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14 Places to Take Your Dog Swimming in Maryland

From dog beaches to indoor hydrotherapy pools to stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking with your dog, there are many dog-friendly swimming options for water-loving pups here in Maryland that are open year-round! Read on for the inside scoop on our 14 favorite spots for dogs to swim in Maryland, complete with tips for first-time visitors from local pups. Need a dog lifejacket? Here is a tried and true DOCC favorite . 1. Downs Park Dog Beach Address : 8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena, MD, US, 21122 Parking : $6 (cash or check) OR *as of 2023* non-Anne Arundel County residents can purchase an Annual Pass for $40 here! Hours : 7AM to sunset daily Leash Rules : Dogs can be off-leash on the beach, but must be leashed on park trails outside beach Downs Park Dog Beach is small, secluded, and (mostly) fenced-in. There are plenty of shady areas and amazing views of Chesapeake Bay! The 236-acre park hosts more than 5 miles of paved and natural trails to be enjoyed with your pup before or after swimming. 2. Quiet Waters Dog Beach Address : 600 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis, MD 21403 Parking : $6 (cash or check) OR *as of 2023* non-Anne Arundel County residents can purchase an Annual Pass for $40 here! Hours : 7AM to dusk daily Leash Rules : Dogs can be off-leash at this fenced-in beach , but must be leashed on park trails outside beach Voted runner-up for Best Spot to Take a Dip in our 2020 Choice Awards , Quiet Waters Dog Beach is probably the most visited dog beach by Baltimore locals. This 340-acre park also offers several trails that wind through forests and past grassy fields to explore on a leash if you're looking to spend more time here with your dog! 3. Matapeake Park Dog Beach Address : 1112 Romancoke Road, Stevensville MD, 21666 Parking : Free Hours : Open daily from sunrise to sunset Leash Rules : Dogs can be off-leash in defined dog areas, but must be leashed on park trails outside beach Situated on Kent Island right off of the Bay Bridge, Matapeake is a public beach with a trail straight to the designated dog beach area. Compared to Downs Dog Beach, Matapeake Beach has a slightly wider area of sand for the dogs to run around on. Be aware that dogs are not allowed to access other parts of Matapeake State Park including the public beach, clubhouse, or its lawn. After making a right on Sonny Shultz Blvd, proceed approximately 0.2 miles to the Matapeake Beach and Clubhouse parking lot. The trail to the dog beach begins at the fence that borders the rear of the clubhouse. It is about a 5-minute walk to the dog beach on a shaded, wooded trail. 4 . Terrapin Nature Park Ad dress : 191 Log Canoe Cir, Stevensville, MD, US, 21666 Parking : Free Hours : Open daily from sunrise to sunset Leash Rules : Dogs must be leashed in all areas of the park After parking in the parking lot, follow the side trail to the beach, a 10-12 minute walk. Dogs have to be kept on a leash , but the gorgeous views of the Chesapeake Bay will make up for it! The beach is a very small strip of sand on the bay, but the 3-mile walking trail makes for a nice outing! 5 . Calvert Cliffs State Park Ad dress : 10540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657 Parking : $5 (cash only) Hours : Open daily from sunrise to sunset Leash Rules : Dogs must be leashed in all areas of the park Calvert Cliffs State Park Beach is home to 13 miles of hiking trails and dog-friendly picnic areas. The Red Trail will take you to the beach where your dog can swim. It’s a 1.8-mile shaded trail through the woods that will take you to an all-natural beach. Calvert Cliffs State Park is known for being home to all kinds of wildlife - beavers, turtles, lizards, and more! 6 . Patapsco Valley State Park Ad dress : 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043 Parking : Free Hours : 9AM-sunset Leash Rules : Dogs must be leashed in all areas of the park Voted Best Spot to Take a Dip AND Best Hiking Spot in our 2020 Choice Awards , Patapsco State Park is a top destination for Baltimore dog owners year-round. Swimming is allowed in all areas along the river unless posted otherwise. If you are coming for the first time, we recommend checking out alltrails.com beforehand to plan a route (there are 200 miles of trails!). Our favorite dog-friendly hiking areas with areas for swimming and splashing around include McKeldin, Hilton, Avalon, and Woodstock. 