I recently took a trip to one of the most beautiful cities in the South. Savannah, Georgia is a place that feels like it stepped out of a history book. The best part of my trip was that my dog could come along for the whole ride. This Dog Friendly Vacation Guide to Savannah, GA will show you exactly how to have the best time with your furry friend in this historic location.
Savannah is a city with curated tastes to please both people and their best friends. It is basically a dog’s paradise. I found that the city understands pets are just as important as any family member. For this reason, the streets are filled with dog friendly savannah georgia spots that make travel easy. History in every corner. Friendly faces. Happy paws.
Knowing the Local Rules
Before I get into the fun stuff, you must know the rules of the city. The City of Savannah has an Animal Ordinance to protect the health and safety of citizens and animals. It encourages responsible ownership. First of all, you must keep your dog on a leash at all times when you are in city parks, squares, or business areas. This is a major law here. Additionally, you cannot use a retractable leash longer than 6 feet at any gathering that requires a permit, such as a parade or a farmers’ market.
You must also be a good neighbor and pick up any mess your pet leaves behind. It is actually a duty to have a device or equipment to remove dog waste while you are on public property. If you do not follow these rules, you might face a fine between $50 and $200. The city makes it easy to stay clean, though. I noticed many squares have in-ground waste containers with green metal lids. You just press a pedal with your foot to open them.
Similarly, you must never leave your animal unattended in a parked car. The temperatures inside a vehicle can rise very fast and cause physical distress. It is also against the law to let your dog bark or howl in a way that disturbs the peace of the neighborhood. However, if someone is trespassing on your property, a barking dog is not considered a nuisance.
Finally, your dog should be vaccinated against rabies if they are over 14 weeks old. If you are visiting for less than 30 days, you do not need a local tag as long as your dog is under your direct control.
Finding the Best Places to Stay
Finding pet friendly places to stay in savannah ga was one of the easiest parts of my planning. There are many options ranging from small studios to large homes. I spent a lot of time looking at dog friendly vacation rentals savannah ga to find the right fit. Lucky Savannah Vacation Rentals is a company that loves to host guests with furry loved ones. They have many pet friendly vacation rentals savannah ga that allow you to filter for exactly what you need.
I saw some great choices through them. One is the Perch On Perry studio near Crawford Square. Another is the Sycamore Carriage House on Jones Street. Jones Street is often called the prettiest street in the city. I also found a place called the Warren Peace garden apartment. It is important to know that some rentals might ask for the weight of your dog. Some places prefer dogs under 35 pounds.
If you prefer a hotel, there are many savannah ga dog-friendly hotels to choose from. The Olde Harbour Inn is a very popular pick. It has spacious suites where every door opens to the outside. This makes quick trips for your dog to go potty very simple. Another great choice is the Thunderbird Inn. This is a low-cost hotel with a fun retro theme. They give out treats, pet tags, and waste bags to their four-legged guests.
On top of that, the Kimpton Brice Hotel and The Drayton Hotel are also on the list of dog-friendly spots. For those who want something unique, the East Bay Inn welcomes dogs too. There are so many best dog friendly hotels in savannah georgia that you will never feel like your pet is a burden.
Dining with Your Dog
I was worried I would have to eat take-out in my room for every meal. I was wrong. Savannah has become a dream for food lovers, and they love dogs too. Most restaurants with outdoor tables will welcome your pet. I quickly learned that if I see an outdoor table, my dog is likely allowed to sit there.
First of all, I must mention B. Matthews Eatery in the Historic District. They have a covered outdoor area with a few tables. The servers there were so kind and brought a bowl of water to our table right away. I highly recommend their Shrimp and Grits.
Later, I visited Belford’s Savannah Seafood & Steaks in City Market. They have a large patio that is fully shaded and has ceiling fans to keep you and your pup cool. It is a great spot to sit and watch people walk by while you sip on sweet tea. They also bring cold water for pets as soon as you sit down.
If you are in the mood for breakfast, J. Christopher’s is a must-visit. They actually have a menu just for dogs called the “Doggie Bag”. My dog loved the Puppy Chow Meal, which has eggs, sausage, bacon, and potatoes served in a dog bowl. The sidewalk there is very wide, so there is plenty of room for a dog to stretch out without getting stepped on.
