Pet-Friendly Region

No matter where you go in the St. Louis metropolitan area, you are likely to encounter people out having a good time with their pets. Whether it's a dog park, hiking trail or outdoor patio at a restaurant, our Midwestern, pet-friendly culture stands out. There are a variety of pet-friendly attractions across the region and dog and cat lovers find countless opportunities to connect with like-minded pet lovers at a cornucopia of annual events.

RESOURCES

METRO ANIMAL This organization strives to reduce the number of euthanasias of cats and dogs in the St. Louis metropolitan area, by working both independently and collaboratively with Animal Control, shelters, and rescue groups. They also offer a residential listing database of pet-friendly apartments throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area.

ST. LOUIS PETLOVER COALITION St. Louis has a long history of helping animals in need that continues today. Most recently, the St. Louis Petlover Coalition, founded in spring 2009, was organized by Nestlé Purina PetCare to bring together animal rescue groups, shelters, veterinary organizations, and city and county health departments to improve animal welfare through shared goals and plans.

PLACES FOR PETS Designed by the St. Louis PetLover Coalition and sponsored by Purina, this map highlights great places around Metropolitan St. Louis for you and your pets. Maps can be found at all adoption locations across the region and are available digitally here. To find even more great spots for pets in the St. Louis area, click here.

ATTRACTIONS

AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB MUSEUM OF THE DOG Dog lovers will enjoy a visit to this museum, which is home to the world's finest exhibition of art devoted exclusively to dogs. More than 700 works include original paintings, drawings, watercolors, prints, sculptures, bronzes and porcelain figurines. Dogs are allowed in the museum with their owners. 

PURINA FARMS Located in Gray Summit, Mo., a scenic one-hour drive from downtown St. Louis, is this all-inclusive destination for animal lovers and enthusiasts of all ages. Adults and children alike enjoy the Visitors Center, where a dog performance and cat show are entertaining and educational, along with several other Outdoor Canine Competition Areas. Competitive shows and trials as well as fun and educational family-friendly activities and exhibits reinforce the many ways that animals enrich our lives.

PURINA FARMS EVENT CENTER The newest addition to Purina Farms, purebread dog lovers will enjoy this state-of-the-art, 84,000-square-foot indoor facility is the first event center in the country custom-built for dog shows. The center complements existing venues for outdoor dog shows, herding, lure coursing, and earthdog, agility and obedience trials at Purina Farms, the Event Center adds a new dimension to Purina's longtime support of the dog fancy.

EVENTS

BARK IN THE PARK Held annually in St. Louis' Forest Park, Bark in the Park is the largest dog walk and festival in the Midwest. Thousands of dog lovers join at Cricket Field and raise money for animals in need. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Fund. Pooches of all shapes and sizes are welcome to attend this event full of fun activities for you and your best canine friends to enjoy.

BEGGIN' PET PARADE Adorned in Mardi Gras-themed costumes, dogs of all shapes and sizes march in this St. Louis' famous Soulard Mardi Gras parade. In 2012, with so many outrageously-dressed dogs in the parade, we were beggin' for a world record. We gathered 1,326 dogs in costume and unofficially broke the world record for "Most Dogs in Costumed Attire"!

PADDLE WITH YOUR POOCH Spanning 1,293 acres, Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, is a cultural destination with its many historic buildings, monuments, waterways, museums and trails. Ample opportunities await dog lovers in this famous park. If your visit is in July, you could catch the annual Paddle with Your Pooch event. This dog-and-master boat race is a fundraiser for Forest Park Forever.

PET-A-PALOOZA Held at Purina Farms, this event is a special celebration for you and your furry friends. Whether you have a pet or not, there is plenty to enjoy: grooming areas for pets, a kids area with inflatables and games, a pet photo booth, food, and live music. It is also one of the largest pet adoption days in St. Louis, featuring at least 15 different agencies for adoptions.

POOCHES IN THE BALLPARK This major league event, held annually at Busch Stadium, welcomes more than 200 dogs, along with their owners, are invited to sit in a special "pooches" section of the ballpark. All four-legged ticket holders (and their owners) show off their favorite Cardinals gear in a pre-game costume parade on the Busch Stadium field.