Charlotte, North Carolina has a lot of really great neighborhoods to live-in but choosing the right one for your family and pets can be challenging. And although many dog-lovers call Charlotte home, not every neighborhood is pet-friendly or has the right blend of accessibility or amenities nearby. To help, I took it upon myself to give you a quick overview of some great neighborhoods in Charlotte for pets and their parents. 

Ballantyne 

One of the most desirable neighborhoods in Charlotte, Ballantyne is an upscale neighborhood conveniently located on the South Carolina border. Home to the 5-star Ballantyne Golf Resort & Spa, the Ballantyne Hotel, Country Club, and Corporate Park, it’s a highly sought-after area in an affluent part of town. The St. Matthew Catholic Church, the largest Catholic congregation in the United States, also resides in Ballantyne. Houses here tend to sell quickly and multiple offers are common. 

Most importantly though, Ballantyne is a great place to live with dogs. Nearby you’ll find the Davie Dog Park, the Ballantyne Veterinary Clinic, more than one dog-friendly eatery, the Pampered Paws at The Fountains grooming salon, and multiple pet shops and stores. Ballantyne puts you near the center of everything and offers plenty of green space for you and your dogs to enjoy; it’s a beautiful area for both you and your pets to live. 

Sharon Woods 

Located in south Charlotte, Sharon Woods was recently pegged as a Top 100 Neighborhood in the US and recognized for being a quiet, family-oriented neighborhood. Sharon Woods is an established neighborhood with a suburban feel. It rests just six miles from Uptown and only 5 minutes from the SouthPark Mall, the largest mall in North Carolina. Nearby you’ll find restaurants, coffee shops, and more. Residents love that you’re close to everything you need yet hidden away from all the hustle and bustle. 

The neighborhood is quiet, and people often walk their dogs. Neighbors here do a great job of cleaning up and caring for their pets, and it’s well-kept. There’s plenty of wide sidewalks and green grass for you and your pup to enjoy, but if that’s not enough there are two dog-friendly parks within driving distance of Sharon Woods. William R. Davie Park is 6 miles to the south and Frazier Dog Park is 6 miles to the north. 

Dilworth 

South of downtown, Dilworth is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Charlotte. Being the first streetcar suburb outside of the four wards, Dilworth was designed in a similar grid-like style and is home to delightful bungalows with an occasional Victorian or colonial style in the mix. Here you’ll see great front porches, beautiful mature oak trees, and plenty of sidewalks. The Carolina Medical Center, Charlotte’s largest hospital, is also located in Dilworth. 

The access to amenities is appealing for dog-owners. In Dilworth you’ll find plenty of stops for pet supplies, the Canine Café, and two animal hospitals. There are two free parks located in Dilworth. The Edward Latta Park that sits on a generous 32-acres, and Pearle Street Park; both parks allow dogs to play on their multi-use fields and have plenty of walking trails for you and your fur-kids to explore. 

NoDa 

Short for North Davidson, NoDa is the city’s popular arts and entertainment district. In the heart of this neighborhood, you’ll find plenty of artisan gift shops, live music, art, great cuisine, and dive bars. NoDa is considered one of Charlotte’s best neighborhoods because of its close proximity to downtown and its community vibe. It’s a fun place to live. 

NoDa offers more than just the arts scene and can be enjoyed by pets and their owners, too. North Charlotte Park is nearby with plenty of fields and hiking trails, The Dog Bar allows your dogs to play off-leash while you grab a drink, and the NoDa Brewing Company is just one of many establishments that welcome your dogs. You can grab pet supplies nearby and NoDa is in close proximity to a vet clinic and the Uptown Veterinary Hospital.  

SouthPark 

The neighborhood of SouthPark sits six miles south of Uptown Charlotte. It’s a large residential area as well as Charlotte’s largest business district. SouthPark is the area that has it all. Work, schools, healthcare, shopping, and restaurants; living in SouthPark gives you access to everything. And although it’s busier during the daytime hours, nights are quiet and it’s a great place to live.

