For many people, travel and pets go hand-in-hand. If you’re visiting Omaha and you’re looking to build a dog-friendly weekend itinerary so your pooch can come along, then you’ve come to the right place. If you call Omaha home and you’ve recently welcomed a four-legged companion into your life, check out these local spots that welcome Fido with open arms! Omaha is a dog-friendly city and features many places to stay, eat, and play with your pup.
Pup-Centric Shopping Around Omaha
Whether you’re in the market for an all-natural food brand or you’re shopping for supplements, toys, treats, or even warm jacket options for your pet — these shops have it all! Some even offer extra amenities such as self-serve washing and private shopping sessions for reactive dogs.
The Green Spot Omaha
Where? 1110 South 71st Street
The Green Spot is a locally owned and operated pet supply store in Omaha on a mission to enrich the lives of pets and their people. This local pet store has all of the natural pet food and supplies you need for your beloved dogs and cats. With 24-hour online shopping, local delivery, and in-store pick-up options — it’s never been easier to shop for your pup. The Green Spot features a self-serve spot wash with a waist-high tub and all of the grooming supplies you need for your four-legged companion to smell fresh and clean. Shoppers will also find a wide range of eco-friendly toys, treats, and all-natural pet food so you can feel good about your dog’s nutrition!
Woof and Whiskers
Where? 3506 North 147th Street #128
Woof and Whiskers is an Omaha retailer offering natural pet food and supplies, plus a bakery, self-service wash, and grooming services to keep your pup feeling their best. Feel free to bring your dog along with you while you shop. It’s always a fun experience to let them pick out their chew toy, after all! During the winter months, stock up on stylish pet sweaters, jackets, and even pajamas to keep your pal comfy and warm. Other supplies you’ll find at Woof and Whiskers include pet toothpaste, tasty treats, and even pet-friendly ice melt to protect delicate paws during icy weather! Owners with reactive dogs can reach out to Woof and Whiskers to inquire about a Reactive Dog Session, which is a private shopping session dedicated to your pup’s safety and comfort!
Nature Dog
Where? 13406 West Maple Road
Nature Dog is open 7 days a week and is staffed by dog lovers who are dedicated to caring for pups of all breeds. The shop stocks all-natural food and treats, as well as supplements for both dogs and cats. Brands you’ll encounter at the shop include Ark Naturals, Charlee Bear, Chip’s Naturals, Cloud Star, Diggin’ Your Dog, Farm Hounds, Greenies, and many more. Sign up for the Frequent Buyer Program to start earning free bags today! Nature Dog also offers curbside pickup and auto ordering — so you’ll never run out. Shoppers can save 10% off their first order.
Where to Eat & Drink with Fido in Omaha
The next time you’re about to leave and Fido gives you those puppy dog eyes — bring your precious companion along for the ride! These Omaha area eateries and breweries welcome four-legged friends.
Bärchen Beer Garden
Where? 6209 Maple Street
Bärchen Beer Garden has a dog-friendly outdoor patio, which is the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy the great beer, good food, and even better times that the local joint is offering up. The menu features smoked pimento dip, Bavarian-style pretzels, and Hammer Pants fries with slow-roasted pork, beer cheese, chipotle, and pickled red onions on the appetizer menu. For heartier fare, try the sausage sampler or the pimento bacon cheeseburger with fries. Sharing? Order the Combo for Two, which includes one appetizer, two burgers or sandwiches, and 2 Weihenstephan, wines or frosé.
La Buvette Wine & Grocery
Where? 511 South 11th Street
La Buvette is a quaint European-style wine bar in the heart of Omaha’s Old Market district. The pet-friendly outdoor dining area is a great way to bring Fido along on your next date night! The intimate space offers a French menu, as well as a bar and grocery selection that truly makes this a one-stop shop for an evening out on the town. The menu is served from 11:30 AM daily until an hour before closing. Diners can peruse the set menu, as well as take a look at the daily specials. All plates are served with house-baked bread and butter! Try the mixed cheese plate or the Italian-style Bresaola with thinly sliced Italian-style dried beef with olive oil and cracked pepper. The space can get busy on the weekends, especially when the weather is nice! Reservations are not accepted.
Pitch Pizzeria
Where? 5021 Underwood Avenue
Pitch Pizzeria has multiple locations in Dundee and West Omaha. The popular pizzeria is hailed as dog-friendly amongst locals and specializes in coal-fired pizzas and craft cocktails. Sit back and relax on the outdoor patio while you dig into the pizza of your dreams. The all-day menu features Pitch wings, crab cakes, truffle fries, and a selection of salads. The menu goes on to include sandwiches and burgers of all varieties, from spicy honey-glazed chicken to salami paninis. Patrons can dig into pasta bowls or get straight to business with a pizza of the week. Pitch specialty pies include The Doc with goat cheese, asparagus, roasted garlic, and house-made fennel sausage and the Bianco Verde with thyme cream, caramelized onion, arugula, prosciutto and fresh mozzarella. Don’t be surprised if you get puppy dog eyes when Fido begs for a taste.
