Salt Lake City, renowned for its rich heritage and vibrant outdoor culture, is a rapidly growing city and an awesome place for dog lovers. Blending natural beauty and urban spaces, this city offers easy access to adventures, stunning views, and numerous dog-friendly activities.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting Salt Lake City with your pup, this Sploot Vets guide dives into the best dog-friendly activities in Salt Lake City, listing a variety of dog parks, dog-friendly hikes, dog swimming spots, pet-friendly restaurants, and much more.
1. Dog-Friendly Events in Salt Lake City
There are various dog-friendly events in Salt Lake City, some of which are hosted regularly or repeated annually during certain seasons.
a. Dog & Puppy Adoptions
Whether hosted by animal shelters or other establishments, dog and puppy adoption events occur regularly in Salt Lake City, providing a great opportunity to meet adoptable pets. If you’re looking to adopt a pup, you can check out the event calendars of the following:
- Best Friends Animal Society – hosts regular adoption events focused on finding loving homes for pets in need.
- PetSmart Salt Lake City – partners with local shelters for in-store adoption events that help pets meet their future families.
b. Other Dog-Friendly Events
Dog-friendly events in Salt Lake City bring pet parents and pups together through gatherings hosted by local organizations, businesses, and community groups. These events often feature fun activities and pet-focused experiences. If you’re looking to attend dog-friendly events in Salt Lake City with your furry companion, here are a few to check out:
- Wheeler Historic Farm - A dog-friendly local historic farm and public park in Murray that occasionally hosts seasonal dog-friendly events, sometimes posted on DogFriendlySLC’s event calendar.
- Salt Lake City’s Yappy Hour – Hosted by the Public Lands Department in various parks in Salt Lake City, Yappy Hour events are typically scheduled through summer and fall. These dog-friendly events allow pet parents to socialize, shop from vendors, and sample food from food trucks.
- Willow & Co. Off-Leash Social Club – A dog-focused social club that brings pet parents together through dog-friendly events designed to build community and celebrate pups.
2. Visiting Off-Leash Dog Parks in Salt Lake City
Whether you are looking to give your dog some fun off-leash time or burn off excess energy before heading home, there are plenty of off-leash dog parks in Salt Lake City to explore. Here are some of our top picks:
a. South Salt Lake Dog Park
- Location: 130 E Oakland Ave, South Salt Lake, UT
Located in the city of South Salt Lake, just a few minutes from Sugar House and ~12 minutes from Holladay Hills, South Salt Lake Dog Park is a fully fenced, grassy off-leash area. It’s known for various amenities, including separate areas for large and small dogs, mature trees dotting the area, and comfortable benches, making it a great option for pet parents.
b. Fairmont Dog Park
- Location: 040 Sugarmont Dr, Salt Lake City, UT
Located in Fairmont Park in Sugar House, Salt Lake City, the Fairmont Dog Park is a fully-fenced, off-leash area with grassy terrain and numerous trees to provide shade. There are also a few agility toys and benches to rest on while your pup explores. Thanks to its spacious area and amenities, it’s one of the most cherished neighborhood gems for pet parents.
3. Dog-Friendly Hikes & Trails in Salt Lake City
Whether you are interested in an urban stroll or a more rugged nature hike, Salt Lake City has plenty of dog-friendly hiking trails that you can check out—most of which are located within the city or just a few minutes away. Here are some dog-friendly hikes that offer stunning views and an awesome experience:
a. Sugar House Park
- Location: 1330 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT
Sugar House Park is one of the best dog-friendly parks in the city, offering numerous facilities, including playgrounds, several pavilions (some with grills), athletic fields, basketball courts, and a street soccer court.
