Pet-Friendly Itinerary

Pets deserve vacations too, and their dream destination is probably Fort Collins. Our pets are hard at work giving us all the attention we could ever want after long days at work, so why not plan for some good ol' relaxation, just you and your best bud. There are pet-friendly options abound so plan your pet-cation to Fort Collins soon, and don't miss out on all the great attractions for both humans and pets!

Pick Your Pet-Friendly Hotel

First things first, a nice place to stay in is the first thing you’ll need in any destination and it sets Fort Collins apart for our furry friends because we offer so many accommodation options that are pet-friendly. The Fort Collins Marriott, The Hilton Fort Collins, Quality Inn and Suites, The Armstrong, and The Elizabeth are just a snippet of pet-friendly hotels in town offering a great atmosphere for both you and your pet. Find all your pet-friendly Fort Collins hotels here.

Recreate Responsibly 

Colorado is ranked nine in the nation for highest pet ownership with 47% of households owning a dog, according to wisevoter.com. Accordingly, outdoor recreation with dogs is very popular, which can result in conflicts with other visitors and impacts to wildlife. To recreate responsibly, check out the Paws for Larimer County Trails campaign. 

Off-Leash Dog Park

Although Fort Collins does have a leash law in place; they offer multiple different off-leash dog parks so your companion can get some much-needed free time. These parks are conveniently placed all over town and provide great recreation for both you and your dog. Spring Canyon Park is the most popular in Fort Collins. It offers two huge gated areas with dog water, tunnel obstacles, shared tennis balls, and even has a doggy pond for some swimming. On top of that, the park is situated directly against the Fort Collins foothills and offers some of the town’s best recreation. After your dog is finished playing, take him for a walk on one of the many trails in the area. The other park options are Fossil Creek, Twin SIlo and Soft Gold. 

Hike on the many dog-friendly nature trails!

There are so many wonderful nature trails to choose from!  Keep in mind that in Larimer County, dogs must be kept on a leash; if you are looking for off-leash hiking options, look at the hiking trail options in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests to the west of Fort Collins.

• City of Fort Collins Natural Areas: The City of Fort Collins has 35 dog-friendly natural areas to choose from! 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!
• Larimer County Open Spaces: The LC Open Spaces offer a wide variety of terrain for different skill levels & interests!  You can hike through the popular Horsetooth Mountain Open Space to reach Horsetooth Rock overlooking Fort Collins.
• Lory State Park: Fort Collins’ only State Park has a little bit of everything, from valley hikes like the South, East, and West Valley Trails, to overlook hikes like Arthur’s Rock & Overlook Trails. 

• Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests: Popular trails up the Poudre Canyon from Fort Collins include Greyrock, Hewlett Gulch & Young Gulch. These will have varying leash rules, so be sure to check posted signage at each trailhead for the most accurate information. 

Don’t forget your trail manners! Good trail manners help everyone have a safe and fun visit to the hiking trail, and keep these beautiful natural spaces open and accessible to dogs for years to come.  The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas department has a great resource on understanding the rules and trail manners that allow us to continue to use natural spaces with our dogs.  Check out these resources to learn more before you take your first visit! 

Hang out with your pet at the Breweries

You can’t miss out on the breweries during your pet vacation in Fort Collins; just because they can’t sip the suds doesn't mean they won’t love them just as much as you. The two big breweries, New Belgium and Odell allow your furry friends to come inside, so even on those chilly fall days, you both can stay warm. However, the backyards at both places are where you will want to play if it’s warm. Relax by the outdoor fire pit at Odell Brewing Co. or play Rolle Bolle on the back porch at New Belgium. Either way, your pet will find friends and fun at the breweries. The town’s smaller breweries such as Horse and Dragon and Zwei will allow doggies on their patio and are happy to provide water bowls so they can quench their thirst as well.

Events

A dog-obsessed town comes with many dog-friendly events! At the beginning of every October, you have to check out Tour de Corgi, a costume contest and parade that goes through Old Town. You can also put your dog in for the running for FoCo Top Dog, a fundraiser where the winner gets their dog's image on a can of Odell beer! In May, the annual Fire Hydrant 5K benefits Larimer Humane Society. The Brew Paw Paw Bingo is a brewery-hopping good time in June.

Visit Wagz Pet Market

Shopping in Old Town is a must-do for both you and your pet. Stroll the cobbled streets of Old Town and enjoy local and unique stores. Along the streets, you will find water bowls (and sometimes even treats) for your furry friend. Don’t pass up Wagz Pet Market on College Ave. near Trimble Court for all your pet needs. Let your shopping partner pick out a toy of their own or maybe a new leash for that hike you are about to go on. Wagz loves to see your pets, so bring them in for some extra love and attention.

Say hello to Annie the Railroad Dog statue

While you’re strolling through Downtown Fort Collins make sure to stop by the Downtown Transit Center to visit the resting site of Annie the Railroad Dog. Annie is a historic figure in Fort Collins known for her friendly presence at the Mason St. train station here in town. Annie was adopted by railroad men in the 1930s and became quite a local celebrity as she greeted each person disembarking from their train ride to Fort Collins throughout the decade. You can also visit her bronze statue at the Old Town Library at 201 Peterson Street or take a stroll along Annie’s walk at Library Park.

Get a puppy treat from Ginger & Baker

Ginger & Baker offers your favorite furry companion choices from their very own menu. This hip addition to the foodie scene in Fort Collins is sure to surprise and tantalize your taste buds. Options include bowls that put chicken, beef, or salmon at the forefront or treat that range from pup-pops to paw-fogato. 

Come Visit!

Whether you are enjoying time at a dog-friendly hotel, taking in the sights on a local hiking trail, drinking a Colorado brew, visiting a shop in Old Town, or checking out a great event, you can do it all in Fort Collins with your best dog adventurer by your side! We hope to see you & your dogs in our town soon.