Places to Take My Dog in San Antonio

San Antonio is a dog-friendly Texas tourist destination, so bring along the four-legged family member to enjoy walks near historic missions and along the banks of the city̵7;s famous San Antonio River Walk. Hike through city trails or visit a city dog park. San Antonio requires dogs outside of designated dog parks to be leashed. All dogs must have current licenses and collars, and you're required to keep a copy of rabies vaccination records with you. You̵7;ll also need to pick up after your pet to avoid a city fine.

  1. Walks Through History

    • Take your leashed dog with you to explore the walkways and courtyards of San Antonio̵7;s four 18th century missions. The National Park Service oversees Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan and Mission Espada. Pets are allowed to walk through the courtyards and on marked walking trails leading from the grounds of these four missions, but they are not allowed inside any buildings. Note that the city̵7;s most famous mission, the Alamo, is owned by the state of Texas and doesn't allow dogs inside the building or on its grounds.

    River Walk Strolls

    • Leashed dogs are allowed at city parks, including the San Antonio River Walk that winds through downtown along the banks of the San Antonio River. However, the tourist-packed area of the River Walk -- across the street from the Alamo and the location of popular restaurants and nightspots -- is often congested. Start your stroll a few blocks north of the Alamo away from the crowds. Walk north toward the Pearl Brewery complex and discover outdoor murals and sculptures along the way. Take advantage of free parking at the brewery.

    San Antonio Dog Parks

    • San Antonio is home to six dog parks, where your dog can romp unleashed in designated areas. Pearsall Park Dog Park, southwest of downtown, is the city̵7;s oldest dog park with 1 1/2 acres of green space and doggie drinking fountains. There are two Phil Hardberger parks named for a former city mayor, one north and one northwest of downtown; each has a designated dog park. The dog park north of the city has a two-story doghouse. You can also unleash your pet at McAllister Park Dog Park north of downtown, at Tom Slick Dog Park southwest of downtown and at Madison Square Park, an off-leash park closest to downtown. All dogs must be leashed when entering and leaving a city dog park, and there is a limit of two dogs per adult during any visit.

    Along the Trail

    • The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department oversees more than 20 walking trails that welcome tame, leashed dogs along greenways and in public parks throughout the city. Walk your dog on paved and unpaved trails at centrally located Brackenridge Park, also located along the banks of the San Antonio River, through the park̵7;s pretty Japanese Tea Garden and past a miniature train that winds through the park. Or, stroll the path around Woodlawn Lake, located three miles north of downtown. It̵7;s one of seven city parks with lighted walking trails.