For a quick treat, I stopped at Leopold’s Ice Cream. It is over 100 years old and very famous. You can order a Doggie Sundae for your furry friend. They might even share a photo of your pet on their Instagram page.
Additionally, here are some other great dog friendly vacation ideas for dining:
- Vic’s River Grill: This place faces River Street and has a casual atmosphere.
- Zunzi’s: They have a huge outdoor patio and the Conquistador sandwich is a local favorite.
- Moon River Brewing Company: They have a large outdoor garden where they bring water for your pup.
- The Collins Quarter: They have two locations. The one in Forsyth Park is very dog-friendly and has about 25 outdoor tables.
- Vinnie Van Go-Go’s: This is the place for pizza in City Market. You can even sit on a nearby bench to eat if the patio is full.
- Tacos + Tequila: Their outdoor patio is covered and often has fans or misters to keep things cool.
Though some places are fancy, they are rarely too snooty for a dog. The Olde Pink House is one of the most famous restaurants in town. They have a few outdoor tables where they provide shade in the summer and heaters in the winter.
Fun Activities and Tours
You will find plenty of dog friendly vacation ideas to keep you busy in Savannah. The city is perfect for walking. I started with a self-guided walk through the Historic District, which has 22 parks and squares.
One of my favorite things was the Oliver Bentley’s Historic Dog Walk Tour. It is a tour designed specifically for people and their dogs. It lasts about 90 minutes and covers less than a mile. They even give you a bag of gluten-free dog treats for the walk. I met the owner, Eric, who told me he started the tour because travelers were always asking for advice on where to take their dogs.
Another surprise was that Old Savannah Trolley Tours are dog-friendly. Their “On/Off” tour lets you see the city at your own pace. If you have a small dog under 20 pounds, you can even take a horse and carriage ride with the Plantation Carriage Company.
If you want to do some shopping, many stores allow dogs inside. Savannah Bee Company on Broughton Street loves furry babies. I also visited Woof Gang Bakery. They have three locations downtown, including one in City Market. You can find high-end toys, treats, and even outfits for your pet there.
For a bit of quiet, I took a walk through the cemeteries. Colonial Park Cemetery was founded in 1750 and has winding paths that are great for a stroll. I also visited Bonaventure Cemetery, which has large trees that provide plenty of shade. Just remember to keep your dog leashed and be respectful of the grounds.
On top of that, you can visit historical sites like Fort Pulaski National Monument. They allow leashed pets inside the fort and on the nature trails. My dog enjoyed sniffing around the old walls and exploring the grounds.
Exploring the Parks and Squares
The squares of Savannah are the most beloved icons of the community. There were originally 24 squares, and 22 remain today. I spent a lot of time in Forsyth Park. It is a huge park in the center of the city. While there is no official fenced dog park there, the western side is a very popular spot for owners to gather.
I also visited Troup Square, which many locals call “Dog Bone Square”. It has a unique doggie fountain that sits at nose level so your pup can get a drink. Every year, they even hold a “blessing of the animals” in this square.
If your dog needs to run off some energy, you should head to Mother Matilda Beasley Dog Park. It is the only place in the Historic District with an off-leash dog run. It even has a station for bathing your dog if they get dirty. For a larger space, Daffin Park is just a few miles from downtown. It is the largest dog park in the area and has separate sections for different-sized dogs.
Additionally, I took a short drive to Skidaway Island State Park. It is about 30 minutes from downtown and is well worth the trip. They have more than 6 miles of hiking trails through forests and salt marshes. The Sandpiper Trail Loop is a one-mile walk that is very popular. Leashed pets are more than welcome there as long as you clean up after them.
A Trip to Tybee Island
No vacation here is complete without a visit to the coast. Tybee Island is only 18 miles from downtown Savannah. However, you must know that dogs are not allowed on the beaches of Tybee Island at any time. This is because the beaches are nesting sites for loggerhead sea turtles and migratory birds. If you bring your dog on the beach, you could be fined.
Do not worry, though. Your dog can still enjoy the island in other ways. I took my dog to Jaycee Park to mingle with local pups. We also ate at The Crab Shack, where dogs are welcome on the outdoor deck.
If your heart is set on the sand, you can take a boat or kayak to Little Tybee Island Beach. It is the closest dog-friendly beach to Tybee Island. It is practically empty during the off-season, and dogs are allowed to be off-leash there. You can even camp and build a fire on the beach with your pup.