Infusion Brewing Company
Where? 6271 South 118th Street
Infusion Brewing Company invites you to kick back with a beer or two and go ahead and bring the pup along for the fun too! The brewery has a pup-friendly outdoor space that’s sure to put a smile on dog owners’ faces when they find their new hangout spot. Infusion Brewing Company has a year-round brewing list that features the Trip hazy IPA, the El Squatcho Mexican lager, the Vanilla Bean blonde ale, and the Let It Fly lager. Patrons can also check out seasonal offerings, such as the Side Eye malted milk ball stout, the Pickle Slam pickle lager, and the Grahamber amber ale. Whatever your palate finds tasty, you’ll find something up your alley at Infusion!
Omaha’s Favorite Dog Parks
Dog owners must be well-versed in the local dog parks. Luckily, Omaha has quite a few! Whether you become an exclusive member at Bark Park or you want to meet new doggie friends at one of the local city parks — these are the best spots to let Fido run around and play.
Bark Park Omaha
Where? 15306 Capehart Road
Bark Park Omaha is the city’s first private members-only K9 social and athletic club. The club includes access to a 5+ acre off-leash dog park. Appointments are required so that each member can have the full acreage to themselves and their pup. If you have a high-energy pup that loves to run, this is a great way to tire them out! The vast acreage is perfect for giving dogs freedom where they can run and explore to their heart’s delight. To become an exclusive member, dogs must be at least four months old and be on a current flea and tick prevention plan. Other rules include that dogs must be accompanied by the owner in the park at all times and owners must clean up after their pets. Complimentary waste bags are provided!
Hanscom Dog Park
Where? Hanscom Park Drive
Omaha’s Hanscom Dog Park features a 2.1-acre off-leash dog area. The beautiful rolling landscape is divided into three separate dog-run areas, with a half acre dedicated to small dogs and two larger dog areas — both approximately 0.8 acres in size. There is a water fountain on-site and several trees that provide decent shade during the warmer months. The facility is kept well-maintained, though it can get muddy after rainy weather. The park is double-fenced, so owners can feel confident about their pup staying safely contained.
Hefflinger Dog Park
Where? Hefflinger Park Road
The Hefflinger Dog Park is Omaha’s first official dog park! The area is enclosed and designed for safe, off-leash play between pups. Features and amenities include five acres of “all dog area” and a separate two acres for small dogs. The park is open to the public year-round. After rainfall, owners are encouraged to bring a towel to wipe off muddy paws. This park has less grass than other area dog parks, so owners should be prepared for messier playtime! The entry is double gated and there is a water fountain onsite.
Omaha Dog Bar
Where? 1231 South 14th Street
Omaha Dog Bar is one of the more unique options in the area when it comes to pup-friendly spaces! The 18+ establishment in Downtown Omaha is focused on all things canine. Not only is the Dog Bar a dog park and a doggy daycare, but it’s also a full bar and eatery! Bring your dog(s) along for a full day of fun and relaxation where humans can sip on a cold beverage and dogs can run around off-leash with their new besties. Before visiting, owners will need to create an account in the Dog Bar member portal and upload their pup’s vaccine records. Once reviewed, an email confirmation will be sent. Day passes and daycare packages can be purchased in the portal or at the time of arrival. Reservations are not required for entry but are required for daycare.
Looking to Adopt? Check Out These Local Area Shelters & Rescues!
Instead of shopping for a puppy, consider adopting a pet in need of a second chance. These are rescues and shelters that are passionate about helping animals in need of a forever home! Even if you’re not looking to bring another dog into your home, getting involved as a volunteer can provide a great deal of support throughout the process.
Nebraska Humane Society
Where? 8929 Fort Street
The Nebraska Humane Society is the first stop for many people when it comes to looking at adoptable pups. The Society’s mission is to protect, save, and enrich the lives of animals in the local community through educating, encouraging adoption, promoting responsible pet ownership, and giving sanctuary to animals in need. Soon-to-be dog owners can take a peek at the adoptable pups via the website or swing by the location to see if their best friend is waiting on them! If you’re interested in giving a shelter animal a second chance, the Nebraska Humane Society would love to hear from you.
Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue
Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue is an all-species rescue that believes every pet deserves to be happy and loved. The rescue is dedicated to giving a second chance to any pet in need! Volunteers provide foster homes when a pet is waiting on their forever home and focus on helping owners keep their pets through education and training to resolve behavioral issues. The rescue also strives to assist qualified owners with veterinary expenses that are needed to save a pet’s life or restore its quality of life. Muddy Paws does not have a brick-and-mortar facility and all pets are with foster parents or their current owners. The rescue’s website features available pets that are open to applications. Instead of operating on a first-come, first-served basis — Muddy Paws looks for the application that would be the best fit for the pet’s needs.
Hands, Hearts & Paws
Omaha’s Hands, Hearts & Paws is a foster home-based rescue that takes in all breeds. The group of dog-loving volunteers opens their hearts and homes to save as many dogs as possible — all of which deserve the best life! The rescue’s mission is to fully vet and rehome dogs in need. If you’re looking to find a furry companion, the website is updated with available pets. Reach out to Hands, Hearts & Paws if you think you’d be the right fit for one of their precious pups!