It is a well-known legend among Bend locals that we have one of the highest per capita dog populations anywhere in the world with 49 percent of Central Oregon residents owning a dog. In fact, Dog Fancy magazine claimed Bend as DogTown USA in 2012 and runner up in 2011. With over 40 restaurants ready to accommodate you and Fido for an alfresco dining date, a plethora of dog-friendly businesses and events, more than 51 miles of urban trails in town, and over 13 off-leash areas in city parks and National Forests, Bend, Oregon is literally a paradise for man and woman’s best friend.
Take Your Dog for a Walk On & Off Leash in Bend
Start your vacation off by checking out the Bend Urban Trails Map, created by the Bend Metro Park & Recreation District. Both the Shevlin Park Loop and the Deschutes River Trail near Farewell Bend Park have paths that wind along the river, offering plenty of opportunities for your pup to cool off in the water. If your dog prefers sprinklers over swimming, a spray park solely dedicated to dogs is located at the Bob Wenger Memorial Off-Leash Area, which is a 14-acre dog park located in northeast Bend.
Your next stop for planning your doggie vacation is dogpac.org, a non-profit organization that helps create off-leash areas in the Deschutes National Forest and BLM Lands as well as off-leash dog parks in Bend City Parks. Let your dog run wild on many popular trails during certain times of the year off the Cascade Lakes Highway.
Sharing a Beer with Your Dog in Bend
Bend was named Dog Town USA, but it’s also known as Beer Town USA. That means it’s only appropriate dogs are welcome at many of Bend’s breweries. 10 Barrel, Cascade Lakes Brewing Co., GoodLife Brewing, Crux Fermentation Project, Worthy Brewing, and McMenamins Old St. Francis School welcome you and Fido on their patios and outside dining areas.
Outdoor Recreation with your Dog in Bend
And the adventures for your canine companion do not stop with trips into the woods. Rent a canoe at Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe and then pick up a flotation device made especially for your dog by the Bend-based animal outfitter, Ruff Wear. Wanderlust Tours opens all of their daytime scenic mountain lake canoe tours to pups and their humans.
If you are here in the winter, Wanoga, Edison and Kapka Sno-Parks have dog-friendly cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, and Wanoga is often groomed for skate skiing. The 2 ½ mile stretch of dirt road up to Tumalo Falls after the bridge (on Skyliners Rd) is also left unplowed during winter months and dogs are welcome to frolic along beside the trails.
Dog-Friendly Events in Bend
There are enough events celebrating man’s best friend here in Bend that it is possible to plan a whole vacation around your pet. Check out the annual Bend Pet Parade every July 4th and the wiener dog racing during Bend’s Oktoberfest.
Doggie Daycare and Pet Sitting in Bend
If bringing your dog to his own pet-loving resort is more your kind of vacation, Bend offers a number doggie hotels and day care to pamper even the pickiest puppy. A few of our favorites are Dancin’ Woofs, Kindred Spirit Pet Care, and Bend Pet Paradise.
Lost and found, or add a new family member
If you and Fido get separated while exploring Bend, don’t panic! But do contact the Humane Society of Central Oregon so they can help reunite you with your furry pal. And if there’s room in your heart and home for another four-legged friend, consider adopting a pet from HSCO.
Pet-Friendly Hotels and Lodging in Bend
And last but not least, it is time to find a pet-friendly hotel in Bend where your animal companions will be welcomed with open arms. Below is a list of area lodging properties and Bend hotels that are happy to accommodate your furry friends. Additional lodging options for pet-friendly accommodations like Bend vacation rentals or RV parks are listed on the Where to Stay section of our website here.