If you’re a pet owner, you know that days are better with your pup by your side. In Sandy Springs, you can always bring your dog along, thanks to plenty of dog-friendly places and activities all around town. With its pet-friendly restaurants, neighborhood pet stores, parks, and other recreation areas, there's no end to the places you and your fur baby to explore together. While you’re out and about, you might even bump into That Dood Squad, Sandy Springs’ local celebrity doodle crew! But even if you don’t spot those popular pups out and about, you and your canine companion will have plenty to keep you busy. Here's, your guide to the best dog-friendly spots in Sandy Springs.
1. Dog City Bakery II
Stop into this adorable pet store and let your pup pick out some healthy, all-natural treats, to munch on. After years of making homemade treats for her dog and those of friends, owner Marcia Lain opened Dog City Bakery. Her goal is to provide the community with delicious and nutritious dog treats made from human-grade ingredients. You can even special order puppy birthday cakes, and sign up for a subscription to the treat-of-the-month club.
2. Morgan Falls Dog Park
Let your dog run free at Morgan Falls Dog Park, a spacious off-leash area near Morgan Falls Overlook Park. The dog park offers free entry, a large grassy play area, and even a separate fenced section for dogs under 24 pounds. The main area has ramps and jumps for dogs to test their agility. Be sure to bring water and waste bags for your dog.
3. Meehan’s Public House
Ever wanted to do happy hour with your pup? This Irish pub offers a rooftop patio where you can do just that. Meehan’s Public House is a dog-loving restaurant with four locations in the Atlanta area, including Sandy Springs, and its menu offers hearty, delicious pub fare any time of day. The sunny rooftop is just the spot for you and, well, Spot.
4. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Experiencing the beautiful Chattahoochee River is a must-do in Sandy Springs. To explore it with your pup, visit the Island Ford unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. The wooded riverfront park offers three miles of gentle, lightly-trafficked walking trails. It’s an ideal place for you and your furry friend to get some exercise and spend time outdoors.
6. Perk-n-Pooch
Skip the at-home puppy scrubbing in favor of this fun bath-and-beverage dog grooming spot. At Perk-N-Pooch you can treat your dog to a DIY bath using professional facilities. You can also take advantage of the various grooming services offered by the friendly Perk-N-Pooch staff. While you wait for your sparkling clean pup, enjoy coffee, snacks, smoothies, and even ice cream from the shop's cozy (human-friendly) cafe.
7. The Whole Dog Market
What began as a family-run doggy daycare center is now one of the premier pet supply stores in the Southeast. The Whole Dog Market in Sandy Springs offers healthy pet foods, wholesome treats, quality supplies, and friendly advice to help your pet thrive. While you’re there, check out the self-service bath stations, and stock up on Farm Hound Treats, the market’s in-house line of locally-sourced organic dog treats.
8. Southern Bistro
This locally-owned Sandy Springs eatery has a dog-friendly patio where your pup can hang while you enjoy made-from-scratch Southern staples like fried green tomatoes and country fried steak. The best part? Southern Bistro offers complimentary treats and even a special dog menu, so your pooch can chow down on grilled chicken, bacon, or rice while you dine.
9. Hammocks Trading Company
This breezy spot will have you thinking you took a wrong turn and ended up at the beach! Bring your dog, and lounge under a colorful umbrella on the deck at Hammocks Trading Company. The restaurant's extensive menu features seafood-centric fare like oysters on the half shell, an award-winning grouper sandwich, and more. You’ll love relaxing outside with your fur baby at this coastal-inspired hangout.
10. Pontoon Brewing
You furry best friend can join you as you sip a pint or two at Sandy Springs’ first microbrewery. Pontoon Brewing was founded by a group of friends who wanted to bring the laid-back lake lifestyle to the city. The brewery captures that easygoing feeling and encourages guests to bring pets along. They're even welcome inside, making this a great spot to kick back with a pint or two, even on a rainy day.
11. The Sandy Springs Festival
The annual fall Sandy Springs Festival is one of the town’s biggest and best events, and furry family members can join in the fun. Each September, the festival kicks off with a Pet Parade, where your four-legged friend can show off its snazziest outfit as you stroll past onlookers. The outdoor festival features food trucks, local vendors and artisans, live music, kids’ activities, and tons of other entertainment to kick off autumn in Sandy Springs.
For many dog owners, their four-legged friend is much more than a pet—they're more like a member of the family. When you’re in Sandy Springs, it’s easy to see that the community values the bond between people and their pets. Throughout town, you’ll find places that embrace pups and their human companions. They say you can learn a lot about a person by the way they treat animals. Well, it’s also true that you can learn a lot about a town by the way it treats pets.
Written by Madison Eubanks for Matcha in partnership with Sandy Springs GA.