7 . Gunpowder Falls State Park Ad dress : 2813 Jerusalem Road, Kingsville, MD 21087 Parking : Free Hours : Sunrise to Sunset Leash Rules : Dogs must be leashed in all areas of the park Spanning more than 18,000 acres of green forest with over 100 trails and tons of water access, there is a LOT to be explored at Gunpowder. Big Gunpowder Trail, Gunpowder South Trail, Sweet Air Loop, Jerusalem Mills Trail Loop, and Gunpowder North Trail are favorite trails among local dog owners. The giant Hammerman Beach area of Gunpowder is not dog-friendly during the swimming season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), however, you can bring your dog to run on the beach and swim after Labor Day during the off-season. 8. B'More S UP Main Location : 2015 Turkey Point Road, Essex, MD 21221 (NEW: they also have locations in Canton & the Inner Harbor!) Parking : Free Hours : Varies, check their website for the latest Cost : Rentals start at $30 Leash Rules : Dogs do not need to be leashed while on the board, but a biothane drag line may be a good idea if your dog's recall while swimming needs some work 😉 If you haven't tried stand-up paddleboarding with your dog, you need to give it a try this summer! Sign up for a group doggie paddle class with other dogs and dog owners, or book a private rental and select the $5 dog add-on option! Dogs must wear a life jacket. Don't have one? Here is one of our favs on Amazon Prime. Registration for Dogs of Charm City x Bmore SUP Doggie Paddle classes for Summer 2024 can be found HERE . We highly encourage the humans to have prior paddle board experience before registering for a group Doggie Paddle (no experience required for dogs though). No experience? We all have to start somewhere, right?! Check out one of our First Timer Doggie Paddle classes! These groups are smaller, depart out first thing in the morning when the water is calm, and more time is spent on land introducing your pup to the board and how to properly get on and off the water. 9. Capital S UP Ad dress : 600 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis, MD 21403 Parking : Free Hours : Varies, check out their website for the latest Cost : Rentals start at $25 (less if you bring your own board!) Leash Rules : Dogs do not need to be leashed while on the board, but a long lead may be a good idea if your dog's recall while swimming needs some work 😉 SUP with your PUP and Paddle the waterways with your furry companion on a guided tour led by instructor Lindsay Cook and her dog Huckleberry! Life jacket rentals are available for $10. All levels of paddlers and waterdogs are welcome! You can also book a private rental and bring your dog anytime for no extra charge. 10. W hoof on the Wharf A ddress : 48 S River Road, Pier 7 Marina, Edgewater, MD 21037 Parking : Free Hours : Varies, check out their website for the latest Cost : Rentals start at $35 Leash Rules : Dogs do not need to be leashed while on the water! Canoe, kayak, and paddleboard with your dog on the South River at the newest dog-friendly watersports destination in Annapolis! From group excursions to yappy hours and dog yoga classes, Whoof on the Wharf offers something for every dog lover who enjoys being on the water with their pup. Equipment is available to rent, but you are also welcome to bring your own and launch from their landing. Stop in the marina clubhouse afterward for dog ice cream and some retail therapy! 