Dog friendly in Cleveland?

Cleveland still has a little way to go before I'd call it a "dog friendly" city, but it's definitely dog friendly(ish). I'm probably being a little too hard on the city. Let's focus on the positive. Here's what you can look forward to if you have a furry, little four-legged friend pal'in around with you in the (216):


--Dog Parks--

Tremont has a great fenced-in, off-leash dog park at Clarks Field (not far from Steelyard Commons and W. 7th). It's all gravel (for drainage) and there are benches and little shade trees in all four corners. There's even a dual dog and human water fountain and extra poo bags (just in case you forgot yours). You'll mostly find larger breeds there, but I take my little 5 lb. Yorkie in and there are occasionally other small dogs for him to play with. In my experience, everyone is really great about monitoring their dogs just in case the pooches get a little grumpy or overexcited.

Charlie at Clarks Field Dog Park © CASB, 2009

Charlie at Clarks Field with Friends © CASB, 2009

Supposedly, there's another off-leash dog park in Lakewood somewhere, but I've heard some bad reviews so I haven't checked it out yet. There aren't any actual "dog parks" downtown, but during the nicer weather you'll see people walking their dogs (especially around the Warehouse District).

--Pet-friendly Places/Events--

As far as pet-friendly establishments, there's a Petco in Steelyard Commons, but that's pretty obviously pet-friendly. I've seen several dogs hanging out on the patios of E. 4th. I think most places with an outdoor patio will let you bring a well-behaved dog along for a meal. The Great Lakes Brewery has an event every summer where you can bring your pup out to socialize, and the Cleveland Botanical Garden hosts "Dog Days of Summer" every Sunday from June through September. However, I was most excited to learn of an event coming up this Sunday, Aug. 23rd called "Dog Paddle & More" at Hinckley Reservation (part of the Cleveland Metroparks). It's a big swim party for the pups at the Hinckley pool. Unfortunately, my Yorkie Charlie is a little frightened by life jackets (and I'm sure some dogs will be wearing them) so I think we'll sit this one out :(

Dog Paddle & More YouTube video

There are quite a few other dog-focused events, so to plan ahead try visiting either of the following links (fyi: the dogfriendly.com link says that the Cleveland RTA is dog friendly -- and it is, dogs can ride -- but remember that all dogs must be in a carrier):

www.Dogfriendly.com

Eventful.com

--Daycare & Boarding--

If you're looking for doggie daycare or boarding facilities, here's what I know:

I boarded Charlie at The Barkely Pet Hotel and Day Spa in Solon last April. This place is something else -- they go all out to pamper your pets! However, I wish that I hadn't left Charlie there for a whole weekend. The Petite Suites (where they house the small breeds) is set up like a cute little nursery. Only one problem -- the units face each other, so if your pup has a particularly loud and obnoxious neighbor, he will be tense the entire time he's there. They do take the dogs out about 3 or 4 times to use the restroom, but that's it. You have to pay extra for one-on-one playtime. Charlie showed signs of anxiety around other dogs after staying in that set up. They seemed to have treated him very well, but it just wasn't the right place for my little guy. On a more pleasant note, Charlie successfully completed the Puppy Preschool classes they offer and I thought it was a nice way to socialize a small puppy (pre-16 weeks old).

Since my Barkley boarding experience, I've learned of two other boarding facilities that have gotten great reviews from pet owner friends of mine. They are both cage-free, off-leash facilities. The Mutt Hutt is located in Tremont, and the Cleveland Metro Bark is on the East side near E. 39th on Payne. The biggest difference between the two (based on what I know) is that the Mutt Hutt has staff that sleeps over at the facility so that the dogs are monitored 24-hours a day, while the Metro Bark has staff who takes several dogs home to have a sleep over. They both seem like great places and Charlie and I can't wait to check them out!

--Apartments & Condos--

A good number of the apartment buildings downtown are pet friendly (3 for sure are the Statler Arms, the Residences at 668, and the Bridgeview). They usually require a $300 non-refundable pet deposit, and an extra $25 a month. There are, however, some that have a weight limit, age limit, only allow cats, or don't allow pets at all. There are also some condo buildings that don't allow pets (I know -- what are they thinking!). Lakewood condos (or just GoldCoast buildings) in particular don't seem to care for dogs (i.e., Carlyle, Meridian, and Winton Place). But a simple inquiry early on will help you figure out who's friendly and who's not.

So I guess Cleveland isn't THAT far from being dog-friendly. Sometimes it just feels that way because store owners give me a really strange look when I bring Charlie in tucked into my purse.