Bring Your Party Animals to Houston!

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Finding fun things to do with your pet helps them to practice proper socialization skills and it gives you special time to bond together. Houston, Texas has quite a number of fun activities and places of interest where you can go to pamper your pet and spend the day together when traveling on vacation. Here are a few ideas to get your party started:

Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach in Houston is a laid back retreat for you and your best friend. Your pet will have lots of room to roam running along the sand and playing in the surf. Cars and people are at a minimum, so you don’t have to worry about crowds.
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
You and your pet can enjoy over five miles of hiking trails at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. This 155 acre pet friendly nature trail includes ponds, forests and natural prairie habitats for everyone to explore.

Bark Parks
The Danny Jackson Bark Park is one of over 20 Houston dog parks. Pets go crazy for this popular hot spot where you and your pal will find a fully fenced dog park with a separate area for smaller dogs. Features include the swimming ponds, water spigots and fire hydrants. There is plenty of room to relax in the shade and sit while your pet has fun playing with the other playful friends.

Pet Friendly Restaurants and Nightlife
After you’ve spent the day hiking the trails or boating in the great outdoors of Houston, Texas, you may be in need of some refreshments. Houston offers a wide variety of pet friendly restaurants and lounges where you can sit, relax and enjoy a home cooked meal and a brew. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor café, eclectic international restaurant or wine bistro, there are about 150 drinking and dining establishments designed to make both you and your pet feel special.
Festivals and Seasonal Events

If you’re looking for festivals, seasonal events and fun runs for you and your pet, Houston has an assortment of activities specifically designed with their needs in mind. October is the perfect month for some Howl-O-Ween excitement with costume contests, parades and food.

If you want to run for a cause, you won’t want to miss the various 5k fun walk/runs for you and your pet. Barkitecture Houston Yappy Hour in Houston is a two day event that features a pet photo exhibit, silent auction, yappy hour and other pet friendly festivities with the proceeds benefiting an animal rescue.

Lodging
The Houston area currently offers nearly 150 pet-friendly lodging choices ranging from campsites to suites. One of the better pet friendly hotels in Houston is the Hilton Houston Southwest which is just ten miles from downtown. Guests can experience globally renowned restaurants, shopping and entertainment situated nearby. The hotel offers 24 hour front desk service, free local transportation and free WiFi Internet access.
If you’re looking for a way to spend the afternoon, you can relax by the outdoor pool or get energized in the modern fitness room. When you’re ready to unwind after a busy day, head on over to the hotels Poquito Bar and enjoy the warm ambiance while you have a drink.

For some pet parents, traveling without your four legged friend is not much fun unless they come too. Houston, Texas is the perfect pet friendly destination where visitors can get away and enjoy food, fun, festivities and lodging with their best friend.

Shelby Warden is the mother of two amazing dogs and two wonderful children. Like most loving parents, she doesn’t like to leave any of her babies at home when she goes on vacation. She is a contributing author for the Hilton Houston Southwest which is one of the most pet friendly hotels in Houston, Texas offering exceptional service and first class amenities.