Where to Stay, Eat and Play with Your Furry Friend

For some folks, their furry dog friends are most definitely a member of the household and they wouldn’t dream of leaving Buddy or Bella at home while they go on vacation. Thankfully, Fort Collins is extremely dog friendly. Some may even say dog-obsessed. Name another town that dedicates an entire annual fall event — Tour de Corgi — to our best friend? Or another town that has a dog competition — Foco Top Dog — where the winner gets a custom beer from a local brewery?

Here’s the lowdown on a few of our favorite places where pets are welcome to stay, play and eat (or imbibe) with you in Fort Collins. Click here for a full pet itinerary.

STAY

Most lodging options in Fort Collins are pet friendly. We included a few of our favorites below! Be sure to check out our booking page for rates and all of our pet friendly options.

 

A couple sits in the Armstrong Hotel lobby with their dog

 

Armstrong Hotel:

An Old Town Fort Collins landmark, the iconic Armstrong Hotel is happy to welcome your whole pack to the hotel. Their dog friendly rooms include a comfy Pendleton dog bed, a New Belgium Brewery dog bowl and plenty of local treats to snack on. While your pup will be more than pleased with the accommodations, so will you. The hotel reopened in Spring of 2019 after a complete remodel honoring the hotel’s 95-year history. The new look features an eclectic mix of earthy, natural and jewel tones juxtaposed with industrial elements, such as vintage leather, wood, and metals throughout. Visit their Pawsitively Perfect page for more details on the hotel’s pet package.

 

The Elizabeth Hotel:

The 164-room Elizabeth Hotel in Old Town is not only one of the most luxurious hotel in Fort Collins, it is also certainly pet friendly, embracing the idea that there’s no need for anyone to ruff it. If your pup is a music fan, this is the spot for you. The luxury hotel pays tribute to FoCo’s deep-rooted music scene and features record players in the guest rooms so get ready to play them some Simon & Garfunkel. The hotel's events also cater to dogs. If you're there during one of their "Yappy Hours", it's a must go!

 

Fort Collins Marriott: 

If you want to stay on the south end of town, the Fort Collins Marriott is the perfect place to book for your furry friend. This hotel welcomes pets and puts you right between Mid Town and South Fort Collins, the perfect stop for shopping, dining, and exploring!

 

Remington Flats: 

Located within walking distance of Colorado State University's campus and Downtown Fort Collins, The Remington Flats is a hidden gem within the heart of the city where personal touches and whimsical surroundings create a truly magical stay that can’t be experienced elsewhere in Fort Collins. Pets are allowed in two of their options!

 

PLAY

Campers with their dogs

 

Fort Collins is home to a plethora of fantastic parks, including four fantastic dog parks where dogs can play off leash. It’s also worth noting most of the Natural Areas in and around the city welcome leashed pets. Visit the Natural Areas Finder Tool (scroll down to the bottom of the page) and apply the “Dogs on Leash” filter to select for dog-friendly natural areas! Add these stops to your itinerary.

 

Dog Parks

  • Spring Canyon Community Park (3156 S. Overland Trail): Located at the base of the foothills, the 100-acre park features a 2-3-acre fenced dog park complete with tunnel obstacles, shared tennis balls and even a doggy pond. Recent additions include a fenced in area for small and shy dogs and a water fountain for you and your pet. 

  • Fossil Creek Park (5821 S. Lemay St.): Located in south Fort Collins, this nearly 100-acre park includes a 1-acre dog park (with a small fenced off area for small or shy dogs) and plenty of walking paths your pup will love. If you have kids as well, the playground here is second to none as the park is an ode to Colorado’s abundant geological history. After climbing a giant Wooly Mammoth and swinging from its tusks, kids can climb through a shark’s jaw and then scale a concrete climbing wall with embedded “fossils.”

