Dog lovers rejoice; you’re in Chesapeake Bay country, which doubles as doggy heaven! From county to county, river to river, and all points in between, there’s a plethora of puppy parks, dog-friendly beaches, restaurants where Fido is welcome, services, and, of course, events that celebrate man and woman’s best friend. We’ve compiled a guide to assist your summer soirées with beloved pet doggies. If you seek dog-friendly experiences on either side of the Bay Bridge, the following lists offer adventure, respite, and camaraderie for you and your pet. We also offer tips to stay cool, a recipe for a sweet treat your dog will love, and even adoption/rescue opportunities. But we start with Dog Beaches and Parks because…what doggo doesn’t love a good romp around outside? Enjoy!
Dog Beaches and Parks
If you’re looking for some early morning exercise or an evening game of fetch, a dog park is the perfect place for your pup to run off some energy. Or, cool down and show off your doggie paddle skills at a dog beach. Here are a few local off-leash dog-friendly beaches and parks to check out:
Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis 600 Quiet Waters Park Road; Park and beach; open daily, 7 a.m.–dusk; $6 park entry fee; 410-222-1777; Aacounty.org ™0
Bell Branch Dog Park, Gambrills 1150 Barbara Swann Way; Park; open daily, dawn to dusk; Free; 410-222-7317; Aacounty.org
Broadneck Dog Park, Annapolis 613 College Parkway; Park; open daily, dawn to dusk; Free; 410-222-7317; Aacounty.org
Loch Haven Park, Edgewater 3399-3361 Glebe Heights Drive; Park; open daily, dawn to dusk; Free; 410-222-7317; Aacounty.org
Towsers Branch Park, Odenton 1405 Jackson Road; Park; open daily, dawn to dusk; Free; 410-222-7317; Aacounty.org
Bowie Dog Park, Bowie 3600 Northview Drive Park; open daily, 8 a.m.–dusk; Free; 301-809-3002; Cityofbowie.org
Maryland City Park, Laurel 565 Brock Bridge Road; Park; open daily, dawn to dusk; Free; 410-222-7317; Aacounty.org
Downs Park, Pasadena 8311 John Downs Loop; Beach; open daily, 7 a.m.–dusk; $6 park entry fee; 410-222-6230; Aacounty.org ™3
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
After an adventure, cool down with a little sup for you and your pup. There are many restaurants around Anne Arundel County and on the Eastern Shore where you can share a nice meal with your doggo or simply just enjoy each other’s company. Here are a few editor’s picks that we think you and your pooch will love!
Buddy’s Crabs & Ribs 100 Main Street, Annapolis; 410-626-1100; Buddysonline.com
Davis’ Pub 400 Chester Avenue, Annapolis;410-268-7432; Davispub.com
Dock Street Bar & Grill 136 Dock Street, Annapolis; 410-268-7278;
Fadó Irish Pub One Park Place #7, Annapolis; 410-626-0069; Fadoirishpub.com/Annapolis
The Federal House Bar & Grille 22 Market Space, Annapolis; 410-268-2576; Federalhouserestaurant.com
McGarvey’s Saloon & Oyster Bar 8 Market Space, Annapolis; 410-263-5700; Mcgarveysannapolis.com
Middleton Tavern 2 Market Space, Annapolis; 410-263-3323; Middletontavern.com
Old Stein Inn 1143 Central Avenue, Edgewater; 410-798-6807; Oldstein-inn.com
Stan & Joe’s Saloon 37 West Street, Annapolis; 410-263-1993; 173 Mitchells Chance Road, Edgewater; 443-837-6126; Stanandjoessaloon.com
Don't Shop...Adopt!
Looking for a FURever friend? Rather than buying a pet from a pet store or breeder, consider adopting from a local animal shelter or rescue group. Here’s where you can adopt a furry family member:
Anne Arundel County Animal Care and Control, Millersville Aacounty.org/animalcontrol; 410-222-8900; Adoption hours: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (Tues., Thurs, Fri.); 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (Wed.); 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (Sat.)
