When you packed up and relocated to St. Louis, was a leash and water bowl in your moving truck?
St. Louis, Missouri, is an incredibly friendly city for four-legged companions. In WalletHub’s 2017 list of Most Pet-Friendly Cities, St. Louis was ranked No. 17 thanks to perks like “pet budget” and “outdoor pet friendliness.”
Unlike some other cities, St. Louis proper features no breed bans on dogs and allows up to four pets per property without special licensing. Need to know more? Find some of the Gateway City’s top pet-friendly perks below.
Dog Parks
An inptomptu dog park and the Ellen Clark Sculpture park on @SLUgrounds! Grab your 4legged partner and head there! https://t.co/mtBMgajsuq pic.twitter.com/tWRwSjc3ks
— Museeum (@museeum_) August 4, 2017
Get outside and let Rover run! For those living in Benton Park, Lafayette Square, LaSalle Park or Soulard, there’s the Frenchtown Dog Park. With annual prices starting at $60 per year, this fenced dog park gives city residents a nearby area to play with their pets.
Art lover? Head to the free, fenced Ellen Clark Sculpture Park in Grand Center (commonly known as the Saint Louis University or SLU dog park) to let your pup run around while you admire the artwork.
While technically outside of St. Louis, the University City Off-Leash Dog Park is another noteworthy place for your pup to roam, as it was named a Top 10 U.S. Dog park by Deramaxx in 2005. Perks like shade and running water make this members-only park a convenient and comfortable place to play. A myriad of other dog parks are located in St. Louis’ suburbs, so depending on your location you may have a few convenient spots.
It should be noted that University City, as well as some other Missouri cities, has special regulations regarding pitbulls and/or pitbull mixes. They are banned from the University City Off-Leash Dog Park and those who live in U. City must meet guidelines to receive dog licenses for that breed. While some local breed bans have been removed, with Missouri being one of the states holding breed-specific laws, pitbull owners should research the specific municipality they are relocating to.
Dining with Dogs
We have a new blog for the best dog friendly patios in #STL! Read our #NemoNibbles review of Joey B's on Manchester: https://t.co/HoFoJhahPr pic.twitter.com/v9C59XkAsn
— Petropolis: Empowered Pet Care (@PetropolisSTL) August 23, 2017
Ask about eating alfresco with Fido and Fluffy in major dining districts like The Delmar Loop, South Grand, Soulard and the Central West End. A few delicious examples of pet-friendly spots include Sub Zero Vodka Bar, Pi Pizzeria and Llywelyn’s Pub.
Dog-Focused Services
Your pup sat with you while you went to dinner. What treat will he or she get for being so good? Lucky for them, St. Louis is full of delicious dog bakeries ready to make an Instagram-worthy treat for any occasion. Three Dog Bakery has two St. Louis-area locations (Town & Country and the Delmar Loop) and offers homemade, all-natural treats as well as an ample supply of pet products. Treats Unleashed, which offers similar products, has 11 locations in Missouri and offers a free birthday or “gotcha day” treat through its Frequent Barker Club.
Dog-Friendly Shopping
Find some deals while you shop with your dogs! Located a short drive outside of St. Louis are two large, outdoor outlet malls with dog-friendly components: Taubman Prestige Outlets and St. Louis Premium Outlets. Both shopping centers allow dogs in the outdoor common areas, and each store decides whether or not dogs may come inside. While you’re there, the Chesterfield (and University City) locations of Half Price Books are also pet friendly. In the city, you can even bring your dog to Left Bank Books in the Central West End.