Similarly, you can drive a bit further to Hilton Head Island. Places like Burkes Beach and Fish Haul Beach Park allow dogs, though the hours change during the summer months. During the off-season, dogs can even be off-leash at these beaches.
Keeping Your Pet Healthy
I always hope that nothing goes wrong on vacation, but it is good to be prepared. If your dog needs a vet while you are in town, Foresight Park Animal Hospital is right across from Forsyth Park. It is a charming historic building and they even accept walk-ins.
If you have an emergency at night or on the weekend, you can go to the Savannah Veterinary Emergency Clinic. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Another option is the Pooler Veterinary Hospital, which is about 15 minutes away. They have a great team and can handle surgeries or X-rays if needed.
On top of medical care, if you need a place for your dog to stay for a few hours while you do a non-pet activity, check out Dogtopia of Thunderbolt. They offer daycare, boarding, and even spa services.
Transportation Around the City
Getting around Savannah with a dog is surprisingly easy. The best way to see the city is on foot, but sometimes you need a lift.
The Savannah Belles Passenger Ferry is a great way to cross the river. They are free of charge and allow non-aggressive dogs on leashes. I took the ferry from River Street over to Hutchinson Island just to enjoy the view.
If you are tired after a long day of walking, you can call a Savannah Pedicab. They will pick you and your dog up and give you a ride back to your rental. It is a fun and breezy way to see the streets. However, the dot Shuttle only allows service animals, so keep that in mind if you were planning to use the free bus.
Seasonal Events for Dogs
If you time your visit right, you can join in some fun pet events. Every May, the Humane Society for Greater Savannah hosts a Doggie Carnival in Forsyth Park. It is a free event with a doggie derby, photo booths, and food trucks.
In October, you can visit Oktoberfest on River Street. They have Wiener Dog Racing, which is hilarious to watch. River Street can get very crowded during these events, so I suggest going early in the day so your pet does not get overwhelmed.
Furthermore, the Savannah Bananas baseball team has “Bark in the Park” nights. You can take your dog to a game and enjoy the fun atmosphere.
FAQ
- Is Savannah, Georgia a dog friendly town?
- Yes. The city is basically a dog’s paradise. This dog friendly savannah georgia destination has curated tastes to please both people and their best friends. It is a place where your loyal companion can see the world through their own eyes.
- Is there a dog friendly tour in Savannah?
- Yes. Oliver Bentley’s Historic Dog Walk Tour is a top choice that lasts about 90 minutes. You can also take Old Savannah Trolley Tours with your pet. Many other dog friendly vacation ideas include ghost, history, and architectural walks.
- What to do with a dog in Savannah, Georgia?
- You can walk through Forsyth Park or visit the grounds of Fort Pulaski. You will find that shopping at Savannah Bee Company or Woof Gang Bakery is also very fun. For more adventure, you can take a hike at Skidaway Island State Park.
- Is Savannah City Market dog friendly?
- Yes. It is a very dog friendly savannah georgia spot with many benches and shade trees. Most restaurants in the market also have covered outdoor patios for pups.
- Are dogs allowed on the riverwalk in Savannah, Georgia?
- Yes. The riverfront area is very dog friendly. Many businesses there even leave water bowls outside for pets.
- Where not to stay in Savannah, GA?
- What is the best month to visit Savannah, Georgia?
- May is wonderful because of the Annual Doggie Carnival. October is also a top pick for the Wiener Dog Racing on River Street. You should avoid the peak heat from May to September if your pet is sensitive to high temperatures.
- Are dogs allowed on beaches in Savannah?
- No. Dogs are not allowed on the beaches of Tybee Island at any time. You can take them to Little Tybee Island by boat, as they are welcome there.
- What is the most dog friendly city in South Carolina?
- Hilton Head Island is a fantastic choice near the city for those seeking dog friendly vacation ideas. It has six beautiful beaches that allow dogs.
Concluding words
Savannah is a dream location for any pet owner. This city offers beautiful historic squares, fun dog-friendly tours, and many pet-friendly places to stay in savannah ga. You can enjoy meals at local restaurants with your pup by your side. The local laws help keep everyone safe and clean. You will find that people here truly love animals.
History is everywhere. Paws are happy. This Dog Friendly Vacation Guide to Savannah, GA shows that you do not have to leave your best friend at home. Pack your bags for a trip you will never forget.