Adoption fees: $17–20 for dogs, $14–17 for cats
Senior Dog Sanctuary, Severn Seniordogsanctuary.com; 443-742-0270; Adoption hours: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (daily)
Adoption fee: $200
SPCA of Anne Arundel County, Annapolis Aacspca.org; 410-268-4388; Adoption hours: 11 a.m.–4 p.m. (Fri.–Tues.), 2–7 p.m. (Wed. & Thurs.); Adoption fees: $140–450 for dogs, $45–120 for cats
Dog-Friendly Events and Fundraisers
Summer is even more fun when spent with your pup! Here are a few dog-friendly events to keep you and your pooch busy through September.
SATURDAY, 6.1
BARCS Beach Bash at Sandlot, Baltimore. 2 p.m. 410-396-4695. Barcs.org
SATURDAY, 6.8
Pet Food Distribution at Odenton Elementary School, Odenton. 11 a.m. Facebook.com/feedingpetsinneed (Also on 6/29, 7/13 and 7/27)
Dogwood Acres Annual Pool Party at Dogwood Acres Pet Retreat, Davidsonville. 12 p.m. 410-798-4476. Dogwoodacres.com
WEDNESDAY, 6.12
Milk & Cookies Event at Pet Valu, Annapolis. 6 p.m. 410-626-0815. Us.Petvalu.com (Also on 7/10, 8/14 and 9/11)
Capital SUP Paddle with Your Pup Yappy Hour at Back Creek, Annapolis. 6 p.m. 410-919-9402. Capitalsup.com (Also on 6/23, 7/10, 7/28, 8/14 and 8/25)
THURSDAY, 6.13
Weekly Rabies & Microchip Clinic at Anne Arundel Animal Care & Control, Millersville. 12–3 p.m. Aacounty.org/animalcontrol (Also on 6/20, 6/27, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1, 8/8, 8/15, 8/22, 8/29, 9.5, 9/12, 9/19 and 9/26)
SATURDAY, 6.15
Pints for Paws at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis. 2 p.m. 410-268-4388. Aacspca.org
Monthly Vaccine Clinic at SPCA of Anne Arundel County, Annapolis.9 a.m. 410-268-4388.Aacspca.org (Also on 7/18, 8/17 and 9/21)
Senior Dog Sanctuary BINGO Fundraiser at State Trooper FOP Lodge 69, Catonsville. 6 p.m. 443-742-0270. Seniordogsanctuary.com
Pistons and Paws at Anne Arundel Animal Care and Control, Millersville. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. 410-222-8900. Aacounty.org/animalcontrol
Sunday, 6.16
Walk For The Animals at Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis. 10 a.m. 410-268-4388. Aacspca.org
WEDNESDAY, 6.26
Ice Cream Social at Pet Valu, Annapolis. 6 p.m. 410-626-0815. Us.Petvalu.com (Also on 7/24, 8/28 and 9/25)
SUNDAY, 6.30
Pet Birthday Party at Pet Valu, Annapolis. 10 a.m. 410-626-0815. Us.Petvalu.com (Also on 7/28, 8/25 and 9/29)
MONDAY, 7.8
Beagle Rescue of Southern Maryland Adoption Event at PetSmart, Hanover. 1 p.m. 443-755-9936. Petsmart.com
SATURDAY, 7.13
Ask the Trainer at Pet Valu, Annapolis. 12:30 p.m. 410-626-0815. Us.Petvalu.com (Also on 8/10)
Pups in the Park at Nationals Park, D.C. 7:05 p.m. 202-675-6287. Nationals.com (Also on 9/13 and 9/28)
SUNDAY, 8.18
AACSPCA Puppy Plunge at Camp Letts, Edgewater. TBA. 410-268-4388. Aacspca.org
TUESDAY, 9.10
Bark at the Park at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore. 7:05 p.m. 1-888-848-2473. Orioles.com
SATURDAY, 9.14
Dog Walking at Adkins Arboretum, Ridgely. 10 a.m. 410-634-2847. Adkinsarboretum.org
SUNDAY, 9.15
Pet Photo Shoot Fundraiser for BARCS at Black Flag Brewing Company, Columbia. 12 p.m. 410-396-4695. Barcs.org
SATURDAY, 9.21
Baltimore Humane Society DogFest at Baltimore Humane Society, Reisterstown. 10 a.m. 410-833-8848. Bmorehumane.org