The house welcomes one dog up to 20 pounds, and it’s easy with a small dog: a fully fenced backyard, a patio for the evenings, and a short walk to Lake Arlington. Fort Worth makes the rest easy. The city has off-leash parks, long riverside trails, and patios where your dog is as welcome as you are.
Off-leash dog parks
Fort Woof in Gateway Park was Fort Worth’s first off-leash dog park. It has two large fenced areas, one for dogs 40 pounds and up and one for smaller dogs. Each has benches, water and waste stations. It’s free and open long hours. Check the park’s site for current details before you go.
Clearfork Dog Park is one of the most popular in the city, again with separate areas for large and small dogs. ZBonz Dog Park on Camp Bowie Boulevard is one of the biggest, at about 10 acres. On the Arlington side, Tails n’ Trails Dog Park is run by a nonprofit and has separate small and large dog areas, though its hours can vary.
Trails
The Trinity Trails follow the Trinity River through Fort Worth for miles, with wide paved and gravel paths. A leashed walk along the river, especially in the early morning, is one of the best ways to see the city with a dog. Closer to home, a walk along the shoreline at Lake Arlington is a few minutes from the house.
Patios and breweries
Fort Worth’s patio scene is very dog friendly. A few favorites from local guides:
- Martin House Brewing, near the river, has a wide, open patio where dogs are part of the crowd.
- HopFusion Ale Works on the Near Southside always seems to have a few dogs lounging on the patio.
- Maple Branch Brewery in the Foundry District has one of the largest, leafiest patios in town.
- Shaw’s Patio Bar & Grill on Magnolia Avenue sets out water bowls on its big backyard-style patio.
- Cane Rosso in the Stockyards welcomes dogs on its patio.
Policies change, so it’s worth a quick call before you go.
Heat and safety
Texas heat is the biggest thing to plan around. In summer, walk early and late, test the pavement with your hand, and carry water everywhere. Before your trip, look up the nearest emergency vet to the house so you’re never searching in a hurry.
Make a weekend of it
Leashed dogs can watch the cattle drive at the Stockyards. Downtown Fort Worth is easy to walk with a dog in the evening.
Bring the whole family, four-legged members included. Check our dates and tell us about your pup when you book.
Tips from the house
- Walk your dog early or late in summer. Texas pavement gets hot enough to burn paws by midday.
- Carry water and a collapsible bowl everywhere. Many patios offer bowls, but not all.
- Check each dog park's rules before you go. Most split large and small dogs into separate areas.
- Keep your dog leashed in the Stockyards and around the cattle drive.
- Save your vet's number and find the nearest emergency vet before you need one.
Good to know
Is Fort Worth dog friendly?
Very. The city has several off-leash dog parks, miles of trails along the Trinity River, and plenty of restaurants and breweries with dog-friendly patios.
Where is the best off-leash dog park in Fort Worth?
Fort Woof in Gateway Park is the city's original off-leash park, with separate fenced areas for large and small dogs. Clearfork Dog Park and ZBonz Dog Park are other popular choices.
Can dogs watch the Stockyards cattle drive?
Yes. Leashed dogs are welcome along the route as long as they stay calm around the longhorns.
Does Casita Fort Worth allow dogs?
Yes. One dog up to 20 pounds is welcome, with a $50 pet fee per stay, and the backyard is fully fenced. Add your dog when you book.
Photo: Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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