This park is also home to the Sugar House Park Loop, an easy, paved, dog-friendly trail, perfect for walking, running, and cycling. This loop spans 1.38 miles, guiding you around the park, passing by Sugar House Pond, and offering great mountain views.
b. Parley’s Historic Nature Park
- Location: 2672 Heritage Way, Salt Lake City, UT
Situated near Sugar House, right at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains, Parley’s Historic Nature Park is one of the most famous outdoor destinations in Salt Lake City. This park is known for great views of the nearby Parley’s Canyon, historical sites, and protected natural lands.
Parley’s Historic Nature Park is also home to a popular dog-friendly hiking trail, known as the Parley’s Historic Nature Park Trail Loop, which starts in the adjacent Tanner Park and takes you through 1.9 miles of paved and natural paths around Parley’s Historic Nature Park. Along the way, you will find breathtaking views, some off-leash areas for dogs, and historical sites (The Railroad Monument, Dudler’s Inn Historical Marker).
c. Big Cottonwood Regional Park - Holladay Lions Area
- Location: 4650 S 1590 E, Millcreek, UT
Situated near Holladay Hills and ~10 minutes south of Sugar House, Big Cottonwood Regional Park is known for its numerous amenities, distributed among three areas: 1) Big Cottonwood Area Park, 2) Holladay Lions Area Park, and 3) Creekside Area Park. Collectively, the whole park has restrooms, playgrounds, pavilions, picnic tables, sports fields, and more.
If you’re looking for an urban hike that still feels mildly rugged, Big Cottonwood Regional Park features a short, dog-friendly trail called the Big Cottonwood Regional Park Outer Loop, with dirt paths, grassy sections, picnic areas, plenty of trees, and beautiful mountain views.
4. Taking Your Dog Swimming in Salt Lake City
Do you have a water-loving canine? If so, there are plenty of dog-friendly swimming spots in Salt Lake City where your pup can cool off, splash, and play. Here are some that are worth checking out:
a. Indoor Dog Pools Near Salt Lake City
Indoor dog pools are the safest swimming spots for dogs. Most of these dog pools are carefully regulated with staff to ensure your dog’s safety. Here are some examples of dog swimming pools in Salt Lake City:
- DogMode – this dog boarding and daycare establishment, located in Millcreek, also has an aquatic fitness center where dogs can enjoy private swims, dock diving training, and more. Their saltwater pool is kept clean and temperature-controlled.
- Unleashed Dog Hotel –this dog daycare and boarding facility, located in Murray, also offers supervised pool sessions as one of their additional services under their daycare or boarding packages.
b. Parley’s Creek via Parley’s Historic Nature Park
- Location: 2672 Heritage Way, Salt Lake City, UT
Parley’s Creek, a natural stream that runs through Salt Lake City, is accessible from dog off-leash areas in Parley’s Historic Nature Park, which is just a few minutes' drive from Salt Lake City. The creek is shallow, making it perfect for cooling off and social play.
c. Willow Creek Dog Park Pond
- Location: 4460 Split Rail Ln, Park City, UT
If you want to treat your dog to a scenic drive and a refreshing swim with a natural feel (without a strenuous hike), Willow Creek Dog Park is a great place to visit. Situated 30 minutes from Salt Lake City, Willow Creek Dog Park is an enclosed, fully-fenced, off-leash area, located inside the larger Willow Creek Park.
The dog park’s most popular feature is its pond, where dogs can take refreshing dips or play water fetch. There is also an agility course and plenty of grassy running space for your canine companion to enjoy.
d. Dog Lake via Millcreek Canyon
- Location: (at the end of the Big Water Trail)
If you and your pup are up for an adventure, Dog Lake via Millcreek Canyon could be a great weekend destination. To get to Dog Lake, you’d need to drive for about an hour to Big Water Trail’s trailhead. Once there, it’s a three-hour hike to get to Dog Lake at the trail’s endpoint.
The Big Water Trail is a moderately difficult, out-and-back trail, best suited for dogs that have been gradually conditioned for longer and more challenging hikes. When in doubt, always get veterinary clearance before hiking on this trail with your dog.
