If you have dogs and/or love dogs, Santa Fe is the place where dogs are king. They are welcome almost anywhere and acknowledged by people everywhere. Whether walking dogs in the morning or cruising in the car or dining on an outdoor patio, dogs are the talk of the town.
Nearly everyone has a dog or loves dogs and there’s even a gastropub named in honor of all of those we love (Loyal Hound) and have loved, as well as a wide variety of dog parks where the dog owners may have more fun than the dogs.
If you are headed to The City Different with your loyal hound or hounds (and aren’t AirBnB guests), consider staying at La Posada (just off the Plaza) or La Fonda on the Plaza where dogs are as welcome as their owners.
Dog Park Options
And, once you settle in, it’s time to go exploring with the pups. You’ll want to make one of your first stops either the Frank Ortiz Dog Park off of Paseo de Peralta and St. Francis or head out 599 to the Animal Shelter dog park–both parks are amazing and worth a visit with your trusty companion(s).
The dog park at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter was the first one we stumbled upon years ago and it won all four of us over. Big time. There are several off-leash dog parks within the 100 acre area, but we love the biggest community dog park that spans dozens of acres featuring rolling hills, mountain views and plenty of trails to explore, sniff, run freely and leave their mark.
Closer to our house is the Frank Ortiz Dog Park, which means, at minimum, we make a weekly trek to this park, often times meeting up with neighbors and their precious canines for group fun and frolicking. Situated on nearly 140 acres of rolling hills, miles of winding trails and spectacular views, this off-leash dog park is remarkable and deserving of national awards and accolades. Whether you have small dogs or large dogs, this park fits the bill for a leisurely stroll, a long hike or chasing the ball for hours. My dogs love coming here and I love that I get to clock in a few more miles as we traverse the park and meet-and-greet passers-by while we throw and retrieve balls. And did I mention the views?
This park is truly one in a million. If you would like to support the incredible endeavor which has become known as The Dog Park Project, please click here to learn more about and/or donate to this worthy cause.
Annual Doggy Dip Day
If you are here at the end of the summer and your dogs happen to love the water, you’ll definitely want to join the annual Doggy Dip at the Bicentennial Community Pool. Held in early September, right before the pool officially closes for the season, all pooches are welcome for this event that supports the Santa Fe Humane Society. Nacho and Guero had a blast playing with the balls, swimming in the pool and saying hello to the many other participating dogs and their dog-loving families.
It’s no wonder Santa Fe is such a dog-loving city. The wide-open spaces, miles and miles of trails, pet-friendly restaurant patios and beautiful community pools beckon dogs (and dog lovers) from all over to celebrate the great outdoors and take in the city’s natural beauty and genuine kindness.