  • Twin Silo Community Park (5280 Ziegler Rd.): Located in southeast Fort Collins, this one of a kind park, features community gardens, paved recreational trails, an orchard, a BMX park, pickleball courts, a dog park, original artwork designed specifically for the park, and a playground that includes the tallest slide in Fort Collins. Twin Silo Park was awarded the 2020 Columbine Award for New Park Design by the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association in December 2020. Specifically, the dog park is one-acre in size and also includes small fenced off area for small or shy dogs. 

  • Soft Gold Neighborhood Park (520 Hickory St.): More quaint than the above options, Soft Gold is located in North Fort Collins and usually draws less of a crowd with its hidden location in the back of the park.

 

Lory State Park

Fort Collins’ only State Park has a little bit of everything, from valley hikes like the SouthEast, and West Valley Trails, to overlook hikes like Arthur’s Rock & Overlook Trails. Arthur’s Rock is a popular destination, rivaling Horsetooth Rock for its beautiful overlook views of Fort Collins, so plan to get to the trailhead early during good weather to secure a parking spot!  A parking permit (available for purchase at the entrance) is required for entrance into Lory State Park.

 

SHOP

 

A pet boutique that’s worth a visit is Wagz Pet Market & Grooming! 'Forgot your leash? Need more treats or toys? Need a trim? No problem. Wagz is an easy Old Town stop your pet will love to make with you. Even better, this cute pet boutique is within walking distance to two pet-friendly hotels: The Armstrong and The Elizabeth. Another option is Poudre Pet & Feed Supply's four Fort Collins' locations. 

 

EVENTS

If you're itching to get out of the house but don't want to leave Fido behind, Fort Collins has many dog-friendly events. At the beginning of every October, you have to check out Tour de Corgi, a parade through town of costumed dogs. You can also put your dog in for the running for FoCo Top Dog! The winner gets their dog's image on a can of Odell beer. Dogs are always welcome at the Fort Collins Food Truck Rally and the Larimer County Farmers Market.

 

EAT/DRINK

A group of friends drinks beer with dog at Stodgy Brewing

Ginger and Baker

Ginger and Baker, which opened in late 2017 in the former Northern Colorado Feeders Supply, features a pie shop and restaurant, teaching kitchen and retail space. The spot is quite popular with dog parents as their North Patio is dog-friendly. Ask for their Ginger and BARKer menu while you're there to get a treat for your furry friend!

Maxline Brewing

Don’t be surprised to see dogs basking in the sun on the patio and inside at Maxline Brewing, where they’re welcome to hang while you sip an Irish Red. The brewery even sells a variety of munchies. You might even get a chance to meet Maxine, owner Cathy and Kevin’s beloved pup.

New Belgium Brewing

As one of the first breweries in Fort Collins, New Belgium Brewing Company is a must visit. You’ll likely encounter dogs chilling with their owners inside the tasting room as well as lounging on the back porch while their owners play Rolle Bolle. If you get hungry, you can grab a snack from the rotating food truck outside. Plan ahead: Dogs aren't allowed on the brewery tours.

Coopersmith's 

This Old Town landmark is Fort Collins’ oldest brewpub and a pioneer in the city’s world-famous craft brew culture. Best of all, CooperSmith’s is dog friendly. As with most restaurants in town with an outdoor patio, Coopersmith’s welcomes dogs on their two-sided patio where you can practice your people-(and dog-)watching skills. Nosh on hearty pub classics (including vegetarian and gluten free options) while your pet lounges nearby.

The Exchange

There are dogs aplenty hanging out at The Exchange, an inviting open air plaza surrounded by shipping container cars that serve up inspired cuisine, beer and craft cocktails. We won’t tell if you sneak your pup a bite from your piadina from La Piadina, which serves up authentic Italian flatbread sandwiches. Scoot over to Vatos Tacos + Tequila for tasty street tacos. And for dessert, a scoop of ice cream from Old Town Churn is sure to satiate everyone’s sweet tooth.