Note: The trail is subject to closures and seasonal hazards; always do research on the trail’s availability and conditions before visiting. Hikers may also encounter wildlife. It’s also important to note that another trail leading to Dog Lake, the Mill D North Fork Trail, is NOT dog-friendly.
5. Shopping With Your Dog in SLC
Looking to shop with your furry companion? Here are some awesome dog-friendly stores in Salt Lake City!
a. City Creek Center
- Location: 50 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT
Located in downtown Salt Lake City, City Creek Center is a dog-friendly shopping center that welcomes leashed, well-behaved, small dogs in outdoor common areas and select stores. It is well-known for its accurate replica of City Creek as well as its beautifully landscaped areas.
Dog-friendly stores within this shopping center are listed on their website, along with details of their pet policy. All in all, City Creek Center is a great spot for strolling, shopping, and spending time with your pup.
b. The Other Side Thrift Boutique
- Location: 4290 State St, Salt Lake City, UT
Located in Salt Lake City, The Other Side Thrift Boutique is a dog-friendly store known for its welcoming atmosphere, well-curated finds, and its meaningful social cause. As of this article’s last update, they have two locations in Murray and Millcreek.
As you stroll through their aisles, you will find a wide variety of high-quality secondhand clothing, home decor, and more. The best part is that they allow well-behaved dogs to join you while you browse.
c. The Dog’s Meow
- Location: 2047 E 3300 S, Millcreek, UT
The Dog’s Meow is a dog-friendly pet boutique that specializes in high-quality food, treats, and supplies. They happily welcome leashed, well-behaved dogs inside to shop alongside their pet parents.
Their Milcreek location is close to Salt Lake City, less than 10 minutes away from both Sugar House and Holladay Hills. This location also has a DIY Dog Wash where you can give your pup a refreshing bath before heading home.
6. Stay in Dog-Friendly Hotels in Salt Lake City
Whether you’re booking a dog-friendly hotel in Salt Lake City for a staycation or a true home away from home, the city offers plenty of welcoming options. If you’re looking for a hotel that goes the extra mile to make your pup feel right at home, here are some great choices to consider:
Reminder: Even at hotels with pet-friendly policies, dogs are expected to be well-behaved and manageable to help ensure a positive experience for all guests.
a. Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City
- Location: 15 W 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT
Located in downtown Salt Lake City, Kimpton Hotel Monaco is a 4-star luxury hotel with plenty of amenities to offer, including an on-site fitness center, on-site or in-room dining options, spa services, hotel bikes, rentable stargazing equipment, and more.
They also go the extra mile for your canine companion, with dog-friendly amenities like pet beds, feeding bowls, courtesy bags, and a nightly wine reception where well-behaved, leashed pups are welcome to join. Additionally, this hotel is also close to Pioneer Dog Park and City Creek Center, a dog-friendly shopping center.*
b. Evo Hotel Salt Lake
- Location: 660 S 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT
Located in downtown Salt Lake City, Evo Hotel is a 3-star hotel that is experience-focused and perfect for adventure travelers. The hotel is located in Salt Lake City’s Granary Campus, a collection of historic buildings that have been thoughtfully transformed to house complementary businesses and concepts.
Some of the amenities that set evo Hotel apart include a skatepark, climbing walls, fitness studios, a coffee bar, a rooftop bar, and on-site equipment rentals.*
The hotel also extends a warm welcome to furry guests with dog-friendly amenities, including dog bowls, complimentary pup cups from the coffee bar, an evo Hotel dog scarf, and a map highlighting nearby dog-friendly areas you can explore.
*Amenities in dog-friendly hotels are subject to change at any point and/or limited availability; before booking a stay with your canine companion, refer to the hotel’s website for updated information.