Because of the number of residents and employees in the area a lot has been invested into the SouthPark area. You can find all your pet needs here and it’s a fantastic place for you and Rover to live. Ray’s Fetching Meadow is a great off-leash dog park nearby, there are a nice selection of eateries that allow dogs, and you have plenty of grooming options to choose from. SouthPark is home to four veterinary clinics ensuring you have access to the best medical care for all your pets.

Charlotte has many neighborhoods that are ideal for pet families and I can help you find yours.

If we don’t find it in Charlotte, we can explore other options. I want you to be excited for your next home. 

If you are a parent to a big dog or multiple dogs, you might even consider looking on the outskirts of town where you’ll find less restrictions and more open spaces. At the very least I recommend searching for those homes on at least an acre, this will ensure you and your canine friends have plenty of space to run and play, and a little greenery doesn’t hurt either.

If you’re a dog lover, you probably support giving ole Rover plenty of time outdoors to run free and play. They are spirited animals that need regular exercise to stay healthy, and they deserve the freedom of being off leash often.

 Many outdoor destinations, trails, and parks require dogs to be kept on a leash these days, but Greensboro is home to a few off-leash dog parks that offer plenty of space for your pup to play and run. These are worth a visit:

Southwest Park Dog Park 

Your fur-kids will love to roam free in this fenced 2.5 acre off-leash dog park. A gem in Guilford Country, this scenic park has a lot to offer pets and their parents. In addition to the dog park, Southwest Park in Greensboro has ball fields, picnic shelters, plenty of scenic trails, and a lake for fishing; they’ll even let you rent a boat.

 The dog park itself is located in a secluded wooded area of the park (which I love!). You’ll want to follow the trail by the maintenance shed, through the woods, to get to the dog park. There are separate sections for large and small dogs, and community water and bowls are provided. The dog park rests adjacent to a couple nice pet-friendly nature trails, but a leash is required when on the trails. It’s not uncommon to see wildlife and birds here. It’s a cool place definitely worth exploring.

LeBauer Park Dog Park 

The LeBauer Park Dog Park is in a great location in downtown Greensboro. LeBauer is a great park for families, and there is plenty to do for all ages. The park has fountains, sculptures, cornhole games, ping pong tables, ornamental gardens, a kid zone, splashpad, and more. The park often hosts movie nights, concerts, and other events, as well as a skating rink in the winter. 

The small dog park accommodates 20 small- to medium-sized dogs and their owners and is exactly right for those sizes. Best of all, it’s so clean! Well maintained, this park has a water fountain for the dogs and provides waste bags, too. A newly created green space has been added for you to walk your dog on a leash and they do offer pet enrichment activities. It really is a nice park to spend an afternoon outdoors. 

Stephen M. Hussey BarkPark at Country Park 

Established in 2003, Stephen M. Hussey’s Bark Park is Greensboro’s first off-leash dog park. Open sunrise to sunset, the dog park offers plenty of space to run or explore and has both shaded and sunny areas for play; I especially love the big trees here for shade during the hot summer. The off-leash dog park is divided into 3 separate spaces with air-lock gates. The park has a water fountain for the dogs, water bowls, and lots of toys and tennis balls for them to play with. Another big plus is they have plenty of seating for pet-parents, including benches and lawn chairs. Before you go, you should be aware that they don’t allow any children in the area near the dog park (for safety reasons) and if you bring them, you might be asked to leave. If you opt to walk the trails with your pup instead, a leash is required.

Griffin Recreation Center – Griffin Community Park 

The Griffin Recreation Center in Greensboro is an amazing facility. It offers free fitness classes for seniors, has basketball courts, and a fitness center in a great location with affordable rates. There is a handicapped-accessible path from the Rec Center parking lot directly to the dog park. The dog park is a fenced, two-acre shaded area that is separated into 2 sections, one for small dogs and one for larger dogs. The dog park is evolving but the park itself is a huge 48-acres with plenty of nicely paved trails; and dogs are welcome on the trails as long as they are leashed.

