In 2021, the city of Virginia Beach was ranked 45th in the nation for Best Dog Park Cities. Although there are only eight designated off-leash dog parks in the resort city, there are 28 miles of public beach access that allows furry friends at certain times and dates throughout the year where they can soak up the salty sea air and sand between their paws.
Dogs are also welcomed in many establishments as well. In this Vetster Virginia Beach dog guide, you’ll not only find the best places to share a pint of water with your best friend but also the best dog-friendly hotels and doggie day cares. You’ll also learn about a team of professionals ready to welcome your pup to the most populated city in the state to care for them.
Best Vets in Virginia Beach
Whether you’re a new neighbor or visiting from out of town, Virginia Beach has many highly rated vets, clinics and animal hospitals in the area. Not sure where to start?
Vetster offers pet owners pet telehealth services – online appointments with licensed veterinarians – to get advice on your pet’s health issues. Vetster will help you through your pet’s health concerns and create a treatment plan for you. And it’s not just for local use. Things can happen when you’re out traveling with your pet, and Vetster has a mobile app for vet care to help you connect with a vet wherever you are to help you care for your dog.
They’ll get you connected with the top-rated vets in Virginia Beach to keep your dog’s health front and center.
Top Rated Veterinary Care in the Virginia Beach Area
While there are hundreds of great medical professionals ready to care for your pup, here are some of the top-rated Vets and Vet Techs in the area.
- Bay Beach Veterinary Hospital
- Robert MacArthur DVM
- Amanda Smith DVM
- Kirsten Washington DVM
- Deidre Crutchfield DVM
Off-Leash Dog Parks
If there’s one thing Virginia Beach has an abundance of, it’s recreational parks. While most of them are dog friendly, there are eight designated dog parks where they can run free with other good boys and good girls.
- Munden Point Park
2001 Pefley Ln, Virginia Beach, VA 23457
Features: 100 acres, disc golf, sports fields, picnic shelters, watersports access - Salem Woods Neighborhood Dog Park
1525 Salem Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Features: Separate off-leash areas for big and small dogs, water fountain especially for dogs - Dog Park at Marshview Park
141 Marshview Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Features: 100 acres, wooded area along Rudee Inlet, four separate fenced areas - Bayville Farms Park
4132 First Court Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Features: Three separate fenced areas, fresh water available daily - Red Wing Metro Dog Park
1398 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Features: One acre, fenced area, annual fee, dog license, and vaccinations required - City View Park
2073 Kempsville Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Features: 43 acres, walking paths, picnic shelters - Woodstock Community Dog Park
5709 Providence Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Features: Tall-fenced area, water fountain especially for dogs, annual fee, dog license, and vaccinations required - False Cape State Park
4001 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Features: Located along Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, must enter via boat or North Carolina entrance
While the city is very welcoming of dogs, there are certain rules that must be followed:
- Scoop the poop.
- A collar with proper identification, license and immunizations should be worn at all times.
- Avoid dog fights and remove uncontrollable or barking dogs.
- Keep your dog leashed unless in a leash-free area.
- No pups under four months.
- No sick dogs or dogs in heat.
- Be aware of your dog at all times.
- Do not bring food or feed dogs at the parks.
Be sure to follow these city guidelines so you and your dog can enjoy a wonderful experience.
Can I Bring My Dog on the Beach?
Nineteen million people visit Virginia Beach every year, and the city prides itself on a clean, family-friendly atmosphere that all can enjoy, even Fido. And while the city does allow dogs on the beach, it is only during certain times and days in the year.
In the summer months, or “in-season,” Memorial Day through Labor Day, no pets are allowed on public beaches from 1st to 42nd Street. However, leashed or contained pets are allowed along the boardwalk. All other public beaches north of 42nd street welcome dogs from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. if leashed or under the owner’s control.
In the off-season, Labor Day to Memorial Day, well-behaved dogs can enjoy all public beaches and boardwalk areas at any time. For more information about times and locations, visit VABeach.com.
Best Dog-friendly Hotels
When vacationing or living in Virginia Beach, it’s easy to find dozens of places ready to open their doors to you and your loved ones. Even your dog can enjoy the benefits of a five-star hotel.
Here are the best dog-friendly hotels in Virginia Beach.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Virginia Beach
1900 Pavilion Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Fees: Two dogs up to 75 lbs. for an additional fee of $25 per pet per night - The Founders Inn & Spa (with private pet park on property)
5641 Indian River Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Fees: Two pets up to 100 lbs. for an additional fee of $50 per stay - Hyatt House Virginia Beach Oceanfront
2705 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Fees: One dog up to 50 lbs. or two dogs with a combined weight of 75 lbs. for an additional fee of $75 (for stays of one to five nights) and $175 (for longer stays) - Residence Inn by Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront
3217 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Fees: Two pets of any size for an additional fee of $100 per stay - The Little Pink House (available on VRBO)
Located in Old Beach Area close to the Boardwalk
Fees: No pet fees, big dogs allowed, contact owner for “pooch policy”
For additional hotel or home rental options, see a larger list here.
Best Dog-Friendly Bars and Restaurants
There are plenty of bars and restaurants that welcome four-legged patrons, and since the pandemic, Virginia Beach has seen a number of restaurants opening their (out)doors to dogs. You and your pet can even make a bar crawl due to how close many of them are to one another. Here are the best dog-friendly restaurants in Virginia Beach.
These are among the best:
- Abbey Road Pub & Restaurant
203 22nd St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Feature: Fresh seafood daily, 80 world-class beers, pasta, steaks - The Back Deck
3323 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Features: Outdoor seating near the marina, fresh seafood daily, artisan pizzas, tacos - Murphy’s Irish Pub
2914 Pacific Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Features: Irish-style cuisine, beers, live entertainment, close to the boardwalk - CP Shuckers Cafe & Raw Bar
2407 Pacific Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Features: Fresh raw bar, seafood, burgers, walking distance to oceanfront - Hair of the Dog Eatery
4000 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Features: Southern-style comfort food, mixed drinks, close to Town Center
Best Doggy Day Cares
If there’s one thing Virginia Beach does well, it’s pampering — and not just for humans! From full hair blowouts to pet-icures, Virginia Beach doggy day cares are popping up all over this vacation hot spot with much to offer your pet while you’re away for business or pleasure. Some of the best include:
- Dogtopia of Town Center
4546 Columbus St, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 - Bark VB
3636 Virginia Beach Blvd #107, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 - Great Neck Doggie Day Care
2220 Laskin Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23454 - The Ruff House Stay & Play at Bayside
5201 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 - Canine Cloud 9
2955 Virginia Beach Blvd #101, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Dog Walkers
Away on business? Out for a staycation? Don’t worry — there are thousands of dog lovers in the area who will help walk your dog while you are away. You have your choice of local favorites to scouting your own trusted walker on an app like Rover or Wag. For the former, you may consider:
- Sandy Paws Pet Care
- Paws and Claws Pet Care
- Caring 4 Paws
- Paw Addicts Virginia Pet Care Services
- Bones and Belly Rubs
For a larger list of Virginia Beach locals ready to love your dog in your absence for a small affordable fee, visit care.com.
Dog Day Afternoons in Virginia Beach
With so many pet-friendly businesses and neighbors, you can be sure to find what you need for your dog to enjoy its fullest and healthiest life here every day and explore all 497 square miles of beach, parks, waterways and more.
Events
