I love to travel with my dog. It is a passion that defines my life. Many people ask me about the best places to go for a true adventure. I always say one word. Georgia. This name refers to both a beautiful American state and a hidden gem of a country in the Caucasus. I have explored both with my furry best friend. I want to share my deep knowledge with you today. This is my ultimate guide to Dog Friendly Georgia.
The Magic of Savannah
First of all, let us talk about Savannah. It is one of the most pet-friendly cities in the South. I lived there for quite some time. The city stays hot and humid from May to September. You must watch those hot sidewalks. They can burn sensitive puppy paws! I always look for places with shade. Savannah is a dream for people who love to eat with their pets.
B. Matthews Eatery is a great spot in the Historic District. They have a few tables on Habersham Street. The area is covered. Your pups can get a break from the mid-day sun. The servers bring water to the table right away. Additionally, I love their shrimp and grits. It is my favorite dish in the whole city.
Belford’s Seafood & Steaks is another winner. It is in the City Market area. This area is very busy with music and shops. However, the restaurant is far enough from the loud music to keep puppy ears safe. The patio has many ceiling fans. It is fully shaded. I suggest you try the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes. The servers are quick to bring cold water for your pets.
If you like fried chicken, go to Brochu’s Family Tradition in the Starland District. The owner is a Michelin star recipient. The outdoor patio is casual. It has covered picnic tables and twinkle lights at night. I once tried the Whole Chicken Dinner. The biscuits were so good that I ordered extra to go!
Bull Street Taco is a fun local spot. They have a side patio with string lights. They also have umbrellas for shade. The servers offer water to four-legged friends. I think the Red Chile Tempura Cauliflower Tacos are amazing.
Café M is a cute Parisian-style cafe. It has a few tables along Factor’s Walk. These tables are not shaded. Therefore, it is better to visit when it is not too hot. You should try the fresh-baked croissants.
Clary’s Café sits on Jones Street. People call it one of the prettiest streets in Savannah. It is a favorite for breakfast. The cast of the movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil used to hang out here. There are about 5 or 6 tables outside. The area is quiet. Your pets will have plenty of room to stretch out.
Crystal Beer Parlor is one of the oldest restaurants in the city. They used to have a big tent in the parking lot. This allowed for lots of shaded dining. However, I heard the tent was removed in the summer of 2024 to make room for parking. You should call before you go to check on outdoor seating.
Foxy Loxy Café is a popular coffee shop for students. The back patio has more space and shade than the front. If you need to go inside to order, people will gladly watch your pet for you. They serve food all day.
Goose Feathers Café is great for breakfast or brunch. It is near City Market. They have a few tables under a large covered awning. This awning provides shade all day.
J. Christopher’s loves pets so much that they have doggie bowls on the menu! The sidewalks are wide there. One section is covered by an awning and a large tree.
Java Burrito Company is on the east end of Broughton Street. It has a coffee bar and a pretty outdoor seating area. It is a good spot for a hearty breakfast before shopping.
Kayak Kafé is healthy and has many vegan options. The location on Broughton Street has limited outdoor seating. Pups do not have a ton of room to stretch out here because of the foot traffic.
Leopold’s Ice Cream is over 100 years old. It is one of the most pet-friendly places in town. You can order a Doggie Sundae for your furry friend. They might even share your pet’s photo on their Instagram page.
Nom Nom Poké has tables shaded by an old oak tree. The sidewalks are wide. Your dog will not feel crowded. I love the Spicy Tuna Crunch Bowl.
Shuk Savannah has a covered patio with about 10 high-top tables. They have live music on Thursday nights. It is a great place for Mediterranean-style food.
Six Pence Pub is near the “Forrest Gump” square. They have large outdoor tables with umbrellas. It is in the “To-Go Cup” zone. This means you can grab a beer to go after your meal.
The Collins Quarter is very dog friendly. They have two locations. The one in Forsyth Park has 20 to 25 outdoor tables. The park is a great place for dogs to run. Just remember to keep them on a leash.
The Olde Pink House is famous and upscale. They are not too snooty for pups! They have a few outdoor tables with shade in the summer and heaters in the winter.
Tacos + Tequila has a good-sized patio with fans and misters. I recommend the creamy queso dip.
The Public Kitchen & Bar has lots of street-level seating. It is first come, first serve. They do not take reservations.
The Wyld is a bit outside of town in Thunderbolt. It has a grassy area for kids and pets to play. You can even arrive by boat! It offers beautiful sunset views of the marsh.
Treylor Park has a quirky menu. You should enter on E. Bay Lane with your dog. The back patio is quiet. They provide water bowls for pets.
Urban Deli overlooks Troup Square. The square has a unique doggie fountain. The deli has about 8 to 10 outdoor tables with umbrellas.
Vic’s River Grill is casual and faces River Street. Your pets might get a lot of attention here.
Vinnie Van Go-Go’s Pizza has large slices. Their patio has about 10 tables. It is very popular and can be loud.
Wright Square Bistro is a cozy place. I always try what the chef recommends.
