Dog-Friendly Hotels and Other Spots in Mesquite

There’s a reason dogs are hailed as our best friends, and in addition to all their other wonderful qualities, they can make great travel partners. Mesquite City welcomes travelers with pets by offering comfortable lodging and inclusive activities.

Before you travel with your pup, you’ll want to take a few basic precautions. Visit your regular veterinarian and make sure your dog is up-to-date on all their shots and vaccinations. You’ll also want to ensure that the information on your dog’s collar and microchip (if they have one) is current—you want the friendly residents of Mesquite to be able to get in touch with you if your pooch turns up somewhere unexpected.

You can rest assured that Mesquite has the bases covered while you’re there, too. The pet-loving city is home to 10 veterinarians, which means you’re never far from help if you have questions. Not only is there a city ordinance banning neglectful behavior like leaving dogs outside in extreme weather, but they’ve also got a detailed strategic plan to make sure pets at the animal shelter are adopted to loving homes. And it’s not just infrastructure—this is a city that really loves its pets, so you know yours will be welcome, too.

Dog-Friendly Activities

Despite its convenient location just fifteen minutes east of Dallas, Mesquite doesn’t have that big-city feel—in fact, it’s known for its extensive park system. Unlike many areas, Mesquite’s parks are super-dog friendly. There are a few very reasonable rules surrounding dogs in parks in Mesquite, like picking up and disposing of your dog’s waste and keeping dogs on a leash unless otherwise noted. Other than that, you and your dog are free to enjoy the city’s many green spaces.

The highlight for four-legged friends is the Leash-Free Zone at Town Park East, which boasts a whopping 30,000 square feet of fun. This gigantic dog park includes a small dog area for pups under 30 pounds, plus a separate play area for bigger dogs to play.

Not to worry if your dog isn’t the type to play hours of fetch or run around with other dogs. Mesquite has plenty of opportunities to take a stroll or hike with your pal. One great way to explore the sights (and, in your dog’s case, smells) of the city is to take a walk on the Mesquite Heritage Trail, which has three major access points and wanders through some of Mesquite’s loveliest parks.

If you’re looking to get a little farther off the beaten path, check out the trails at nearby 609-acre Samuell Farm, where you and your dog can explore the property together. Admission is free, and since it’s open beginning at 5:00 am, you can get a brisk stroll in before the day heats up.

Where To Stay with your Dog

One of the toughest parts of traveling with a dog is finding dog-friendly hotels. Not so in Mesquite, where the local hotels are thrilled to house you and your dog.
The Hampton Inn & Suites is happy to accommodate dogs up to 50 pounds with a non-refundable deposit, and if you’re a regular traveler, you’ll be happy to know the hotel offers discounts for AAA members. Nearby TownPlace Suites by Marriott Dallas Mesquite is also dog-friendly; they’ll take up to two pets, also for a non-refundable deposit. They’re a smoke-free facility, so you won’t end up in a smoking room.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants

In Mesquite, many local restaurants welcome dogs on their outdoor patios, and the weather here is temperate enough year-round that you’ll rarely find a day when it’s too cold to enjoy lunch or dinner in the great outdoors with your pup.

Mesquite BBQ has boasted some of the best barbecue in the state of Texas since it opened its doors in 1959. Its seven dog-friendly tables outside mean the toughest part of this outing will be resisting your dog’s puppy eyes as they stare at your food. There’s also the beloved local burger chain Burger Street, which has outdoor seating where dogs are welcome (and don’t miss the cinnamon apple pie). You’ll also find dog-friendly seating at several local chain establishments, including Panera Bread.

Fun Pet-Friendly Events and Activities

Mesquite offers a handful of events and activities that welcome dogs in attendance, so if you plan your visit when these are happening, you are guaranteed to have a lot of fun with your four-legged friend. Doggie Splash Day put on in August by Mesquite Parks and Rec, gives dogs and their owners an opportunity to cool down with a swim and participate in all kinds of contests from a pet swimsuit contest to a pet/owner lookalike contest, and more.

You can also relax and enjoy the many outdoor activities offered by Mesquite throughout the course of the year, including Movies in the Park over the summer, and outdoor concerts like Jazz Breaks every Tuesday in June or the free concert series Rockin Rhapsody put on by the Mesquite Arts Council. Dogs are welcome to all of these outdoor events.

Mesquite is so popular with dog owners we have a spot in Texas Dog Magazine! You can read the full article here.