Doggo’s Dog Park & Pub 

A private Dog Park & Pub serving 21+ and those dogs that are fixed, friendly, and vaccinated. Doggo’s is 10,000 square feet of space that dogs can run and play in, off-leash, and it’s fully supervised by the dog park staff. The facility is nice, comfortable, and the play area has a nice set-up. 

Doggo’s isn’t free but they do offer a day pass, monthly and annual passes. It’s a nice spot to grab a cold one and let your dog play in a fun, safe environment. The staff do a great job, and they screen every dog that comes in. People who don’t have dogs are welcome and many others enjoy coming out for a drink and watching the doggies play. It really is a great place to unwind and have a little fun.

I have a big heart for animals, and I have no doubt you do, too. As pet-parents we have the responsibility of giving our dogs plenty of opportunities to be active. Dogs need regular exercise; they are active energetic animals that need regular stimulation. Luckily, Charlotte is a great place for that. 

At home you can take your dog for walks around the neighborhood or stroll downtown, but they require a leash. Dog parks give our four-legged friends total freedom to run and socialize with other dogs. Here you can free your dog from the confinements of your home and the leash. It’ll improve their mood, and health. Who knows, maybe you’ll make a few new friends, too. 

Charlotte, North Carolina is a dog-friendly town. Whether you’re just visiting or plan to make Charlotte your home, here you’ll find quite a few dog parks for you and your pup to enjoy and explore. It can be tiresome trying to find the right one, but no worries I’ve done the work for you. I’ve put together a complete list of the top pet-friendly parks. 

Top Dog Parks in Charlotte, North Carolina

Frazier Place Dog Park 

Address: 1201 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28208

Located along I-77 near West Trade and Sycamore Streets, this hidden gem has plenty of space for your dog to run around. Your dog will make many friends here. Frazier dog park has 2 separate fenced spaces for small and large dogs, plenty of seating areas, communal water bowls, and a plastic pool.  I do wish there were a little more grass in some areas as it can get muddy, you’ll want to bring a towel. It’s not the biggest or the smallest of the dog parks but it’s definitely one of the more popular ones; it’s a nice park.

William R. Davie Dog Park

Address: 4635 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, NC 28226

Located in the William R. Davie District Park in Charlotte you’ll find a big 5-acres of fenced-in, off-leash space perfect for dogs of all sizes. With separate areas for large and small dogs (less than 20 lbs or over 20 lbs) you’ll find plenty of space for your canine-friend to be active and socialize. You can find the public dog park area by heading down the path towards the direction of the woods or by taking the path left of the basketball courts, you’ll know when you’ve reached all the action. Davie Dog Park is well-equipped. You’ll find water fountain for you and a water spigot and bucket for your dog, free doggie waste bag dispensers, and plenty of benches for seating and shade.

Barkingham Park 

Address: 2900 Rocky River Rd, Charlotte, NC 28213

Located in the northern section of Reedy Creek Park, Barkingham Dog Park is a generous 4 acres of fenced-in space for dogs to run and play off-leash. This is a beautiful spot to enjoy the dog park, or you can keep the leash on and explore the trails. I like that it has plenty of running space, trees, shade, and 2 sets of double gates. The area for smaller dogs leaves a little to be desired so I recommend this park specifically for medium to large dogs.

Shuffletown Park

Address: 9530 Bellhaven Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28216

This family-friendly park in Charlotte is home to a large 4-acre dog park where dogs can run off-leash in a safe space. The dog areas are all-fenced. The landscape here is what makes this park stand out. There is a gravel section and a shaded section with pine trees that are surrounded by benches. There is a nice walking path around the outside for pet-owners to enjoy. Waste bags and trash cans are provided here. On most days there is water, but you might want to bring your own bowl just in case. 

