Welcome to Plymouth Veterinary Hospital, your trusted veterinary care provider in Plymouth, Michigan. We know how important it is for pet owners to find fun and safe activities for their furry friends. Here are some of the best pet-friendly activities and places in and around Plymouth, MI.
Pet-Friendly Parks and Trails
- Kellogg Park: Located in the heart of downtown Plymouth, Kellogg Park is a charming spot with beautifully landscaped gardens, walking paths, and a picturesque fountain. It’s a perfect place for a leisurely stroll with your dog.
- Maybury State Park: Located in nearby Northville, this park offers beautiful trails where you and your dog can enjoy a scenic walk.
- Plymouth Township Park: A local favorite, this park has plenty of open space for your dog to run and play.
- Lyon Oaks Dog Park: A bit of a drive, but worth it for the off-leash fun. This park in Wixom offers a large, fenced area for dogs to socialize and exercise.
- Northville Dog Park: Located at Cady St, Northville, MI 48167. This park offers a spacious area for dogs to run and play off-leash.
- Canton Dog Park: Situated on Denton Rd, Canton, MI 48187. This park has separate areas for small and large dogs, and it’s a great place for your dog to socialize.
- Wayne County Hines Dog Park: Found at 33275 Edward Hines Dr, Westland, MI. This park provides a safe and fun environment for dogs to play off-leash.
- Swift Run Dog Park: In Ann Arbor, MI, this park offers 10 acres of grassy fields with separate fenced runs for large and small dogs.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Plymouth, Michigan
We love that Plymouth offers a variety of dog-friendly eateries where you can enjoy a meal with your furry friend. However, we recommend calling ahead to ensure that your pet is welcome, as policies may change.
- NICO & VALI Italian Eatery: Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine with your dog at their outdoor seating area
- The Burger Spot: This spot offers a variety of burgers, including vegetarian and vegan options. They have outdoor tables where dogs are welcome.
- Crawford’s Kitchen: Located in Plymouth Historic Old Village, this restaurant serves breakfast and lunch. Dogs are welcome on the umbrella-covered patio.
- Plymouth Coffee Bean: A dog-friendly coffeehouse with outdoor tables. They offer a pup cup and biscuits for your dog while you enjoy coffee, teas, sandwiches, and pastries.
- Espresso Elevado: An artisan coffee roaster and brew bar with outdoor seating for you and your dog. They serve a variety of coffee drinks and special house drinks.
- Karl’s Cabin Restaurant & Banquets: This rustic spot offers a cozy atmosphere and welcomes dogs on their outdoor patio.
Pet Services
- Dogtopia of Plymouth: Offers dog daycare, boarding, and spa services. They ensure a fun and safe environment for your canine friends.
- Happy Hounds Dog Day Care & Lodging: Provides daycare and overnight boarding with a focus on creating a home-like environment for dogs.
- Perfect Paws Pet Salon: A grooming salon that offers a range of services to keep your pet looking their best.
- Gabe’s Mobile Grooming: Mobile pet grooming services that brings the grooming shop to your home. Professional dog and cat grooming.
- Trust and Obey Pawsitive Dog Training: Provides professional dog training services to help with obedience, behavior modification, and more.
- Three Dog Bakery: Treat your dog to some delicious, freshly baked goodies at this unique bakery in Plymouth.
- Michigan Dog Training: Comprehensive training programs for dogs of all ages and breeds.
When visiting Off-Leash Dog Parks Precautions
It’s important to take several precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.
Here are some key tips:
- Before You Go Vaccinations: Ensure your dog is up to date on all vaccinations, including rabies, distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis, Bordetella, and canine flu
- Health Check: Make sure your dog is healthy and free from any contagious diseases or parasites.
- Training: Your dog should have basic obedience training and be able to respond to commands like come, sit, stay, and drop.
- Age and Spaying/Neutering: Puppies should have completed their vaccination series before visiting. Consider spaying or neutering your dog to prevent unwanted behaviors.
- At the Park Leash Protocol: Keep your dog on a leash until you are inside the designated off-leash area. Use the double-gate entrance if available2.
- Supervision: Always keep an eye on your dog and be aware of their interactions with other dogs.
- Watch for signs of aggression or fear2. Body Language: Learn to read dog body language to understand how your dog and others are feeling. Look for signs of stress or discomfort.
- Avoid Bringing Toys and Treats: These can cause fights among dogs. If you must bring them, use them when other dogs are not around.
- Clean Up: Always pick up after your dog to keep the park clean and safe for everyone.
- Respect Other Dogs and Owners: Not all dogs are comfortable with the same level of play. Be mindful of other dogs’ boundaries and their owners’ preferences.
- Stay Off Your Phone: Avoid distractions and focus on your dog to prevent any potential issues.
- Know When to Leave: If your dog is showing signs of stress, aggression, or is not enjoying the experience, it’s best to leave the park4
It’s important to recognize that off-leash dog parks are not suitable for every dog. Some dogs may feel overwhelmed or anxious in such environments, especially if they are not well-socialized or have had negative experiences with other dogs. Additionally, dogs with certain health issues or behavioral problems might not thrive in an off-leash setting.
If your dog shows signs of stress, aggression, or discomfort, it might be best to explore other options for exercise and socialization, such as on-leash walks, playdates with familiar dogs, or training classes. Always prioritize your dog’s well-being and comfort to ensure they have a positive experience.