Houstonians love their pups, and restaurants, bars, and hotels have taken note of that fact. Gone are the days when Rover resided in a dog house in the backyard. Pooches today are commonly referred to as “fur babies” and their “parents” enjoy taking them everywhere.
While Houston has a number of pet-friendly patios and restaurants to explore, there are places that go the extra mile where dogs have their own menus and can enjoy a specially-prepared meal or even a puppy mocktail. In maintaining safety for all dogs dining out in Houston, please keep pups leashed up at all times when in public spaces and their vaccinations and flea prevention up to date.
And, if you don’t yet have a canine companion of your own, the city’s countless animal shelters and rescue organizations are overflowing with fluffy-butts in need of a good home. Consider adopting, and you and your new buddy can check out all of Houston’s best dog-friendly establishments for a pup cup, a beefy bowl, or a playcation Downtown.
Hotel ZaZa
Both Houston locations of this boutique hotel permit pets for a non-refundable deposit of $100 per animal. They each have green spaces nearby, but the Museum District location is steps from Hermann Park and features nearby jogging trails for active people and pups. Dogs are allowed in the hotel’s lobby, hallways, and rooms, but not in the restaurants or pool area. Hotel ZaZa does not enforce a weight limit, but dogs should be crated when left unattended. Its sister hotels in Dallas and Austin are pet-friendly too. Multiple locations, hotelzaza.com
Four Seasons Hotel
This is one of Houston’s premier 5-star luxury hotels that does not charge fees for pets. There is, however, a limit of staying with two pets, up to 25 pounds each, or one dog at 50 pounds or less. Bowls and dog beds are provided, and there is a pet menu with some seriously fancy fare. Your pooch can enjoy the Pawsh Puppy Plate with beef tenderloin, the chicken delight, or the salmon sit-stay for $35 each. With the hotel’s close proximity to Discovery Green and its enclosed dog run, there is ample room to explore steps from the property. 1300 Lamar St., Houston, fourseasons.com/houston
Post Oak Hotel
Part of Tilman Fertitta’s Landry’s empire, this posh paradise is the only Forbes Five-Star Hotel and Spa in Texas. There is a $150 fee required for pets, with a limit of two dogs per room, up to 75 pounds each and a signed waiver is required. Pets get treated like high rollers with plush dog beds and food bowls in the room, plus a complimentary bandana, treat, and toy to take home. The luxe dining options for pooches include a menu of salmon and egg scramble, chopped filet mignon and bananas “a la bark”. 1600 W. Loop S., Houston, the postoakhotel.com
Hotel Granduca
If your pup appreciates la dolce vita, there’s no need to stress them out with a long haul flight to Italy when there’s a Tuscan-style luxury hotel in the heart of Houston’s Uptown District. Hotel Granduca has a dog-friendly policy, with a $150 non-refundable pet cleaning fee per animal. Pet-friendly rooms are all located on the second and third floors, and there is grassy area and waste station to utilize on the property, while exploring. 1080 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston, granducahouston.com
Marriott CityPlace
Located in the Springwoods Village enclave, this hotel is nestled among the trees, with plenty of outdoor green space and trails for dogs to explore. There’s also a park and a plaza with regularly scheduled events like yoga and movie night. Several restaurants are within walking distance including Common Bond, Tarka Indian Kitchen, and Island Grill, all of which have pet-friendly outdoor patios. There is a $75 non-refundable fee with a limit of one pet per room, weighing up to 50 pounds. 1200 Lake Plaza Dr., Houston, marriott.com
The Royal Sonesta
While some hotels “allow” pooches, this Galleria-area hotel gives them the royal treatment. At check-in, doggies receive treats, plus a dog bed, bowls, and waterproof mats for use in the room. The hotel has partnered with a pet supply provider, Fable, to offer a number of pet items for purchase as well. The fee is $150 per stay and two dogs are allowed per suite. Its PAWS program also provides telephone numbers for nearest veterinary care and pet sitters, plus information on nearby dog parks. 2222 W. Loop S., Houston, sonesta.com
The Woodlands Resort
The whole family, dogs included, can have a fun time at this wooded oasis in the Woodlands. Guests can arrange for a round of golf, rent a tennis or pickleball court, or relax in the lazy river. While dogs can’t participate in those activities, they can enjoy long, peaceful walks along the trails or a romp at one of the nearby dog parks. There is a dog policy agreement required to stay at the hotel, and a one-time fee of $100 for up to four nights, with an additional $100 for longer stays. The weight restriction is 40 pounds, with no more than two dogs allowed per room. While most indoor areas of the resort are off-limits for pets, dogs are welcome on the terrace of the resort’s restaurant, Back Table Kitchen & Bar. The restaurant hosts Yappy Hour on occasion, so check its events page for upcoming dates. 2301 N. Millbend Dr., The Woodlands, woodlandsresort.com
Thompson Hotel
The Thompson Hotel is dog-friendly and allows pets up to 50 pounds with no fees (up to two per room). Comfy dog beds are provided, along with bowls and a chew toy. Dogs cannot be left unattended in the room, so guests may not be able to visit the onsite restaurants, but 24-hour room service is a major perk. Situated along Buffalo Bayou Park, the hotel promises strolls under majestic oak trees leading to Johnny Steele Dog Park, a massive space for furry fellows to play in the sand, grass, and even a shallow pond. Pet owners should be prepared with wipes or towels, should their dogs choose to take a dip. 1717 Allen Pkwy., Houston, hyatt.com/thompson
C. Baldwin
Located in the heart of Downtown Houston, this is part of Hilton’s Curio Collection. The rooms are sleek and modern, as is the glamorous lobby bar. Rosalie is a cute retro Italian restaurant on the first floor, but has limited hours during the week and is only open for dinner Friday and Saturday. Pets are not allowed in the bar and dining areas, but they are allowed in guest rooms for a non-refundable $150 fee. The weight limity is more generous than some, allowing a dog up to 75 pounds. 400 Dallas St., Houston, cbaldwinhotel.com