7. Visit Dog-Friendly Restaurants & Coffee Shops
Looking for a great dining experience with your furry friend by your side? Here are a few dog-friendly restaurants and coffee shops you can explore:
a. Mint Tapas and Sushi
With locations in both Sugar House and Holladay, Mint Tapas and Sushi is a popular dog-friendly restaurant in Salt Lake City that offers globally inspired small plates and sushi. Both locations have semi-enclosed dog-friendly patios where you can dine with your pup.*
b. The Brickyard Bar
- Location: 3000 S Highland Dr, Millcreek, UT
Located just a few minutes away from Sugar House, Salt Lake City, The Brickyard Bar is a laid-back neighborhood sports bar. This dining spot is known for its delicious comfort food, casual vibe, and dog-friendly patio.*
Their patio is enclosed and roofed, making it feel like a natural extension of the interior space, a perfect hangout spot for pet parents and their well-behaved, leashed pups.
c. 3 Cups
- Location: 4670 S Holladay Village Plaza #104, Holladay, UT
Located in Holladay, 3 Cups is a cozy cafe and eatery that features a welcoming atmosphere and a cozy, dog-friendly sidewalk seating area.* This is a great spot for coffee, brunch, or a casual meal with your four-legged best friend.
*Pet policies may change without notice, and pet-friendly patios may be subject to seasonal closure. Before visiting with your pup, check their website or online directories to get the most updated information.
→ Learn more – Dog Friendly Restaurants & Patios in Salt Lake City
8. Other Dog-Friendly Destinations Near Salt Lake City
If you’re looking for an exciting dog-friendly destination in Salt Lake City that has cultural, historical, or natural appeal, here are a few places you can explore with your furry friend:
1. Gilgal Sculpture Garden
- Location: 749 E 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT
The Gilgal Sculpture Garden is an outdoor art garden near downtown Salt Lake City featuring 12 stone sculptures and 70 engraved stones. The pieces were created by Thomas Battersby Child, a famous local stonemason who lived in the 20th century. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are allowed, making it an accessible and interesting dog-friendly destination.
2. Wheeler Historic Farm
- Location: 6351 S 900 E, Murray, UT
Located in Murray, just south of Salt Lake City, Wheeler Historic Farm offers a glimpse into Utah’s pioneer agricultural roots. It is home to around 6,000 artifacts and educational pieces connected with early farm life in the area. With outdoor paths, open spaces, and seasonal events where leashed dogs are welcome, this destination offers a relaxed, history-focused experience with your pup.
3. Antelope Island State Park
- Location: Antelope Island State Park Visitor Center – 4528 W 1700 S, Syracuse, UT
Situated in the Great Salt Lake, around an hour’s drive from Salt Lake City, Antelope Island State Park is known for its sweeping lake views and wildlife, including free-ranging bison, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and pronghorn. You and your pup can enjoy a variety of activities, including a scenic drive around the island, checking out designated dog-friendly trails, and more.
Final Reminders About Dog-Friendly Activities Near Salt Lake City
This wraps up our guide to dog-friendly activities near Salt Lake City, where both locals and visitors can find plenty of ways to explore and have fun with their pups! Wherever your adventures take you, make sure your dog stays protected with up-to-date vaccines, a microchip, and heartworm prevention.
Additionally, before heading out for hikes, swimming adventures, or other physically challenging activities for dogs, it’s always best to have your pup checked by a veterinarian to make sure they’re healthy and fit for the activity.
Exciting News for Pet Parents in Salt Lake City!
Sploot Vets, a trusted veterinary care provider, is expanding to Salt Lake City! Whether your pet needs routine care, urgent care, or emergency services, you can count on Sploot Vets to provide top-tier, all-in-one vet care, 365 days a year.
With an experienced veterinary team and state-of-the-art facilities, Sploot Vets will deliver next-level vet care designed to support your pet’s overall health and give you peace of mind. Our Fear Free veterinary approach will prioritize your pet’s comfort at every visit, creating a calmer, more positive experience.
Stay tuned for the grand opening of our brand-new vet clinics in Salt Lake City! Follow us @splootvets to get the latest updates.
