Try DSM: Dog-Friendly Fun

If you’re considering Greater Des Moines (DSM) as your next home for you and your pooch, know that you'll find plenty of dog-friendly spots throughout the region. Give DSM a try with this dog-friendly itinerary. Enjoy a variety of pet boutiques, green spaces and outdoor patios across DSM. Whether you’re looking to hike, play fetch or relax together, DSM is a friendly place to live for humans and four-legged friends! 

Hotel Pick: Revel Hotel Des Moines Urbandale, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

If you’re coming to check out DSM before making your move, bring your pup along. Pets are allowed at the Revel Hotel for a $50 non-refundable fee. Along with its pet-friendly status, the hotel offers amenities including free parking, free WiFi, a fitness center and on-site restaurant, the Revel Lounge. For the art fans, there are also plenty of murals to admire in the Revel Hotel art collection as you come and go. Learn more about the opportunity to explore art in DSM here. 

Paws and Pints

Thursday

  • Once you’ve checked into your hotel, visit Paws & Pints just south of Gray’s Lake and Waterworks Park, two green spaces with trails where you and your pup can burn off some energy. Paws & Pints has its own 3.5-acre dog park, a restaurant that serves up food for you and your dog and on Thursdays it’s “Bring a Friend Night,” where members can recruit friends to join Paws & Pints (and by doing so earn a free month membership!). 
  • Once you’ve had your fill at Paws & Pints, and explored the Gray’s Lake Area, head to the Historic East Village for some shopping at Jett and Monkey’s, where you can pick up a new squeaker toy for your dog before settling in for the night. 
  • End the day with a scenic stroll through the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Pose with your pooch inside the Nomade sculpture by Jaume Plensa or share your LOVE for your pet by snapping a selfie next to the red Robert Indiana sculpture. 

Friday

  • Planning to hike with your dog today? Check out the backpacks, leashes, harnesses, hiking gear and more from Hiking Dog Co. in Clive. 
  • From there, you can enjoy an early morning stroll through Brown’s Woods, Raccoon River Park or Clive Greenbelt Trail.  
  • If the weather isn’t cooperating with outdoor exploration, head to Stylin’ Paws Indoor Dog Park for climate-controlled fun.  
  • Maybe your dog would benefit from a spa day. At Canine Country Club in West Des Moines, your pup can enjoy an Aqueous Ozone Bath, ear cleaning, nail grinding, coat brushout and more.  
  • After that, visit the newly opened Art & Wag Studio in Clive, where you can get a high-quality photograph taken of your pet. 
  • On the western edge of DSM, Barn Town Brewing is an ideal spot to visit if you love breweries and love dogs. The brewery has a full menu and a spacious dog-friendly patio. 
  • Finally, an afternoon at Living History Farms (LHF) in Urbandale will have your dog’s tail wagging. Well-behaved, leashed pups can enjoy the Farms trails and even meet the 1876 town of Walnut Hill veterinarian! (Note: dogs must remain outside of buildings.) LHF has been known to host a Fido on the Farms event as well so watch the calendar for exact dates! 

Saturday

Other Options for Your Itinerary

Dog Park

Choose your own adventure and mix and match with these options to plan an itinerary tailored to your family:   

  • Explore a dog park, or two! A few to consider: the Ankeny Dog Park, Ewing Dog Park, Raccoon River Park – Dog Park, or the Windsor Heights Dog Park. 
  • Check out the Animal Rescue League’s summer Yappy Hour. With events scattered throughout the summer, you can enjoy the patio with your dog and know that $1 from each drink purchase supports the ARL. 
  • In Grimes, Dogwoods Lodge offers Daycamp, an all-day program where dogs will enjoy indoor and outdoor play yards, and a Pup Camp, specifically designed for puppies nine weeks to five months. So if you’ve got plans that don’t include your furry friend, consider Dogwoods! 

Connect with the Community 

Meet other pet parents at pet-centric events throughout the year, such as: 

  • The Capital City Pride Pet Parade is held as part of PrideFest. Prizes are awarded to pets and pet owners for best dressed and more. 
  • The ARL’s Dog Days of Summer event allows fans to bring their dog to Principal Park for an Iowa Cubs baseball game.  
  • The Ankeny Pooch Paddle Dog Swim and Altoona Dog Paddle are annual days for dogs to swim at the pool! The Clive Aquatic Center also holds an annual pooch plunge. 
  • The Buzz Run raises money for Animal Lifeline of Iowa. Dogs are welcome to run along with owners in Downtown DSM. 
  • The Iowa Dog Jog takes place in September in Clive. 
  • The Paws for a Cause event with IOWA Service Dogs raises funds for training services dogs for first responders and veterans.  
  • The ARL holds an annual Santa N Paws photo fundraiser that comes with a free holiday gift bag.  

Find Your Community. Do Something Greater.  

Greater Des Moines (DSM) is full of ways to meet others and make your home here. Find your community here and get connected! Connect with DSM.