar. This trailblazing concept for an off-leash dog park bar and social hub for dog owners is a must-visit for humans and dogs looking for their new favorite activity. While other dog parks can run the risk of having unsocial or aggressive dogs, at Fetch, all owners sign a liability waiver and abide by rules in place to mitigate risk for furry friends. To further ensure the safest experience, the park has a membership system with the option for monthly and annual memberships. The daily fee for a non-membership is $10 for dogs. If you are going with a group of friends but have no dog and just want to enjoy the pet-friendly atmosphere, Fetch is free for humans to enter and enjoy. For a list of rules and FAQs, visit fetchpark.com/faq.
CHATTAPOOCHEE DOG PARK
Easily accessible from various parts of Duluth, the playfully named Chattapoochee Dog Park is both human and dog-approved and consistently named on top dog park lists for the Atlanta area and beyond. With distinct areas for large and small dogs, a safe and enjoyable playtime is available for dogs of all sizes. There’s an unspoken bond between a nature lover and their dog, and Chattapoochee’s proximity to the Chattahoochee River adds a scenic charm and picturesque setting. Chattapoochee is praised for its beautiful riverfront setting and amenities such as agility obstacles for dogs to exercise, splash areas for dogs to cool off in warmer months, and walking trails for both owners and dogs to enjoy. Along with an adorable name, this park is sure to please both you and your pet.
THE CATFE
If you have been reading through these experiences as a cat person and are looking for an experience that speaks to your cat-loving heart, this one’s for you. The Catfe, located in Lawrenceville, GA, provides the purrfect atmosphere for caffeine and cat lovers alike. The Catfe is not simply a coffee cafe, but a community, stating on its website that the cafe is “just as much a part of the community as its people”. As a testament to their community values, the coffee roaster The Catfe supports is one of the handful of roasters that engages in direct trade with underdeveloped communities. Customers are encouraged to purchase their coffee directly to help build the local community. With an emphasis on community purpose, locally roasted, specialty coffee and freshly baked treats, and of course, a cat play area, The Catfe is a place where you are always welcome. For more information, visit their website at thecatfeco.com.
THE POOCH PONTOON
All aboard the Pooch Pontoon! Did you know that you and your dog have the opportunity to spend quality time together on the lake? Candace Solyst, the self-proclaimed “Pooch Pontoon Lady” is an active volunteer for the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia (the oldest nonprofit organization in Northeast Georgia) and the owner of the Pooch Pontoon. Dog-friendly excursions, “Island Reiki” sessions, pet-friendly birthday “pawties” and FREE rescue rides for shelter dogs and the people who serve them (including dogs in foster care), make Pooch Pontoon a must-see experience with your pet. On the ride, you will visit small islands where your dog can run, explore nature, and truly live their best life. The Pooch Pontoon captain has 20 years of experience navigating Lake Lanier (that’s 140 in dog years), so come unplug, relax and recharge on the lake with your best friend. You deserve it, and so does your dog. For more information, visit bestfriendsonthelake.com/pooch-pontoon.