Pet-Friendly Trip to New Orleans: The Ultimate Guide

New Orleans is a city that’s welcoming to everybody, including your four-legged family members. The city is full of pet-friendly parks and activities for your furry friends to enjoy, from dog-friendly restaurants to open-air markets. There’s even a dog parade, the Krewe of Barkus, during Mardi Gras! You’ll find water bowls at most outdoor eateries, dog parks scattered throughout the city, and streets that are perfect for roaming with your best friend.

And with many of our vacation rentals being pet-friendly, you’ll have everything you need for the ‘pawfect’ getaway. We’ve put together our ultimate guide to your pet-friendly New Orleans trip below!

Where to Stay with Pets in New Orleans

When you’re traveling with your pet, choosing the right place to stay can make all the difference, and vacation rentals are often the best option. Why? Because they offer the comfort, space, and flexibility that both you and your furry friend will appreciate.

Many of our vacation rentals in New Orleans welcome pets and come with pet-friendly perks like fenced-in yards, patios, and nearby green spaces. Whether you’re staying in a quiet retreat in the Lower Garden District or a charming home in Mid-City, you’ll find pet-welcoming spots that give you room to spread out and relax.

Plus, vacation rentals tend to be more accommodating than traditional hotels when it comes to pet policies. You’ll often find fewer restrictions on size or breed and a more relaxed atmosphere overall. And since you’re in a home rather than a hotel, it’s easier to keep your pet comfortable with familiar routines, like mealtime, playtime, and naps on the couch.

If you’re booking a pet-friendly rental, just be sure to check the property’s pet policy ahead of time so there are no surprises. Look for details on pet fees (we never charge extra for pets at Book NOLA), weight limits, or house rules like keeping pets off furniture. Each of our homes has a different pet policy, so if you’re unsure about a specific listing, don’t hesitate to reach out and double-check.

Pet-Friendly Things to Do in New Orleans

Go on a Walking Tour

A great way to see New Orleans is on one of its famous walking tours. Whether you choose to discover ghosts, explore murals, or get a taste of local breweries, NOLA walking tours highlight the city’s many historical and cultural aspects.

Many of the walking tours take place in the French Quarter, a pet-friendly neighborhood in the heart of New Orleans. You’ll enjoy roaming the French Quarter streets while learning about important aspects of New Orleans alongside your furry friend. They might not be able to appreciate the history, but they will love the views along the way!Peruse this list of pet-friendly walking tours or ask your touring company if they allow pets along their route.

Visit Frenchmen Art Market

The Frenchmen Art Market is your spot if you’re looking for a nighttime activity to enjoy with your furry friend – pets are allowed on leashes.

This open-air market is a testament to the city’s diverse artistic talent. Located in the heart of Frenchmen Street, the market showcases local artists’ work, ranging from paintings to sculptures to jewelry. Enjoy live music while you stroll from tent to tent and browse the many treasures to be found here.

Take a Swamp Tour

If you and your pooch want an authentic Cajun experience, there’s nothing more fitting than a New Orleans swamp tour.

Swamp tours range in location, price, and experience based on the company you choose, but one thing is for certain: you’ll get an immersive view of Louisiana’s wetlands. Swamp tours involve a boat ride along the murky waters that are home to alligators, turtles, and plenty of other species. Your swamp tour guide will help you spot all of the natural wildlife surrounding you and give you some fun swamp facts along the way.

While not all of them are pet-friendly, Bring Fido provides a list of tours that welcome your furry friend along.

Pet-Friendly Parks in NOLA

City Park

Boasting over 1,300 acres, City Park is the largest park in New Orleans. The park welcomes millions of visitors each year to its countless attractions.

City Park is home to 24 miles of walking trails, making it the perfect spot to give your furry friends some exercise while you explore. Along your stroll, you’ll find 100-year-old live oaks, sculpture gardens, historic landmarks, museums, and a central lake.

Pets are required to stay on leash throughout the park. However, City Park does have a designated dog park, NOLA City Bark, where dogs can run free and enjoy the company of fellow dog travelers. There are annual and weekly permit options, but note that you need to apply for a permit in advance to access the dog park.

Audubon Park

With plenty of outdoor space to roam, Audubon Park makes for the perfect pet-friendly spot. While smaller than City Park, this park is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its tranquil atmosphere, ancient oak trees, and large walking path that surrounds the park.

It’s a popular destination to run, golf, play tennis, and hear live music from local musicians, and is also home to Audubon Zoo. Grab your pup (and maybe a picnic) and explore Audubon Park.

