Read on for the inside scoop on the best places to bring Fido, how to beach like a pro with your pup, and what your canine companion shouldn’t miss on your Galveston beach vacation!
Beach Trip Tips
What do you need to bring to the beach for your pet? Your furry friend needs plenty of fresh water, a shady spot to relax and pet friendly sun screen on those delicate noses & thinly-furred areas!
The American Kennel Club has lots of good tips about sunscreen for your pup. Be an informed pet parent – be sure to avoid zinc oxide-based sunscreens (zinc is harmful if ingested). Look for varieties meant for human babies or sensitive skin. Better yet – ask your vet if they carry any in their office!
Find more tips for keeping your dog’s tail wagging during your beach trip here.
Local Leash Laws
Keep yourself and your VIP (very important pet) out of the dog house and on the right side of the law!
City ordinance requires dogs to be leashed at all times – including on the beach. This also lets you (attempt) to keep them out of the surf, and prevents them from bothering nesting shore birds or knocking over sandcastles during their beach stroll!
Dolphins & Doggos
Nothing makes us happier than watching a good case of the zoomies – on land or at sea!
Baywatch Dolphin Tours welcomes pups & their people on 45 minute guided tours of Galveston. Their covered jet drive boats (no propellers = happy sea life) depart from Pier 21. Pups ride free!
Footloose & Free Galveston Dog Park
Lindale Park at Fourth Street & Marine Drive has a great dog park that offers a chance for your pup to mingle and run to their heart’s content!
This off-leash Galveston dog park boasts a fenced green area with benches, water stations, and a small dog section. It also has a dog agility course, thanks to the efforts of a local Eagle Scout and Better Parks for Galveston.
Doggy Dining on Galveston Island
There’s a whole pack of pet friendly Galveston restaurants happy to feed you & your pup while you’re out & about on the Island! Our favorites include:
- Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar (Postoffice Street)
- MOD Coffeehouse (Postoffice Street)
- Shrimp N Stuff (Avenue O location)
- Sunflower Bakery & Cafe (14th Street)
- Sand Bar at West End Restaurant (West End)
Enjoy dining al fresco on their patios and have a delicious meal with your whole family! (Call ahead to verify current hours & policies.)
Tasty Treats
With all of the delicious Galveston restaurants that you have to choose from, it’s only fair that your pup gets to partake in some special dog treats too!
Pattycakes Bakery offers fresh baked goods daily – including dog treats! Stop by early for the best selection at this local Galveston Island favorite.
Want a cool treat? Check out the homemade ice cream at Hey Mikey’s Ice Cream. Flavors change daily. (#localtip – Run, don’t walk, to taste their Ultimate Nacho specialty sundae!)
Local Galveston Vets
You never know what will happen with your favorite canine! Just in case:
- Campeche Cove Animal Hospital – 10015 Stewart Road; 409.740.0808
- Galveston Veterinary Clinic – 2108 61st Street; 409.744.5355
- VCA Animal Emergency Hospital (nights & weekends) – 1108 Gulf Freeway South, League City, TX; 281.332.1678
Get away & play in Galveston
Don’t be part of the 39% of people who have skipped vacations to stay home with their dog – book a pet friendly beach house!
Staying at a pet friendly beach house lets your pup’s nose get a full workout from the safety & serenity of the deck or fenced yard…and island sunbeams are the perfect place for a quick snooze before getting up and doing it all over again!
There’s something for everyone here on pet friendly Galveston Island. We hope to see you & your pup racing the waves soon!
