More than ever, pets are cherished members of the family.  Many people want to travel with their furry children but often don’t because they aren’t aware of pet-friendly hotels and resources in their chosen destinations.

New Orleans is home to many pet lovers.   Consequently, we have a plethora of shops, services, and parks that welcome us and our fur babies.  Use this guide to make your NOLA vacation one that you and the four-legged creatures in your life will both enjoy.  If your furry friend is a pooch, make sure to check Dog Levee Dish, “The Canine’s Guide to the Crescent City.”  This website has all the info you need to make the most out of your time with your dog while in the Big Easy.

Many cafes and stores welcome dogs and other pets.  Always ask owners first if you can bring in your “baby.”  Cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating always welcome pet companions.  More often than not, hospitality at free outdoor festivals and markets is extended to all creatures great and small.  Seeing-eye dogs and other service animals are permitted to go anywhere the law allows.

Dog Parks

There are a number of options for dog owners who want to let Fido run free.  Cabrini Park, located in the French Quarter at the corners of Burgundy and Dauphine Streets, is one of the most popular dog parks in the city.  Fenced in, the park features chairs for humans, water tubs for dogs, and a supply of plastic bags for the “presents” that doggies leave behind.  A new destination called City Bark is located in Mid-City inside City Park.  A permit is required to enter City Bark.  Email info@citybark.org to obtain a permit.  Downriver in Uptown, you can take your pooch to the levee where Magazine St. and Broadway meet.  There  you will find a fair-sized area bordered by industrial complexes and the river.  Please note that this is not fenced.  Just outside of New Orleans is the Bonnabel Boat Launch Dog Park.  Located at 1599 Bonnabel Blvd.  The park is fully fenced and includes agility equipment.

Boarding, Day Care, and Grooming

Canine Connection is a luxury center that offers grooming, boarding, daycare, special events, and a retail shop all for the doggies.  On site is a pool, an outdoor play area, misters, playrooms, doggie suites and more.  The facility offers 24-hour webcams to keep your mind at ease and PJ’s coffee, Kentwood water, and an outdoor seating area with wireless Internet for owners who want to hang out while their pooches get some face time with other dogs.

Muddy Paws is a mobile grooming service for dogs.  The company’s two vans serve as its state-of-the art salons.  Standard grooming services are offered as well as blueberry facial treatments, hot oil treatments, and more.  To learn more and to get contact info for Muddy Paws visit http://www.muddypawsmobile.com.

Zeus’ Place (4601 Freret St.) bills itself as “your pet’s home away from home.”  It offers boarding and grooming services.  Call 504-304-4718 for more information.

See below for information about other businesses that offer grooming services for both dogs and cats.

Lodging

Click here for a list of hotels, motels, and inns that welcome pets.  Before you book a reservation for you and Fluffy, call in advance to confirm all details of the establishment’s pet policies.  Some places may require a non-refundable pet deposit.  Many (but not all) of the places listed are part of national chains and are located outside of New Orleans proper.  If you want to stay in the city, be sure to look for places listed in New Orleans.  If you plan to stay somewhere not on this list, ask ahead of time if pets are welcome.  Some small, locally-owned establishments are thrilled to host both you and your pet but may not advertise that fact.  When in doubt, ask!

Pet Boutiques and Supply Stores

Chi-wa-wa Ga-ga is a “small store for dinky dogs.”  Located at 511 Dumiane St., this shop specializes in clothing and costumes for your pampered pets.  Call 504-581-4242 for more info.

Just Dogs! Gourmet is a gourmet treat store for canine companions.  Find the store at 813 Royal St. in the French Quarter.  For hours and info call 504-522-DOGS.

Pet Asylum is a full service pet shop located in the heart of the French Quarter.  It is located at 513 Dumaine St. right next door to Chi-wa-wa Ga-ga.  The shop sells toys, food, and accessories and also offers grooming services.  It is open Monday – Friday from 9:00 a. m. to 6:00 p. m. and 11:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m. both Saturday and Sunday.  For more information call 504-302-9845.

Petcetera is a boutique store nestled in the Garden District on historic Magazine Street.  Petcetera has something for shoppers of all budgets and offers unique, diverse, quality merchandise in a fun environment.  The store features clothing, collars, dishes, furnishings, portraits, and other accessories made by local artists.  Besides toys, treats, and collars, Petcetera carries four lines of pet food for  your pet’s nutritional health.  Petcetera is located at 3205 Magazine between Washington and Louisiana Avenues.  Call 504-269-8711 for more information.

PetCo has a store in Uptown New Orleans at 5300 Tchoupitoulas St.   In addition to a broad selection of merchandise and food, the store offers vaccinations, full-service grooming, dog training, pet photography, a self-service dog wash, and an aquatics department.  For store hours click here.  Call 504-899-6122 if you have any questions.

The Pet Market has “everything for your pet” and is located in Mid-City at 231 N. Carrollton Ave. at Bienville St.  504-488-8118.

Veterinarians

The French Quarter Vet office is conveniently located at 922 Royal St.  It is open from 8:00 a. m. to 6:00 p. m. Monday – Thursday, ‘til 5:00 p. m. on Fridays and 10:00 a. m. to 1:00 p. m. on Saturdays.  The office has an on-site pharmacy and sells prescription food.  Vets are available after hours and for emergency and urgent care.  For more info contact the office at 504-322-7030.

The Cat Practice of New Orleans specializes in feline care.  Located Uptown at 1809 Magazine St., the office offers well-animal care, dentistry, diagnostics, nutrition services, vaccinations, boarding, and grooming.  For more info call 504-525-MEOW.

Dr. Jessica Coates-Hudson is the owner of Pets R Our World, a mobile veterinary clinic.  Call her at 504-224-1996 to schedule an appointment.