Ray’s Fetching Meadow Dog Run

Address: 8711 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212

Located at the McAlpine Creek Community Park, this dog run provides about an acre of space for your dog to stretch, run, and play. It’s the perfect spot, not too big or small. Plenty of benches have been placed throughout so pet-owners can be comfortable while still having their canine friend within eyesight. This is an off-leash dog run, and it is fenced in. The park itself has a lot to offer making this a convenient and popular stop. I do recommend that you only take your dog there if they are comfortable around other dogs as it is a smaller space than other dog parks.

Mallard Creek & Clarks Creek Greenway

Address: 9729 Mallard Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28267

Not actually a dog park, Mallard and Clarks Greenway is 7+ miles of paved and gravel trails that run next to a creek bed. It’s a wonderful place for you and your pet to explore together, and it is shaded. Pets are welcome throughout the park but there isn’t a specific area for the dogs, so you’ll have to keep them on the leash. The park itself is family friendly making this a great spot for the entire family to enjoy together.

Skiptown Dog Bar & Indoor Dog Park 

Address: 222 Rampart St, Charlotte, NC 28203

Skiptown is a full-service dog bar and indoor park, and they offer a full range of services; daycare, boarding, and indoor/outdoor play for your dog. It’s a fun place to go have a beer and let your dog run and play, and a great place for you both to socialize. If you live in the city this is the spot for dog-parents. Skiptown has plenty of space indoors and out for your dog to play off-leash, a splash pad agility course, and much more. It’s 21 or older; it’s where the adults hangout. Skiptown isn’t free, there is a cost, but they do offer free admission days right now for you to visit before making a commitment. You’ll have to download their app and set-up a profile either way because Skiptown makes sure all pets are up to date on their shots. The staff takes care of all the cleanup and sanitization, which is a huge bonus, and the facilities are kept really clean. 

Popular Dog Parks Near Charlotte, North Carolina

These Dog parks aren’t technically in Charlotte, but they’re close enough to count and worth making a stop if you’re looking to try a new spot.

Swaney Pointe K-9 Park

Address: 18441 Nantz Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031

Swaney Pointe rests in Ramsey Creek Park, 30 minutes outside of Charlotte in Cornelius, North Carolina. The dog park is a fenced-in and secure 4-acres of off-leash space for dogs, with two separate spaces for big and small dogs. The dog park itself is pretty basic but there is plenty of space for dogs to run and play and a lot of shade here. This park has a beautiful playground and offers lake access for boats; it’s a beautiful place for a visit.

Tuckaseege Dog Park 

Address: 165 Broome St, Mt. Holly, NC 28120

This highly popular dog park is located in Mt Holly, North Carolina; a little over 20 minutes from Charlotte. Tuckaseege is a great park for dogs to run. There are two off-leash spaces for dogs over and under 30 pounds, each surrounded with a secure 5-foot-high chain link fence. There are so many trees inside the dog park that it resembles a forest-setting, your dog will love running in the woods. Water is available, there are a couple of agility apparatuses in each section, and the dog park is well-taken care of. The park offers walking trails that run along the river and a nice playground. 

Weddington Road Bark Park

Address: 8955 Weddington Rd, Concord, NC 28027

Weddington’s Bark Park is located in Concord, North Carolina about 20 minutes or so outside of Charlotte. The dog park has plenty of open space for both large and small dogs and secure gates. The park has mounds of dirt, hills, slopes, and some obstacle equipment for dogs to play and get exercise. Dogs love it here! The park is generally clean and has water stations and trash bins with doggy bags which is nice. Canopies over some of the benches make it a nice place for pet-parents especially. There is plenty of parking and its convenient to the park entrance offering easy access.

After all that playing and exercise at a local park, I’m usually ready to grab a bite at a dog-friendly restaurant nearby. Here are The Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in and Around Charlotte, North Carolina.

When dogs get bored, they can be prone to destructive behavior. Hiking or walking with your dog is a fun way for you both to stay healthy, active, and fit. 

You can de-stress by unplugging, stepping away from the 9to5, and getting much-needed time in nature with your pet. The backyard won’t replace a dog walk or park. Dogs need freedom to explore, and a solid walk helps them to burn up restless energy that can get them into trouble.

