Pups – and Their Owners – Love Knoxville, TN
This Tennessee city has taken pet-friendly to the next level.
If you’re a dog owner, you know just how hard it is to leave your pup at home while you go out on the town. But in Knoxville, TN, your four-legged friend is welcome to join in on the fun. The community has embraced the challenge to become America’s pet-friendliest city. Ahead, discover why pups – and their owners – love Knoxville, TN.
Plenty of Places to Play
Knoxville has no shortage of dog parks, thanks to the generosity of Radio Systems Corp., the world’s leading supplier of dog and cat products. The company and its founder have partnered with local governments to create dog parks throughout the region.
One of the community’s earliest dog parks was PetSafe Village Dog Park, which features separate areas for large and small dogs, a pond, agility equipment and off-leash hours.
Ten dog parks – all of which boast great amenities – are located near neighborhoods throughout the community. PetSafe Concord Dog Park provides swimming access as well as a handy dog shower, so you don’t have to load your sandy dog in the car. At Victor Ashe Park, Dogwood Park is loved for its puppy playground as well as its proximity to the park’s duck pond and greenway.
One of Knoxville’s coolest hangouts for dogs and their owners is The Bark, the first and only indoor/outdoor dog park, day care and beer garden. Yes, you read that right – “Barktenders” serve owners a variety of beverage options, from beers and ciders to non-alcoholic drinks. Owners can relax and chat with one another while their pups play and are supervised by well-trained Bark Rangers. Hanna Harris, owner of The Bark, believes that it’s their checks-and-balances procedures that make The Bark so special.
“What makes us stand out compared to your everyday dog parks is that we do have Bark Rangers watching the dogs play. We do behavior checks on all the dogs, and we also have a computer system that tracks dogs’ vaccines,” she says. This makes for a stress-free visit.
More parks are in the pipeline.
“We hope to begin two of the remaining three dog parks slated for Knoxville in the fall,” says Sheryl Ely, director of Knoxville Parks and Recreation.
Once the parks are completed, Knoxville will have the most dog parks per capita in the nation.
Unless otherwise posted, leashed dogs are welcome at city parks, greenways and trails.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
After all that playtime, you and Fido are sure to have worked up an appetite. And unlike many places, you don’t have to drop your pup off at home before dining out.
The city’s Dogs on Patios Permit allows restaurants with outdoor patios to host pups outside, and dozens of restaurants have created that option while also expanding their outdoor dining options.
If you can’t put your finger on what you’re craving, just take a stroll around Market Square downtown. Nearly all the restaurants in that area welcome dogs in their outdoor seating areas. Beyond restaurants, Knoxville has a surplus of pet-focused businesses that welcome pups. CitiFid-O emphasizes locally produced pet accessories and food, including a sampling program so owners can find the right brand for their pets. In North Knoxville, Misty’s PET DEPOT offers various pet supplies and natural treats as well as grooming.
Another local favorite is River Dog Bakery. This doggie bakery whips up custom treats and cakes that are so cute you’ll want to take a bite. River Dog comes highly recommended by Harris, who loves to take her two dogs, Ozark and Arizona, to pick out treats. Harris also recommends the dog-friendly Mast General Store as a place to practice cues and behavior with your pet.
Knoxville’s Biggest “Pawty”
What’s a dog-friendly city without its very own dog festival? Dubbed Mardi Growl, this annual pet parade and party is set to take place again in March 2024. As the city’s biggest pet-friendly event, Mardi Growl draws in roughly 10,000 human attendees each year and benefits Young-Williams Animal Center, the official municipal shelter.
Attendees can learn about pet resources in the community, grab a bite to eat from a local food truck, check out some pet-friendly vendors, and participate in the parade and costume contests. Games and live music round out all the fun. The festival makes it easy to bring your pooch, too, as it offers poop bags and water stations. Plus, the Spay/Neuter Solutions “shuttle” may make an appearance to offer discounted vaccines and microchips.
“For 17 years, Mardi Growl has been a main event for East Tennessee animal lovers,” says Janet Testerman, CEO of Young-Williams Animal Center. “Not only has it entertained our community, but it has also raised awareness of our mission to find a home for every pet.”
This article was sponsored by the Knoxville Chamber. Learn more about the amazing quality of life Knoxville offers at LifeRedefined.com.