Crescent Park

On the other side of the Big Easy lies Crescent Park, a riverfront park in the Bywater neighborhood. Crescent Park is long and narrow, making up 20 acres of urban landscape along the Mississippi River. This hidden gem provides unparalleled views of the river while strolling its 1.4-mile walking trail with your pet.

The trail even connects all the way to the French Market in the French Quarter, a dog-friendly outdoor market. While dogs are required to stay on a leash in the main park, there is a fenced dog run where dogs can roam off-leash and enjoy the nice river breeze.

Lafreniere Park

Just outside of New Orleans lies Lafreniere Park, the largest park in the suburb of Metairie. Lafreniere Park is a 155-acre park that is home to a 2-mile walking trail, multi-use sports fields, disc golf, a spray park, a carousel, and even a large lake in the center of the park. 

Within Lafreniere Park is a 5-acre dog park with a large space to play, roam, and relax off-leash. You’ll need a permit to enter the dog park, but you can always simply stroll along the park’s walking trail with your furry friend.

Pet-Friendly Restaurants in New Orleans

Cafe du Monde

Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Cafe du Monde is known for offering the best beignets in the city. But did you know it is also the ideal spot to dine with your pet?

With a large outdoor seating area, Cafe du Monde invites pets to join their humans for a delicious meal of beignets and chicory while people-watching in Jackson Square. While pets aren’t allowed indoors, you and your furry friend can enjoy plenty of space in the outdoor seating area.

Dat Dog

It’s hard not to include this restaurant when it has the word “dog” in its very name! Dat Dog is a NOLA staple serving up delicious hot dogs year-round. The menu features their own take on the classic hot dog, with items ranging from beer-battered cod fish to crawfish hot dogs. They also have vegan and vegetarian options.

While Dat Dog has multiple locations, we’re big fans of the outdoor space on Magazine Street, which is perfect for your four-legged friends. This is your spot if you’re looking for a laid-back, casual, pet-friendly food joint.

Cafe Amelie

Cafe Amelie is a quaint cafe in the middle of the French Quarter known for its decadent brunch menu. The cafe serves Creole staples such as Gulf shrimp and grits, gumbo, and salmon cakes.

Apart from the delicious food, Cafe Amelie boasts one of the most beautiful courtyards in New Orleans. Known as the Princess of Monaco Courtyard, this lush patio is the perfect backdrop to your pet’s (erm, your) vacation.

While pets are not allowed inside the restaurant, they are welcome to join you for your courtyard brunch. Reservations are recommended.

Herbsaint

If your pet prefers a fine dining experience, you’ll definitely want to take them to Herbsaint. Consistently rated one of the best restaurants in the city, Herbsaint is known for its French-Southern cuisine and extensive wine list.

Right in front of the restaurant, Herbsaint offers outdoor seating reminiscent of a Parisian bistro. Pets are welcome to join you in the outdoor space. We recommend making reservations ahead and letting them know you will require outdoor seating; walk-ins are welcome at the patio, but there is often a wait for these spots.

Getting Around New Orleans with Your Dog

There’s no better way to take in the views of the city than by Streetcar. This historic public transportation method allows dogs to join if they are carried in small containers, so your small furry friends are invited!

The Canal Street line takes you from Canal Street through the Central Business District to City Park, the perfect place to land for a play date with your pooch. You’ll spot historic landmarks all along the route, so be sure to soak in the views along the way.

You can purchase a Jazzy Pass for $3/day or pay $1.25/ride.

As in any city, when you’re walking around with your pet, be sure to keep them on a leash (unless in a designated off-leash area) and clean up after your pet.

New Orleans Pet Stores

Forgot to pack something, need some extra pet supplies, or want to pick up a fun dog toy? Try Southern Paws with two locations – one in the French Quarter and the other in The Riverwalk Collection – or Petcetera in the Garden District. Locally owned Jefferson Feed also has multiple locations, including Mid-City.

Ready to Plan Your Pet-Friendly New Orleans Adventure?

Traveling with your furry friend doesn’t have to mean compromising on comfort, convenience, or fun — and in New Orleans, it definitely doesn’t. With welcoming green spaces, pet-friendly patios, and plenty of places to explore together, this city is full of opportunities to make memories with your four-legged travel buddy.

So pack those treats and travel bowls — and let the good times (and tail wags) roll! When you stay in a pet-friendly New Orleans vacation rental, you’ll have the space and comfort to make your whole crew — furry members included — feel right at home.