There are several hiking trails near Greensboro that are dog-friendly, here are a few of my favorites:

Greensboro Arboretum

The Arboretum is a wonderful place to walk with your dog. This 17-acre garden is beautiful and offers lots for you and your fur-baby to explore. At Greensboro Arboretum you’ll find a nice variety; grass, wood chip, and paved surfaces ensure that there’s a little something for everyone. Like all hiking trails in Greensboro, dogs must remain leashed, but they are welcome to explore the grounds and trails. The Arboretum is pet-friendly, free, and a great place to spend an afternoon.

Country Park Loop

The City of Greensboro’s Country Park is a beautiful place to spend the day with your pooch. It has extensive pet-friendly walking trails, picnic shelters, and a duck pond. The loop itself is a 3.1-mile, easy hike. Like the other trails, a leash is required but if you also want some off-leash time you’ll find that here too.

Country Park is home to BarkPark, Greensboro’s first off-leash dog park. The dog park offers three separate fenced spaces for your dog to explore. The spacious grassy and wooded areas here offer plenty of shade and scenery for both you and your pup to enjoy. 

Nathaniel Greene Trail

Located in the Lake Brandt Marina, this 6-mile out and back trail runs along the lake and through beautiful North Carolina woodlands. This trail is well-maintained and shaded by trees. It’s a pleasant hike but does have a lot of tree roots you should watch out for. You and your dog will love stepping out into nature here. I recommend starting at the marina end of the trail if you plan on doing the entire round trip, you’ll have restroom access both before and after the hike.

Guilford Courthouse Monuments Trail

Set in The Guilford Courthouse National Military Park (the first national park to be established as a Revolutionary War site) this 1-mile loop trail features a river and showcases monuments and stories from the war’s great Battle of Guilford Courthouse. I particularly like that this area consists of paved and gravel walking trails that bikes cannot go, making this a great spot for dog walking. It’s a nice spot for all skill levels.

Great Blue Heron Loop Trail

If you’re looking for a good starter trail for your pup this is a great choice, you could very well end up with the trail all to yourself. Located in Haw River Sate Park, the Great Blue Heron Loop Trail is almost 4 miles of nice, flat terrain that runs through a meadow, forest, and a large wetlands area that borders the Haw River. This trail is quick and easy with only a few gentle hills. The GPS can be tricky here. Instead of hopping on Hwy150 stay on Church Street until you see the Haw River State Park sign. You’ll find the trail in the Iron Ore Belt Access point.

Osprey Trail

Part of the NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST), the Osprey Trail is a 4.4 mile in and out trail featuring a nice walk along the Lake Townsend lakeshore and through the woods. I like that this trail is almost completely shaded, and it’s a cool trail to walk in hot weather. Accessible year round the trail is well kept, offers nice elevation changes, and even a few boardwalks to help cross those muddy areas. 

Greensboro is a great place for pet-parents to live. The public parks and gardens here are beautiful and cater to families and their pets.

If walking the trails with your dog please be courteous to others on the trail, make sure your dogs are leashed, well-behaved around others, and always clean up after your pet.

If you’re looking for places for your doggy to run, off-leash, you can discover Greensboro, North Carolina’s Popular Off-Leash Dog Parks here.

Charlotte, North Carolina has a lot to love but my favorite things about this city is that you can experience all different types of cuisine, enjoy some of the best southern fare, and find plenty of places to hang out with your puppy pal. 

Charlotte is full of southern hospitality and places extend that to your pup as well. Here are some of the top places around Charlotte that welcome dogs; whether you’re looking to enjoy dinner solo, want to enjoy brunch with the ladies, or just have a casual round of drinks you can find it here in Charlotte.