11. Pet Depot Hydrotherapy Pool Ad dress : 2151 Greenspring Dr, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093 Parking : Free Cost : Starts at $25 & reservations are strongly encouraged! Hours : 10a-7 M-F, 9a-6p Sat, 10a-5 Sun Leash Rules : Dogs do not need to be leashed in the pool area. Long leads are provided if you choose to guide your dog around the pool if it's his or her first time swimming Beat the heat and take swimming indoors! The Pet Depot indoor pool is 4 feet deep on all sides and has a ramp for dogs to enter. Life jackets and towels are provided. You can reserve the pool in 15-minute intervals, and up to 5 dogs can enter the pool at once (no humans allowed in the pool). The pool is located within the Pet Depot Pet Store, so grab a post-swim treat before leaving. 😏 Open year-round. 12. K9 Aquatic Center Ad dress : 12948 Travlah Road, Potomac, MD Parking : Free Cost : Starts at $48 on Wild Wednesdays only Hours : Daily from 9AM-5PM Leash Rules : Dogs do not need to be leashed in the pool area. With five pools heated to 85 degrees, K9 Aquatic Center knows what they are doing! The pools are sanitized with a state-of-the-art UV system, and the filters are changed weekly. K9 offers regular swim sessions, pool parties, and special pricing on Wednesdays. A swim coach is in the water with your dog at all times. 13. North Point State Park Ad dress : 8400 North Point Road Edgemere, MD 21219 Parking : Varies from $3/vehicle to $6/person Hours : Daily from 8AM to sunset Leash Rules : Dogs must be leashed at all times Pets are allowed in all undeveloped areas. Pets are allowed in day-use areas after Labor Day to Memorial Day weekend. Off-season, from Labor Day to Memorial Day, dogs are allowed in the water access areas. During summer months there is water access open for dogs in the undeveloped areas, accessed by park trails. Ask for assistance at the Gatehouse or Visitor Center for directions to these spots! 14. Book a Local, Private Pool at Swimply.com Cost : Booking is by the hour and ranges from $25-$100/hour. Most pools allow you to swim with 5 or more people, which is included in the hourly rate. Meet Swimply, the AirBnB of pools! Turn on the dog-friendly filter to find a private pool in your area to rent for an hour or a whole day! (No, this is not an ad and we do not get a commission for this... we just think this app is a great option for dogs who like to swim!) MORE SPOTS TO CHECK OUT: Fort Smallwood Park ( closed through Summer 2024 for improvements) Rocky Gap State Park Canine Fitness Center LLC Olde Towne Pet Resort Deleware and Maryland's Dog-Friendly Beaches: *Note: All Delaware State Parks require dogs to have a license! Get yours here. Assateague Beach (year-round) Fenwick Island State Park (year-round, small fee) Ocean City (Oct 1 to April 30) Rehoboth Beach (Oct 1 to April 30) Bethany Beach (Oct 1 to May 14) South Bethany Beach (Sept 16 to May 14) Dewey Beach (Sept 16 to May 14, or before 9;30 AM or after 5:30PM May 15 to Sept 20) Lewes Beach (Oct 1 to April 30, or before 8 AM or after 6:30PM May 1 to September 30) Cape Henlopen State Park (year-round) Slaughter Beach (year-round) Cape Charles (year-round) Love exploring dog-friendly places in Maryland? Check out these posts: Dog-Friendly Patios and Restaurants in Maryland Dog-Friendly Breweries in Maryland Dog-Friendly Hiking Spots in Maryland Top Dog-Friendly Brunch Spots in Baltimore

9 Dog-Friendly Hikes in Maryland

This blog post was written in part by Tara Steigerwalt of The Hiker Babes Community! Founded in 2017, The Hiker Babes Community is a women-only hiking community with chapters all around the world. Their goal is to provide a safe, all-inclusive environment to share adventures, inspire others, and give back to local communities. Tara became an ambassador of the Maryland chapter in November 2018 and has since grown the chapter from 60 members to over 800! Here are Tara (and her dog Louis') favorite dog-friendly hikes in Maryland. Calvert Cliffs State Park, Orange + Red Trails Distance: ~5 miles Difficulty : Easy Entrance Fee: $5 Helpful Tips: In this park, you get to enjoy both the Southern Maryland woods & the Chesapeake Bay! Get there early in the morning or late in the afternoon and you & your pup may have the beach all to yourself! Check out 12 Places For Your Dog to go Swimming in Maryland for more details about dog-friendly water access! Greenbury Park, Point + Nature Trails Distance: 3 miles Difficulty: Easy Entrance Fee: None Helpful Tips: This park is near the Naval Academy and along an active shooting