They say a dog is a (wo)man’s best friend and DFW Stuff knows how important it is for locals, new residents and visitors to not only be aware of the best places and spaces for us humans, but for our furry friends too!
Bonus Fun Stuff:4 Awesome Nights Out In San Antonio.
Explore with us as we take Toto on a tour of DFW, finding the best of the best for him and all of your four-legged companions. From doggy day spas to posh parks, veterinary clinics and the best treats, Toto will be living it up, big city style. As our Toto would tell us, “There’s no place like home, if you’re living in Texas!”
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Once you have brought home your fuzzy bundle – food, water, a sleeping area and plenty of toys to chew is a must. However, beyond pet supplies, it is important to have a good veterinarian you can trust to take care of your pet’s health. There are many clinics to choose from and major pet store chains, such as Petco and PetSmart generally have an on-site clinic that offer pet insurance plans to make your one-stop shopping even more convenient.
The Veterinary Medical Specialists of Dallas/Fort Worth received high reviews from pet owners, as did the South Meadow Animal Clinic in Fort Worth. Make sure you find the right fit, a place where both you and your pet feel comfortable. [Ed. Note: The Texas Coalition for Animal Protection, with five locations that offer spay, neuter, vaccination and even dental cleanings for a subsidized fee, so if you or someone you know has been putting these pet services off, you could get your furbaby taken care of for less money.]
Git the ball. Gimme that thing! Good boy!
In conjunction with medical care, animals need to be properly groomed and bathed on a regular basis for optimal health and hygiene. And who says you can’t make it a fun and relaxing experience for them? From general grooming to the poshest pampering, we have put together a list of Toto’s favorites, along with their top services.
1
2526 Elm Street | Dallas 75226
Starting out with basic services, this grooming salon offers self-service grooming and packages that start at just $35. They include services such as nail clipping, ear cleanings and a cologne spritz to impress the lady folk.
2
3811 Fairmount Street | Dallas 75219 Voted the best dog groomer 2010 by D Magazine, The Pooch Patio offers a wide array of grooming services, as well as beer, wine and coffee service for dog owners. For the holidays, the salon offers scented shampoo/cologne combos such as Vanilla Sugar Cookie, Wintery Night and Gingerbread.
3
846 West Pipeline Rd | Hurst 76053 A relatively new daycare and grooming establishment in the midcities, this Hurst-based doggo den is already getting rave reviews. Check their prices on the services tab. Get a full month of daycare with two free baths and nails done for just $500.
4
4529 Donnelly | Fort Worth 76107 For dogs who like to live in the lap of luxury, the Grand Pet Resort ranks high with locals and tops our list when it comes to glamour. Offering top of the line spa and salon packages, they work with dogs of all breeds. The resort also features resort rooms and “suites” that include windows and some even have pool views. Yes, the resort has a pool where pets can lounge and swim.
After a long day at the vet and the groomer, it is only right to treat your pup to something special. A new trend in the bakery industry are dog bakeries, or “barkeries” as they are affectionately dubbed in the market. Below are the best of the best when it comes to high-quality dog treats ranging from grain-free cookies to elaborate birthday cakes.
Choosing the bestest kinds at Three Dog Bakery in Southlake
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8320 Preston Center Plaza | Dallas 75225Offering a collection of health conscious, stylish and playful goods, Lucky Dog Barkery is a must-stop on Toto’s list. The bakery and store has an on-site holistic veterinarian that can help find the perfect food for your breed. Bring in your pup for a “Grammy’s Pot Pie” treat and other delicious offerings.
6
4737 Camp Bowie | Fort Worth 76107 Not just a bakery, Wag offers pet home goods, toys and accessories. The boutique & bakery carries a wide array of healthy dog food options as well as stylish bedding and dishware.
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1251 East Southlake Blvd | Southlake 76092Dogs deserve to be celebrated on their birthday too! There is no better place in DFW to pick up a special celebratory confection than Three Dog Bakery. The bakery offers a selection of dog-friendly cakes, such as the chocolate-inspired Carob Cake, the Bone Cake, the delectable Peanut Butter Cake or Wheat-Free Cake options, all inscribed with your dog’s name. They also offer Ice Cream Wafers, a must for any puppy-party!
After noshing on cookies & cake, where is a pup to work off all the extra calories? The dog park of course! From grassy hills to splash play areas, DFW has a wide array of options when it comes to play time.
Mutts Cantina rolls out the red carpet for well-behaved pooches
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2889 CityPlace West Blvd | Dallas, Texas 75204Topping our list is Mutt’s Cantina. Where else can your pup relax and play while you relax and play? This hip beer garden and dog park offers a dog-friendly patio where you can enjoy craft beers and delicious fare, such as hotdogs, burgers and shakes. For Mutt’s Members there is an off-leash dog park where your pooch can play and enjoy socializing and fresh air. Best part? You can host your dog’s Birthday “Pawty” with various packages available, giving him a day to remember.
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751 Beach Street | Fort Worth, Texas Located within Fort Worth’s Gateway Park, this dog park is both large and small breed friendly, offering two separate fenced off areas for breed size. The park offers picnic tables and park benches for pet owners to enjoy, as well as a watering station and off-leash play, allowing dogs to run free.
10
2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway | Dallas, TX 75201
Located within Dallas’ famous Klyde Warren Park is My Best Friend’s Park. The scenic park is comprised of both grass and dirt areas for dogs to play and is surrounded by shady trees. There is also a water play feature for pups to enjoy in the warmer months.
Special shoutouts to Wiggly Field in Denton, and here’s a list of more dog parks Tarrant County side from Yelp, with addresses.
Love on me. You know you want to.
With all of the wonderful offerings for DFW dogs, you may consider visiting one of the many animal shelters, such as Operation Kindness or the DFW Humane Society and adopt a best friend of your very own! Toto thinks it is a wonderful idea.
There is another dog park in Fort Worth on the end of the old Z Boaz Golf Course, on Camp Bowie Blvd. just east of Alta Mere/183, on the west side of Fort Worth. Free. Includes a huge pond, covered seating, park benches, huge area for dogs to run and play, separate play area for small and large dogs, double-gated for security [don’t want Fino to get out while someone else is coming into the park, and a large lighted parking lot.
I can tell that dog parks are now a trend. This is for the growing community of dog lovers and dog owners out there. From the last dog part that I visited, they have those station where you can take a trash bag for your litters or any trash. This is a very effective idea to be conscious with the surroundings and to clean up.