Zunzi’s has plenty of outdoor seating. It is very dog friendly. The Conquistador sandwich is huge and filling.
Where to Stay in Savannah
You will need a place to sleep. I recommend two spots. Olde Harbour Inn is very pet friendly. There are green spaces nearby for runs. The Thunderbird Inn is a budget option with a retro theme. They give treats, pet tags, and waste bags to four-legged guests. It is one of the best pet friendly georgia hotels.
Exploring the Best Dog Friendly Georgia Beaches
Georgia has a beautiful coastline. Jekyll Island is a top spot for dog owners. It has a 10-mile stretch of sandy shores. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Some areas even allow them off-leash at certain times. HGTV named it one of the top dog-friendly beaches in the country.
Driftwood Beach is a must-visit. It has beautiful sun-bleached driftwood. It is perfect for photos. The beach allows leashed dogs all year. There are tidal pools for dogs to cool off in. You must use a leash that is no longer than 16 feet.
Great Dunes Park is another great choice. It is very relaxed. During the off-season, dogs can be off-leash here. There is an $8.00 access fee to get onto the island. This money helps keep the island clean.
St. Andrews Beach is on the south end of the island. It is less crowded. It is a peaceful place for a walk.
St. Simons Island is also a haven for dogs. It has two dog parks for off-leash fun. East Beach is a prime spot. Dogs must be under your control. If they do not listen to voice commands, they must be on a 10-foot leash. The sand is hard-packed. It is easy for dogs to walk on.
Massengale Park provides easy access to the beach. It has shaded picnic tables and grills. It is a good home base for a beach day. Always bring fresh water and shade for your pet. The sun is very strong.
On top of that, there are lake beaches. Tidwell Park at Lake Lanier is near Atlanta. It offers calm freshwater. Dogs are allowed off-leash here. It has grassy areas and a boat dock.
Lake Winfield Scott is in the national forest. It is a quiet mountain lake. There is a small sandy beach where dogs are welcome on a leash. The forest provides lots of shade.
Sapelo Island is a hidden treasure. You must take a ferry to get there. It has pristine beaches like Nanny Goat Beach. Leashed dogs are welcome. It is very secluded and quiet.
The Best Dog Friendly Georgia State Parks and Trails
I love to hike. Dog friendly georgia state parks offer amazing trails. Fort McAllister State Park is a historic site. Pets are welcome in the park and campground. They must be on a six foot leash. You can stay in cottage number 3 with your pet if you pay a fee. This is a great example of pet friendly georgia state park cabins.
The Raven Cliff Falls Trail is 5 miles long. It has a deep swimming hole. My dogs love it. You will see a waterfall that flows through a 40-foot-tall cliff.
Slaughter Mountain and Lake Winfield Scott Loop is 5.7 miles. It is a bit hard. However, the reward is a swim in the lake at the end.
I once took a Georgia Waterfall Road Trip. It covers 4.15 miles of hiking. You see four different waterfalls in one day. There are many places for dogs to splash and swim.
Bear Creek Trail is 1.9 miles. It is shady and level. It has great swimming holes. You will see giant old trees and mossy rocks.
Long Creek Falls is a 2-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail. The dirt is soft. It is an easy walk for pups.
Emery Creek Trail is 6 miles. It has 20 creek crossings. You will get wet boots! It is a fun summer hike for water-loving dogs.
Tennessee Rock Trail is 2.2 miles. It has great views and spring wildflowers. There is plenty for dogs to sniff.
Jacks River Falls is a long 9-mile hike. It is in a remote wilderness area. There is an awesome swimming hole at the bottom of the falls.
Rabun Bald is a 3-mile hike. It is at a high elevation. This keeps the air cool even in the summer. It offers 360 degree views.
Springer Mountain is 8.6 miles. You can start with a swim at Three Forks. Then you climb to the rocky summit.
Cloudland Canyon State Park is beautiful. It has an overlook and a cave. However, the stairs to the waterfalls are metal grates. These are not safe or comfy for dogs. I chose to skip the waterfalls there for that reason.
Anna Ruby Falls is near the town of Helen. It is a rare 150 ft double waterfall. The trail is paved. It costs $5 per person.
Takcoa Falls is on a college campus. It is 186 ft tall. It is the tallest single drop waterfall in the state. It costs $2 per adult.
Traveling to the Country of Georgia
Now, let us look at the international side. Pet friendly georgia travel is easier than you think. Georgia has relaxed entry rules. You do not need an import permit for pets from the U.S.. You can bring up to 5 pets.
Your pet must have a microchip. They must be current on rabies vaccinations. The primary shot must be done at least 21 days before travel. You also need a health certificate. This must be signed by a USDA veterinarian. It is valid for 10 days once issued.
Tbilisi is the capital city. It has many pet-friendly apartments and Airbnbs. I love taking my dog to Vake Park and Lisi Lake. Dogs in cafes are totally normal here!
Batumi is on the Black Sea. It has a long promenade for walks. Gudauri and Kazbegi are mountain areas. They are perfect for hiking with dogs. Many pet friendly georgia mountain cabin rentals can be found there.
