Dog-Friendly Denver

Pet-Friendly Hotels

A handful of hotels in Denver [1] not only allow pets but cater to four-legged guests as much as their owners.

The Hotel Teatro [2] in LoDo allows pets — mostly just dogs, after some bad experiences with parrots — at no extra charge in select rooms. The pooches can be walked by hotel staff or get a personal pet-sitter, and canine spa appointments can also be arranged for anything from massages to manicures. All dogs staying at the Teatro receive a dog bone–shaped tag with the hotel’s contact information to put on their collars.

Cherry Creek’s JW Marriott [3] does not charge extra for pets either, and they welcome canines with sheepskin beds and an inscribed treat from Denver’s Three Dog Bakery. The concierge is able to tell guests the best dog-walking trails nearby.

The Hotel Monaco [4] has a Shih Tzu named Hercules ready to greet guests in the lobby and provides goldfish on demand for any room. People traveling with their dogs or cats will be provided pet dishes and beds, a pooper scooper with a walking map of the area, and complimentary dog-sitting services with deluxe accommodations (pet-sitters are available for additional fees).

In Capitol Hill, the Holiday Chalet [5] does charge a $5 cleaning fee for all pets, but given that the owners black lab is on the premises it’s a very dog-friendly place. Pet-sitting and -walking services are available on request.

Off-Leash Dog Parks

Dogs are welcome at all Denver [1] parks, but they usually need to remain on a leash or their owners risk tickets and fines. The city has set aside off-leash parks adjacent to a handful of city parks. Go to denvergov.org [6] for a list of these dog-friendly zones.

In the Platte Valley a group of dog-lovers have been fundraising to open Railyard Dog Park (www.railyarddogs.org [7]) directly across the street from the Denver Skatepark and very near Commons Park [8]. The land is currently roped off and awaiting improvements.

One doggy daycare, Earthdog (370 Kalamath St., 303/534-8700, www.earthdogdenver.com [9]), offers public use of its off-leash park and doggy swimming pool for only $5 per dog.