Pet Friendly San Francisco
As a pet owner, one of the reasons I choose to live in San Francisco is the profusion of pet friendly homes, hotels, businesses, and parks. San Francisco is a city that loves pets ranging from dogs to parrots, and if you pet enjoys traveling, there is no reason to live him or her at home while you explore San Francisco. Whether you're staying for a weekend or a lifetime, San Francisco will welcome you and your pet with welcome arms in a wide range of locations from Saks to independent bookstores.
California law has some restrictions on where animals are allowed. Dogs, for example, are expected to be licensed and on leash, except in designated dog parks. Animals are also not allowed inside restaurants due to health concerns, and some other businesses may choose to ban animals to reduce health risks. However, businesses in San Francisco go to great lengths to accommodate pets, and many businesses which are not permitted to allow pets inside at least have a bowl of water out front to relieve thirsty dogs.
Many hotels in San Francisco offer pet friendly accommodations, usually with a minimal extra charge. Luxury hotels like the Hotel Monaco, Westin St. Francis, and others allow pets and often offer extra pet-care packages which include treats, toys, or pet sitting during the day. Other lower budget hotels such as the Holiday Inn also offer pet-friendly rooms, so pet owners with budgets of all sizes can bring their furry friends along. Most hotels request that pets be well behaved and quiet, and some insist that pets not be left unaccompanied in their rooms.
When going out with pets, there are a wide range of San Francisco attractions that you can visit including many retail stores, shopping centers, and popular tourist attractions like Coit Tower and sports bars. Most public transit allows pets, as long as they are kept in carriers or restrained on leashes. Be aware that drivers of trains and buses may not allow pets during busy times, if they appear to pose a risk to other passengers, or if other pets are already on board. Be respectful and comply with requests made by public transit officials to ensure that pets will always be welcome.
A wide range of restaurants in San Francisco are also pet friendly, and provide outdoor seating areas so that customers can bring their pets. In the winter, these seating areas may be partially enclosed, heated, and covered so that everyone can be comfortable in rain, wind, and cold weather. Many casual restaurants welcome animal customers, and some more upscale establishments will as well. If you are unsure about whether or not your pets will be welcome, double check when you make reservations: some restaurants even have a pet's menu! Check out Dogzilla Cafe (215 Fremont St.), B44 (44 Belden Place), La Mediterranee (288 Noe Street) and a variety of other locations which welcome pets.
There are also a number of places you can visit specifically with your dog. San Francisco has a huge number of off-leash parks and beaches including Baker Beach, Port Funston, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Fort Miley, and a variety of other fun and beautiful spots where you can also meet other pet owners. The San Francisco Department of Parks and Recreation has a complete list of dog friendly parks around the City. Take your dogs on your adventure with you: they won't forget it.
Pets are always welcome in San Francisco!
