When visiting Cape Cod, you might have some questions about bringing your dog.
- Will it be more hassle than it’s worth?
- Are there enough places to take your dog?
- Will your dog limit the number of locations you can visit?
- Can you even stay in a Cape Cod vacation rental with a pet?
The truth is that the Cape is very dog-friendly, as there are plenty of parks, beaches, trails, and even restaurants that will accommodate you. You’ll also find a wide variety of vacation rentals that allow pets.
While bringing your dog to Cape Cod will limit you somewhat, you’ll still find more than enough to do during your time here.
Cape Cod Dog Parks
The Cape has numerous parks that are exclusively for dogs, starting with the Falmouth Dog Park, a 1.6-acre site with a separate small dog area, picnic tables, benches, and trash cans. Volunteers bring pools to the park in the summer, giving your dog the chance to cool off, as well.
The Fresh Pond Conservation Lands in Dennis has two fenced areas: one for large dogs and one for small dogs. You can also take your dog along the trail to the pond and enjoy the views. The enclosed areas are mostly dirt, so there is a chance your pets will get messy while playing there.
One of the more comprehensive facilities on Cape Cod is the Mashpee Dog Park, which sits across the street from Heritage Park and features separate areas for small dogs/puppies and senior dogs, in addition to a generous general area for dogs of all sizes. There are benches and plenty of parking available here, too.
The Yarmouth Dog Park is part of a large recreation facility on Buck Island Road featuring tennis courts, a basketball court, a baseball diamond, hiking trails, and the beach at Sandy Pond. The dog park itself has three areas: one for small dogs, one for large dogs, and one for training.
The Pilgrim Bark Park in Provincetown has been voted one of the country’s best dog parks thanks to its donors and volunteers. Overall, the park is one-acre in size and features both a general dog section and an area for dogs under 25 pounds. This park is along Route 6 just outside of downtown Provincetown, so it’s incredibly easy to find if you’re in the area.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
Want to grab a bite to eat? You don’t have to let the presence of your four-legged friend stop you, as the Cape has multiple dog-friendly restaurants available to sample.
The Black Cat Tavern in Hyannis allows dogs of all sizes on its patio, as do Barbyann’s, Fresh Ketch, KKaties Burger Bar, and Alberto’s Ristorante.
Over in Falmouth, the Anchor Ale House has four-dog friendly tables on its patio, while Falmouth Raw Bar has 20 outdoor tables that permit your canine friend to visit.
Other dog-friendly patios on Cape Cod include Moby Dick in Wellfleet, Arnold’s Lobster and Clam Bar in Eastham, JT’s Seafood in Brewster, The Summer Shanty in West Dennis, Way DownTown Restaurant in Provincetown, and Seafood Sam’s in Sandwich.
There are places you can bring your dog all over the Cape, but make sure you ask for a dog-friendly outdoor table upon arrival or call ahead to confirm their availability.
Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails
Sometimes, there’s nothing better than walking your dog for miles through trails or along a beach. This type of environment allows your pet some mental stimulation while burning off a significant amount of energy in the process.
One of the most popular areas for this kind activity on Cape Cod is Nickerson State Park in Brewster, which features miles of well-marked trails and tons of beautiful scenery to enjoy along the way. It’s also possible to take your dog for a kettle pond swim here, but make sure it’s not at one of the public beaches.
Another great place for a walk is Long Point Beach in Provincetown. You can start your journey at the end of Route 6 and head all the way to the Long Point Light Station. Once you get to the tip, you’ll feel like you’re off the Cape because of the view you’ll have across Provincetown Harbor.
As its name suggests, Long Pond Trail in Falmouth stretches for what seems like an eternity, but it’s very accessible and allows you to cover a lot of ground with your furry friend. Locals also love this trail because it’s pretty quiet, making it unlikely that you’ll come across many people along the way.
If your dog has had so much fun that they are covered in sand or mud, you can also take them for a quick and easy dog wash at Happy Tails Self-Service Dog Wash and limit the pawprints wherever you stay.
Where to Stay with Your Dog
There are plenty of dog-friendly vacation rentals on Cape Cod, so you shouldn’t have much trouble finding accommodation. When searching for the perfect vacation property, check the box that says “Pets Allowed” to see a list available homes that permit you to bring your dog.
Remember, however, that some properties might charge a non-refundable pet fee and a refundable pet deposit. There could also be a limit on the number of pets you can have in your vacation rental. As long as you book early and follow the rules, you can have a great time with your dog on Cape Cod.
