Pet Travel

It is a well-known legend among Bend locals that we have one of the highest per capita dog populations of anywhere in the world with 49 percent of Central Oregon residents owning a dog. In fact, Dog Fancy magazine rated Bend as DogTown USA runner up in 2011. With over 40 restaurants ready to accommodate you and Fido for an alfresco dining date, a plethora of dog friendly businesses and events, and over 51 miles of urban trails in town and over 13 off-leash areas in city parks and National Forests, Bend, Oregon is literally a paradise for man and woman's best friend.

Start your vacation off by checking out the Bend Urban Trails Map, created by the Bend Metro Park & Recreation District. Both the Shevlin Park Loop and the Deschutes River Trail near Farewell Bend Park have paths that wind along the river, offering plenty of opportunities for your pup to cool off in the water.

Your next stop for planning your doggie vacation is dogpac.org a non-profit organization that has recently helped to create six off-leash areas in the Deschutes National Forest and BLM Lands and seven off-leash areas in Bend City Parks. Let your dog run wild on many popular trails off the Cascade Lakes Highway.

And the adventures for your canine companion do not stop with trips into the woods. Rent a canoe at Tumalo Creek Canoe & Kayak and then pick up a floatation device made especially for your dog by the Bend-based animal outfitter, Ruff Wear.

If you are here in the winter, both Wanoga and Edison Sno-Parks have dog friendly cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, and Wanoga is often groomed for skate skiing. The 2 ½ mile stretch of dirt road up to Tumalo Falls after the bridge (on Skyliners Rd.) is also left unplowed during winter months and dogs are welcome to frolic along beside the trails.

There are enough events celebrating man's best friend here in Bend that it is possible to plan a whole vacation around your pet. Check out the annual Bend Pet Parade every July 4th and the wiener dog racing during Bend's Oktoberfest.

If bringing your dog to their own pet-loving resort is more your kind of vacation, Bend offers a number doggie hotels to pamper even the pickiest puppy.

And last but not least, it is time to find a pet-friendly hotel in Bend where your animal companions will be welcomed with open arms. Below is a list of area lodging properties that are happy to accommodate your furry friends. Additional lodging options for pet-friendly accommodations like Bend vacation rentals or RV parks are listed on the Where to Stay section of our website here.