Dog Bar – Charlotte

You and your dog will love spending time at Dog Bar. Here the dogs are allowed off-leash and can expect to get lots of love and affection from the patrons, and you’re likely to make a few new friends. It’s a great place to relax with a beverage and they serve beer, wine, and cocktails. Dog Bar has a patio, TV’s, and a doggy pool in the summer months. It’s a unique place with a great vibe, and even if you don’t have a dog yourself, you’re still welcome to come hangout. Everyone here has been super friendly, and you can’t help but love a bar that welcomes your dog like family.

Lucky Dog Bark & Brew 

A popular dog bar in Charlotte, Lucky Dog has a great staff, good food, a variety of beer and drink choices, and spacious indoor and outdoor areas for dogs of all sizes. You will have to create an online profile and upload vaccination records but it’s super easy, and I think it’s cool they make the effort to keep everyone safe. Outdoors dogs can run off-leash and boy do they have a good time. The staff here is great, and they keep an eye out to ensure everyone’s behaving. I’ve also heard great things about their bathing services, I know that one of their most popular deals is the $15 beer and bath night. It’s a great place for you and your pet to socialize. I enjoy the atmosphere and music, and really appreciate that there is plenty of seating. Lucky Dog Bark & Brew is a wonderful place for pet daycare, grooming, or boarding with fair pricing.

Angry Ale’s 

Angry Ale’s is a casual neighborhood bar that serves up pub grub and comfort food, and they have a great patio that welcomes you and your dog. It’s a cool spot that offers plenty of parking and good music. If you don’t mind dining out on the patio you can bring your dog, they have quality food at great prices. Angry Ale’s is a good choice for hanging out with friends or spending an afternoon having a cool drink and hanging with your dog.

Zada Jane’s Corner Café

At first glance it might not look like much, but this neighborhood spot is a cool place for outside dining with your canine. The food is delicious, and you must visit for breakfast; it’s wonderful and served all day long. You will have to sit on the patio with your dog, but they are welcomed and treated like family. They’ll offer water for them so they, too, can stay cool. The venue itself is small but I love the quaint, vintage feel. It’s a neat place with a funky vibe.

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

If you enjoy a good beer this is your spot. A taproom that offers over 200 beers from across the globe and maybe even the best selection of drafts in all of the Carolinas. Flying Saucer is a chain restaurant but feels a lot like your neighborhood bar. The staff is friendly and welcomes both you and your dog, but they must be well-behaved, and they aren’t allowed inside. The outdoor patio is large, and the fans are a really nice addition. The servers are more than willing to bring out water for your dog. Flying Saucer is a great place with a relaxing vibe for pets and their owners. I think you’ll love it here.

Luna’s Living Kitchen

Best described as vegan food that even non-vegans love. Living Kitchen serves plant-based cuisine, smoothies, and juices made with local, organic ingredients. There are no animals on the menu here! Dogs are welcomed on the patio and the staff love having them. Outside you’ll find an enclosed courtyard where the tables have umbrellas to protect from the sun. Your dog will also appreciate the water bowls and the shaded outside seating. Luna’s Living Kitchen is probably the best place in Charlotte for vegan food that allows your pup to tag along. 

Futo Buta

A small but trendy izakaya with a bar, serving up specialty ramen and Japanese eats. Here you’ll find communal tables and limited seating but outside they have thirteen pet-friendly tables where you and your dog can enjoy a meal. Staff is really sweet with the dogs and treat them like family; they’ll probably bring out fresh bowls of water for them before you get a chance to ask. The patio is a quaint, lively place that both you and your pup will love hanging out.

Sushi 101

A cool spot to visit when you’re waiting on me to show your house {{wink, wink}} Sushi 101 offers a nice selection of Japanese dishes and dog-friendly patio seating. It’s a casual setting, and not a full-size patio, but it has an excellent view for people watching. Dogs and their owners really enjoy it here. A nearby courtyard has doggie waste bags available which is also super convenient.

The Charlotte, North Carolina food scene has plenty to love, and a lot of establishments cater to your pups. I could honestly go on and on but I’m calling it a day. 

Please remember to be courteous and respectful and ALWAYS clean up after your pets. 

Stay tuned for The Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in and Around Charlotte, North Carolina Part 2