There’s nothing quite like traveling with your furry friends. Before you pack their bags with treats and toys, check out our roundup of The Colony’s best dog-approved adventures.
Pet-Friendly Hotels
Comfort and convenience are key when planning a vacation for you and your four-legged friend. Picking the right hotel to match both your needs can be tricky, but thankfully, you have options. Most of the hotels in The Colony are canine-friendly. Check below for each hotel’s pet policy. Please note all hotels welcome service animals with proper documentation.
- Clarion Hotel: A maximum of two pets (25 pounds or less) are allowed. A one-time pet fee of $75 per pet is charged at check-in and a pet agreement must be signed.
- Comfort Suites: Pets up to 25 pounds allowed. A non-refundable $25 fee is applied per pet per night.
- Hampton Inn & Suites: Pets up to 75 pounds are allowed. A $75 non-refundable pet fee applies for stays of up to four nights; for stays of five or more nights, a $125 non-refundable fee applies for each pet, up to two per room.
- Homewood Suites: A $75 non-refundable pet fee will apply for up to four-night stays; for five or more nights, a $125 non-refundable fee will apply for each pet, up to two per room.
- Hyatt Place: One pet (up to 50 pounds) or two pets with a combined weight of 75 pounds or less per room is allowed. A $75 non-refundable pet fee will apply for stays of up to six nights; for stays of seven to thirty days, an additional $175 cleaning fee is required.
- La Quinta: A maximum of two pets (75 pounds or less) are allowed. A $20 fee applies per night, with a maximum charge per stay of $75.
- Residence Inn: A maximum of two pets (70 pounds or less) are allowed. A flat, non-refundable fee of $100 will apply. Guests have access to an off-leash dog park next to the hotel.
- Staybridge Suites: Pets up to 50 pounds are allowed. A $75 non-refundable pet fee applies for stays of up to six nights; a $150 non-refundable fee applies for stays of seven or more nights. A pet agreement and a record of vaccinations are required at check-in for each pet, up to two per room.
- Tru by Hilton: A $75 non-refundable pet fee applies to stays of up to four nights; for stays of five or more nights, a $100 non-refundable fee applies for each pet, up to two per room.
Pup Play Time
Whether your dog loves to explore the great outdoors or simply stays by your side, there’s no shortage of adventures for both canines and owners.
Explore The Colony’s 23 miles of shoreline with a serene trail hike. The Colony Shoreline Trail spans 3.5 miles along Lewisville Lake’s eastern edge and offers wide-open waterfront views. Take a walk or jog along The Tribute Shoreline Trail’s roughly three mile route and loop around the city’s most northern peninsula. Both lake trails offer complimentary parking and doggy waste stations. The trails themselves are composed of sustainable stamped concrete and decomposed granite surfaces that are easy on the earth and puppy paws.
SCHEELS, the World’s Largest All-Sports Store, offers a pet-friendly shopping experience like no other. The massive retailer located at Grandscape features everything from the top athletic wear brands to the hottest trends in fitness and even home décor. While there, stop by the pet shop for an incredible selection of treats, toys and accessories.
Plan your trip in conjunction with the annual Bow Wow Luau at Hawaiian Waters. Once a year, the water park throws an end-of-summer extravaganza for man’s best friend to enjoy. Canine lovers and their pups can splash around, play games, compete in contests and raise money for a good cause. A portion of the proceeds benefits The Colony Animal Shelter Injured Animal Fund, which provides life-saving care to the animals who need it most.
Public Dog Parks
Your dog can play and meet other puppy pals at two unique dog parks. On the north side of town, the city’s Pawsome Playground offers ample space for pets, large or small. The 0.85-acre small dog area and 2.1-acre large dog area both include shaded seating areas, dog-waste stations, trash receptacles, drinking fountains for humans and dogs and decorative fire hydrants.
Bacon’s Dog Park inside The Shacks at Austin Ranch offers entertainment for pets and owners. Have some off-leash fun at either the small or the large dog areas within the one-acre park. Each area features large shade trees, interactive play structures and seating for owners. Connected to the park is a spacious pet-friendly patio connecting multiple restaurants with plenty of outdoor seating overlooking the dog park. You can even order a craft beer or wine from Grrrowler’s Taproom and have it delivered to the dog park.
Meals with Man’s Best Friend
Chow down on patios across town, offering delicious meals and accommodations for humans and dogs alike. The Shacks at Austin Ranch is home to a variety of restaurants, sure to please. Take your pick from burgers, tacos, pizza and more and then have a seat on the patio overlooking Bacon’s Dog Park.
Truck Yard welcomes all good boys and girls to their open-air beer garden. Grab a craft sour brewed onsite, a bite to eat from any of the rotating food trucks and settle in among the eclectic décor for nightly live music. If you’re bringing human friends along, head to the front of the joint and play oversized yard games like Connect 4 and Battleship. Be sure to venture upstairs and check out Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum, the roadside attraction featuring over 1,400 themed and decorated toilet seat covers.
Almost everywhere you look in The Colony, you’ll find a pup-friendly patio. Dine al fresco with relaxing views of Lewisville Lake at Angelina’s Don Francisco’s or grab a bite and a drink at The Saintsbury Tavern. The choices are limitless at The Oasis, a collection of restaurants sharing patio space, so you can nosh on a diverse selection of cuisines at the same time! Sniff out more outdoor dining options available in The Colony.
Tips on Travel
Traveling with your pup means planning for more than just yourself. Check out these helpful tips to get you and your companion to and from The Colony.
- Bring a sturdy leash and collar with proper identification tags. ID tags should include your dog’s name, your full name and cell phone number in case of an emergency while traveling. If your fur kid is microchipped, have a copy of the chip number.
- Pack enough food and treats to get your pup through your intended length of travel and then some. Be prepared with an extra couple of days’ worth of food and supplies.
- Bring a copy of your pet’s up-to-date vaccination records and veterinarian’s contact information in case of emergency.
- If you are flying into town, whether through Dallas Fort Worth International or Dallas Love Field Airport, be sure to schedule a vet visit prior to departure. Most airlines require a certification of health before check-in. It may also be a good idea to take a picture of health records, including current rabies vaccination.
- If you are traveling by car, remember never to leave an unattended animal in your vehicle. While this is an important reminder, especially during hot Texas summers, it applies year-round. Locate pet-friendly stores and rest stops along your route so you don’t have to leave your dog unattended alone.
- Remember, it’s a vacation. Although traveling can be stressful at times, try to remain calm. Your dog may pick up any nerves or anxiety. Bring along their favorite toy, blanket and/or crate to help them feel more at home during their stay.
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