Your four-legged friends don't have to miss out on the fun! Here's 6 of our favourite pet-friendly places and activities in Perth.
As the pet-friendly movement grows, there's an increase in places to go with pets - from camping grounds to local cafes, farmers' markets to doggie playdates and much more!
Australians love our pets, with one of the highest pet ownership levels in the world: research shows that over 62% of Australian households own a pet; of these, 38% own dogs, 29% own cats, and of the households who don't currently own a pet, 59% would like to in the near future. It's safe to say that there’s a whole lot of Perth pet owners who would love to be able to share more of their days with their pets: here's some great ideas for making it happen!
Pet-friendly cafes & bars
Perth abounds with so many pet-friendly cafes that it can be hard to choose where to go! (However, while pet-friendly cafes are generally dog-friendly, they may not be friendly to cats and other animals: it’s worth checking before you arrive.)
Located in the northern suburbs of Perth, FurBaby Boutique & Cafe is a particularly welcoming spot to pet owners, with a policy that any type of "furbaby" can join you as long as it can be placed on a leash or kept in a pet carrier. Furbaby is particularly popular for its doggie playdates, when dogs of the same breed get together to socialise in a bespoke dog-friendly environment; they also have an on-site "Dog Treat Barkery", a grooming salon, a pet boutique and more.
A particularly beloved Perth City venue is BOOespresso, a cute little spot attached to a warehouse, which is known for its puppacinos - and its delicious Nutella hot chocolate for two-legged visitors! It's a great opportunity for the whole family to savour the cafe experience together.
Funky Northbridge is known for its nightlife, but it also has great cafes to enjoy during the day with your pooch - Henry Summer is a pet-friendly urban cocktail and wine garden with plenty of outdoor spaces so you can enjoy the sunshine in style, savouring delicious modern Australian and Asian-fusion fare.
Fremantle's iconic Clancy's Fish Pub has been a firm favourite for locals and visitors alike for over three decades, but it's not just a great spot to take the kids - it's great for your pooch, too!
Located on the outskirts of Perth City, the Brisbane Hotel is another great spot to relax and have fun with your dog - there's a large beer garden, and home-made dog treats. They even do dog-friendly events and raise money for dog-related causes, so keep an eye on their Facebook!
If you’re travelling further afield, The Flourmill Cafe in the historic town of York (nestled in the picturesque Avon Valley) prides itself on its pet friendliness, with previous visitors including a ferret, a macaw and more! With so many dog-friendly cafes and bars around, there’s likely to be one near you, where you can say cheers to summer fun.
Travelling with pets
Your furry companions can get lonely when you're away, and while there are many excellent places to board your pet, there's always something comforting about being near their favourite humans (and of course, you'll miss them too!). The good news is, many accommodation options are pet friendly, although please check in about whether your type of pet can be catered for. Pet Friendly WA and Caravan WA are both excellent starting points to find pet-friendly places to stay, and most BIG4 Caravan Parks are dog-friendly.
In Perth you can find pet-friendly accommodation at Discovery Parks – Perth Airport in Forrestfield, Discovery Parks – Swan Valley in Caversham, Back to Nature Caravan Park in Gingin, Lavendale Farmstay and Cottages in York and Experience Lancelin Holiday Park in Lancelin. Executive Escapes also offer a range of short-term accommodation in apartments, villas and houses all over Perth, some of which are pet-friendly.
Of course, some pets will be more friendly to travel with than others - while most dogs will be thrilled to join you on a family adventure, many a cat would conversely rather be almost anywhere but a moving car. Keep in mind the preferences of your pet, and make sure to consider their needs in your travel plans!
Pet-friendly markets
Looking for some retail therapy together? There are plenty of markets that will welcome your pooch, and some markets even have pet-specialised vendors selling accessories and tasty treats!
Inglewood Night Markets welcomes furry friends, and their offerings include specialty vendors of pet products. They've got an amazing array of food, drink, services gifts, homewares and more, so shop, enjoy something tasty, and relax to the gorgeous music and chill vibes of this popular Perth market.
TGIF Hawkers Market in Victoria Park is an exciting Friday night market with delicious multicultural fare and fun. It's a great spot for a picnic with the family, and your fur babies are most welcome!
Bayswater Growers Market is a Saturday morning farmers market with delicious fare, fresh produce, plants, relaxing acoustic music and more - a great way to spend a weekend morning with your pet!
Finally, with summer in full swing, it's a great time to chill out by the seaside with your dog, and also a great time to enjoy some seaside markets! Located in Whitfords in the northern suburbs, Markets by the Sea will be held one Sunday a month in December, January and February, bringing together gorgeous market stalls and over a dozen food trucks, market eats, beautiful acoustic sounds and a great summer atmosphere.
Pet-Friendly events
A host of pet-friendly events are held throughout the year - so mark these in your 2020 calendar now!
Pamper your pooch at City of Nedlands' Pets in the Park in April and City of Wanneroo's Dog Breakfast in October, with dog shows, pet themed exhibits and free vet checks and advice. Pet owners and animal lovers of all ages won't want to miss the Perth Pet Expo in November at Claremont Showgrounds - you can bring your pet along with you! In September, Whiteman Park celebrates all things canine at their annual Doggies Day Out with family entertainment, pet products, and fun with your four-legged friends. Film lovers will also be excited that they can share their cinematic passions with their beloved pooches - the annual American Express Open Air Cinemas in September/October is held in Perth City’s beautiful Ozone Reserve, and is proudly dog-friendly.
Fun in the sun at a dog-friendly beach
Perth has plenty of dog beaches, and dogs tend to love a trip to the beach! You don't have to leave your pooch at home while enjoying a summer visit to one of Perth's many dog beaches: you'll find them peppered across the city in locations such as Mosman Dog Beach in Fremantle, Hillarys Dog Beach (located right next to Hillarys Horse Beach, if you have a larger four-legged friend to exercise!), Bennion Dog Beach in Trigg and Rockingham Dog Beach.
With summer comes safety precautions for the whole family, and your dog is no exception: talk to your vet for the best advice to make sure their beach adventure is comfortable and safe.
Doggie Day-Tripping
The Swan Valley is a great spot for doggie day-tripping, with wineries, cafes and more to enjoy with your canine companion. The Swan Valley Visitor Centre has a great list of local dog-friendly spots. And for walkies with a difference, there’s plenty of dog-friendly activities in the Perth Hills, while Mandurah & Peel has an abundance of reserves and parks for on or off-leash play, and Whiteman Park boasts an excellent Dog Park.
So if you have a travel-loving furry friend, they don’t have to spend these balmy warm days alone - many places in Perth and WA will welcome your four-legged adventurer!
