Hello Bend!
Can you call yourself a Bendite if you don’t have a dog? We don’t think so either! We’d be lying if we said we didn’t want to bring our dogs everywhere we went. I mean, after 2020, we are practically attached at the hip from all the time spent in quarantine!
Part of the allure of the Bend lifestyle is that your Dog is welcome more places than even your kids! Ha! I have to say, even some of the best friendships I’ve made have been formed when one of us went up to the other and asked “hey can I pet your dog?”
SO where to start if you’re new to dog ownership, or maybe new to the area and trying to find all the best K-9 services? Read below for our favorites! Let us know if we missed anything!
First stop is the Bar…Bend is known for its great Breweries and outdoor amenities so bringing along your furry plus one is more than welcomed at the following spots: always remember to be kind, courteous of others, and make sure your dog is leashed when required at these spots!
Dog Friendly Bars and Restaurants
Deschutes Brewery Bend Public House
They not only have nineteen beers on tap but are very accommodating to your dogs with an outdoor patio overlooking downtown. Lots of potential for extra pets and loves for your pup as pedestrians walk by the pub.
Worthy Brewery
Dogs are welcomed with a spacious beer garden, giving lots of room to enjoy for both pups and people! “It is one of the best outdoor areas for dogs at a brewery that I’ve seen in a while.” says one reviewer! Come for the dog-friendly space, stay for the live music and delicious food!
McKay Cottage
At McKays Cottage, they genuinely welcome pets with open arms and lots of treats – dog cookies, fresh water with ice (and refills!), and more! If you’ve never enjoyed a Sunday brunch with the whole family on the McKay’s patio, you need to experience it for yourself!
Goodlife Brewing Company
Dogs are welcome at several picnic tables outside in the beer garden, they even have a special menu item that–while meant for humans– is PERFECT for sharing with your pup! Order the Carlton Farms Bacon for the table, and let your furry friend in on the snacking!
JDub
Dogs are more than welcomed on their back patio that even serves a Dog menu that includes items like “Pooch Hooch” and “Hooch in a Biscuit”!
Sunriver Brewing Company
Taking a walk down the Galveston Corridor? Dogs are welcomed at all tables on the front and back patio and Sunriver is one of the places that clearly loves dogs. They make sure your furry friend is well cared for while you enjoy Sunriver’s vast variety of beers and food!
Off Leash Dog Parks
While Bend is the best place to get your paws dirty and go explore nature, some trails are carefully curated and don’t allow dogs. Stay tuned for a hiking trail map coming soon on the blog, but in the meantime, check out an awesome recap of some of Bend’s BEST dog parks!
Good Dog!
Anyone who lives here and has pets will rave about GoodDog! With access to the river, and an extensive network of trails on the DRT, this Dog Park has something for everyone and every kind of pooch. Come prepared to hike, and if your dog is a fan of swimming, the river is a great landmark for planning your hike!
Badlands
If you want to get a little dusty and go out a bit further, I’d recommend the Badlands, you get the separation from the city and a feel for a different scenery which is always a great reset.
Check out these closer to town structured off-leash areas!
Overturf Park
This park is located adjacent to the City of Bend’s Overturf Butte Reservoir property. It provides access to the Cascade Highlands Trail and features a horseshoe pit and playground in addition to benches on sitting plaza. Above this park, on Overturf Butte Reservoir, you’ll find a dog off-leash area near Skyliner Summit Loop.
Riverbend Dog Park
HIghlights: Dog-specific/friendly water access to the Deschutes River and easy access from walking the river trail!
Hollinshead Park
The park features several original outbuildings including the renovated Hollinshead Barn and the Share Croppers House, now a museum. Park amenities include an unfenced, off-leash dog park, community garden and picnicking. Much of the park is open fields in place of the original Hollinshead orchard.
Pine Nursery Dog Park
Highlights include extensive 14-acre off-leash dog space, adjacent to tennis and pickleball courts and playgrounds.
Ponderosa Park
Features include a skatepark, basketball court, court marked for pickle ball, playground, restrooms, walking trail, off-leash dog park area, picnic shelter and large lawns.
Big Sky Off-Leash Dog Area
Big Sky features an off-leash dog park and natural area. There is a large, grassy area that includes a fenced play area with walking trails and natural surfaces.
Discovery Park – Dog Park
This dog park is 1.6 acres of groomed fun for the pups! Located in Northwest Crossings, it is easily accessible and an awesome choice for your west side, in town, dog park needs.
Special Events
Bend Elks “Bark in the Park”
Bark in the Park is a special night to enjoy both Baseball and your Dog!
Fun contests, vendors and even the possibility to adopt a dog through Human Society of Central Oregon
Annual keg races in Sunriver
This K-9 Keg Pull is hosted at Sunriver Resort annually and is a whole heap of furry fun. Usually scheduled in February or early winter, this is a family favorite event!
A fun, harm free race to see who can win the “Fast as Lightning Fido” award. This has been cancelled for the past few years due to COVID, but keep your eyes peeled for 2022 Keg races!
Rattlesnake Training
There is always a potential of deadly interactions with rattlesnakes in the High Desert. Be proactive and train your dog on avoidance techniques and more with Central Oregon’s own K-9 Rattlesnake training!
Dog- Friendly Activities
Tumulo Creek Canoe & Kayak
Dogs are welcome on all kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards for an epic 2 hour water experience!
Smith Rock State Park
This state park is very dog friendly, although your pups do have to be on a leash for safety reasons they will still enjoy the scenic view!
Todd Lake Trail
This trail is about 4 hours long with on or off leash options depending on heavy foot traffic. The bonus of this trail is that there are plenty of streams and lakes for your dog to take a quick break and cool off!
Central Oregon Goldens
Have a golden retriever or doodle? Follow on instagram for meet ups and fun events and gatherings for your Central Oregon Golden!
Groomers, Boarding, and Daycare
Mckenna Speakman, Bend Pup-cation
The fearless leader of Central Oregon Goldens, and a fabulous dog walker, sitter, and day-carer, Mckenna Speakman is highly rated among the Central Oregon K-9 world. She and her team offer daily structured walks, active off-leash hikes, and your pet will fall in love with her and the posse of other dogs in the group.
Doggieville Ranch
- Some say this is Disneyland for dogs! Doggieville offers, a fun and safe place for your dogs to be kennel free!
- They offer great grooming services
- 5 ½ acres with mountain views and endless space to run!
Bend Unleashed
- A great place to drop your dog for the day or for a few nights, they offer text message updates, group stays, private suits and more!
Banfield Pet Hospital
- When you are out shopping for your dog at Petsmart, Banfield is conviently located inside, location is key for this business. You have a one stop shop from grooming, a vet checkup and the obvious toy shopping!
WagBend-Dog Daycare
- This business offers daycare, boarding as well as WB Ranch which is an exclusive membership allowing owners and pets access to acres of grass, ponds and sniff training
Muddy Paws
- Premium service! You have the option to drop off your pet to get groomed or get a little dirty and use their self-serve station. Calling ahead of time will ensure a spot for you and your furry friend!
Dirty Dog Grooming
- This is where Mays goes for all his grooming needs and instead of becoming a pool of anxiety like some of the other locations, he walks out happy and wagging after lots of extra love and care.
Local Pet Stores
Bend Pet Express – Shop Local Here!
Thinking about adopting a dog? Check out Street Dog Hero and/or the Bend Humane Society for more information!
Interested in more from Hello Bend? Read more HERE, SUBSCRIBE to the Hello Bend Blog, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know in Central Oregon.
Brenda Menzel + Libby Wilson
Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty ~ Hello Bend Real Estate
541-640-2125
