These Dog Friendly Parks and Businesses in Grand Rapids Get Two Paws Up

Adventure With Your Four-Legged Friend in West Michigan

There is a particular enthusiasm that comes when you first get a dog. I wanted to take our rescue pup everywhere. It’s not only fun for you as an excited dog owner, but it’s great for your pet to socialize with other dogs, too!

Grand Rapids and the surrounding cities are full of fun places you can take your dog. We’ve gathered up some of our top picks for dog parks, beaches, regular parks, and businesses that will happily welcome your four-legged friend.

Nothing to Bark About – A Few Tips for Playing Nice in Public

While there are a plethora places you can bring your dog, it’s important to remember some general guidelines for being out with your dog. Here are a few etiquette tips for being in public spaces with your pooch:  

• Most parks and businesses require your dog to be on a 6 foot leash. Please respect this rule even if you think no one will know or care.
• Always clean up after your dog! Always!
• Be sure to ask before you pet another dog.
• Bring treats and a collapsible water dish if you’re going to be out for awhile. Reinforce good behavior when you notice it. Also, just because a place is dog-friendly doesn’t always mean they’ll have a water bowl available.
• Only take a healthy dog out in public. Just as humans can pass germs around, so can dogs.
• Read and follow the guidelines for dog parks. They are largely similar, but it’s always better when everyone plays by the same rules.

Our Favorite Spots to Hangout with a Dog Around Grand Rapids

Grab your favorite pup and check out these dog-friendly destinations.

West Michigan and Grand Rapids Dog Parks

Hillcrest Dog Park | 1415 Lyon St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Grand Ravines Dog Park | 3991 Fillmore St, Jenison, MI 49428

Shaggy Pines Dog Park (requires membership) | 3895 Cherry Ln Ave SE, Ada, MI 49301

Quincy Park Dog Park | 4260 144th Ave, Holland, MI 49424

Helder Park Dog Park | 3751 104th Ave, Zeeland, MI 49464

Wyoming Dog Park | 1414 Nagel Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509

Covell Dog Park | 501 Covell Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, US, 49504

Other Area Parks that People With Dogs Just Love

Aman Park | 0 -1859 Lake Michigan Dr, Grand Rapids, MI 49534

Provin Trails Park | 2900 4 Mile Rd, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Seidman Park | 8155 Conservation St NE, Ada, MI 49301

Dog-Friendly Beaches

Kirk Park Beach | 9791 Lakeshore Drive N, West Olive, MI 49460

Grand Haven City Beach (special hours for dogs) | S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417

Kruse Park | 3205 W Sherman Blvd, Muskegon, MI 49441

Local Business That Love and Welcome Dogs

(Restaurants may be dog-friendly just on the patio or outdoor space, so please be respectful or call to verify where your dog is allowed on the premises.)

Books & Mortar | 955 Cherry Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI

Frosty Boy | 1757 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Furniture City Creamery | 958 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Outside Coffee Co | 734 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Social Kitchen and Bar | 435 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (also, your kids can eat free here Monday through Friday with an adult entree purchase!)

Other Dog Friendly Businesses in Grand Rapids

• Most pet stores, including Chowhound and Fido and Stitch.
• Home Depot
• Lowes
• Tractor Supply Co
• Family Farm and Home

Did we miss your favorite pup-friendly spot?

Let us know in the comments and we’ll add it to the list!