The lifestyle is affordable. Real estate is attracting many people. Apartments can start from $40,000 to $70,000 USD. There are no ownership restrictions for foreigners.
Safety and Health for Your Pet
I always think about safety. The country of Georgia is very safe. It ranks 21st globally for safety. Tbilisi ranks 49th out of 380 cities. However, road safety is a big worry. Road deaths rose by 20 percent in early 2025. Driving is fast and aggressive. I suggest you use a private driver. GoTrip is a good service for this.
There are many stray dogs in the cities. There are 30,000 street dogs in Tbilisi alone. Most have a plastic tag on their ear. This means they are vaccinated and desexed. They are usually calm and friendly.
Shepherd dogs in the mountains are different. They are working animals. They protect sheep. You should not walk through a flock of sheep. The dogs will attack to protect the flock. If a dog blocks your path, wait for the shepherd. Do not try to force your way past.
If your pet gets sick in Tbilisi, go to Bionika. It is a modern vet clinic. An emergency visit costs 120 GEL. They offer triage and stabilization.
Medical and accident insurance is compulsory for all visitors to Georgia from January 1, 2026. This is a legal requirement. You may have to show proof when you arrive.
Important Tips for Your Trip
I have a few final tips for you. Always bring plenty of fresh water for your dog. Use a collapsible bowl. Bring a first-aid kit with tweezers for ticks.
Watch for signs of heat exhaustion. If your dog pants too much or seems tired, get them in the shade. Protect their paws from hot sand. You can use dog booties.
Always clean up after your pet. This helps keep beaches and parks dog friendly. Respect the leash laws. Even if a place is off-leash, keep your dog close if they do not listen well.
If you are in Savannah, visit Oliver Bentley’s. It is the country’s first dog deli! They make organic, gluten-free treats. They even have a historic walking tour just for pets and their owners.
B&D Burgers in City Market has an awesome patio. They even have dog burgers! These are unseasoned plain patties just for pups.
Service Brewing Company is also dog friendly. Since they do not prepare food inside, you can actually bring your dog inside the building.
Statistical Summary of Dog Friendly Georgia
- 10-mile stretch of dog-friendly beach on Jekyll Island.
- $8.00 access fee for Jekyll Island.
- $5.00 entry fee for most state parks.
- 16-foot maximum leash length on Jekyll Island.
- 10-foot maximum leash length on St. Simons Island.
- 21st safest country globally.
- 30,000 street dogs in Tbilisi.
- 186 ft height of Toccoa Falls.
- 120 GEL for emergency vet visits in Tbilisi.
- $40,000 starting price for apartments in Tbilisi.
FAQ
Is Georgia a dog friendly country?
My view is that it is a split decision. Some people say the country is incredibly welcoming for pets. However, I know that public transport can be a real pain with a dog. You might need a dog muzzle for the metro or buses. It is a mix of high praise and some local hurdles.
Is Tbilisi dog friendly?
Tbilisi is quite nice for pets. I found many parks where dogs can play. You should visit Vake Park and Lisi Lake. Plus, the city is very safe compared to other big capitals. Dogs in cafes are a normal sight there.
Can I take my dog to Georgia?
Yes, you can bring your dog along for the fun. You just need the right papers. You need a microchip, a rabies shot, and a health certificate. One person can bring up to five pets. It is a simple process if you prepare early.
Do and don’ts in Georgia?
Do use ride-hailing apps like Bolt. Do not drive on the roads at night. Do watch out for street dogs in the mountains because they guard sheep. Do bring a first-aid kit for your pet. Do not let your dog run off-leash in parks where it is not allowed.
Are dogs allowed in restaurants in Georgia?
Many restaurants allow dogs. This is especially true on the patio. In Savannah, almost every place with outdoor seats is friendly. Some places even have special dog burgers!
Why are there so many dogs in Tbilisi?
There are about 30,000 street dogs in the city. The community takes care of them. Most have tags on their ears to show they are healthy and vaccinated.
Where is the best place to holiday with a dog?
Jekyll Island is a paradise with its 10 miles of beaches. Savannah is also a top pick because of the amazing restaurants. The mountains of Georgia offer great trails for active pups.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide helps you plan your trip. Georgia is a land of beauty and kindness. Whether you are on the coast or in the mountains, you will find a warm welcome. Your dog is a part of your family. They deserve to see the world too.
Dog Friendly Georgia is not just a title. It is a way of life. From dog friendly georgia beaches to pet friendly georgia mountain cabin rentals, there is so much to see. I love these places. I know you will love them too.
Exploring with a dog is like looking through a new lens. You notice the small things. You meet more people. You find the best shade. It is a journey of the heart.
Pack your bags. Grab the leash. Start your adventure today. You will not regret it. Georgia is waiting for you both.
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” – Josh Billings
Traveling with a dog in Georgia is like a masterclass in joy. You provide the snacks and the leash, and your dog provides the endless enthusiasm for every new smell and view. It is a partnership that turns a simple walk into an epic story. Just as a compass always points north, a trip to Georgia with your dog always points toward a good time.