range. During training, the park is closed so be sure to check before going! Plenty of parking areas but we recommend starting at the Nature Center. Patapsco State Park, Cascade Falls Trail Distance: 3-5 miles depending on what route you take Difficulty: Easy Entrance Fee: $2 per in-state vehicle Helpful Tips: This trail is VERY popular on the weekends. Tara and her pup have enjoyed it on weekdays with fewer crowds. It's nicely covered for shade during those hot summer months but you can always cool down by the waterfall! Gunpowder Falls State Park, Little Jerusalem Distance: 2-4 miles depending on what route you take Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Entrance Fee: $3 per in-state vehicle Helpful Tips: Little Gunpowder and Jerusalem Mills Trails both have plenty of shade and water access. River Ridge Trail, Cascade Falls Trail, McKeldin Rapids Trail, Saw Mill Branch and Buzzard Rock are also fan favorites. Gunpowder Falls State Park is divided into six areas, so we strongly recommend mapping out your route before leaving home. Cromwell Valley Park and Loch Raven Distance: 1-7 miles depending on what route you take Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Entrance Fee: None Helpful Tips: For a flat, easy hike, try the Minebank Run Trail which is 1.2 miles out-and-back. Annapolis Waterworks Trail Distance: 3-10 miles with plenty of variety to create your own route Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Entrance Fee: None Helpful Tips: This trail is completely volunteer maintained! We highly recommend this trail on a sunny day! Parking is limited. Theodore Roosevelt Island (DC) Distance: 1-3 miles Difficulty: Easy Entrance Fee: None Helpful Tips: This park is very popular! But you get to immerse yourself in history with a memorial to Teddy Roosevelt, the founder of the National Park system! The marshlands make for a scenic walk with your pup and there are well-maintained boardwalks to walk over them! Parking fills up fast but don't get discouraged! Cars are constantly coming and going, so have patience and you'll find a spot! Catoctin Mountain Park , Chimney + Wolf Rock Trails Distance: 5 miles Difficulty: Moderate/Hard Entrance Fee: None Helpful Tips: Park at the Visitor Center but be sure to get there before 9am or later in the afternoon. This hike is awesome all seasons of the year! Both Chimney Rock & Wolf Rock have vast overlooks for you and a fun workout for your dog! This trail can have steep inclines & switchbacks so we recommend it for dogs that have higher energy and for people more physically active as it can be tough if you're new to hiking. No fees for the park but we recommend bringing a few bucks as a donation & dropping it off at the Visitor Center to help keep the park nicely maintained! Harpers Ferry National Park, Maryland Heights Trail Distance: 5-7 miles Difficulty: Moderate/Hard Entrance Fee: $20 per vehicle Helpful Tips: Technically this park is in Harpers Ferry, WV. You can park at the Train Station or they have a parking area with a shuttle. Parking/shuttle is $20 (FREE if you have a National Parks pass !) This trail starts off easy with crossing the Potomac River on a fun bridge! But then it has a steady and steep incline as you make your way up the mountain. The hike is worth it for an overlook of the town of Harper's Ferry! This trail is great rain or shine! The Rabbit Hole is a great dog-friendly restaurant for yummy post-hike food & beverages. They have dog biscuits for your furry hiking partner too! Interested in joining The Hikerbabe Community? It's totally free and you can do so here. They host several group hikes a month and all of them are dog-friendly! This year, they are supporting the Baltimore Humane Society and Pet Food Bank. They will be donating pet food & supplies to those that are in need as well as monetary donations to help homeless pets find their forever homes in Maryland. Please remember to bring poo bags and pick up after your pet when nature calls. (Get it?) Let's be responsible pet owners so that we can continue visiting these trails with our dogs for years to come!
If you visit one of these dog-friendly trails or one that isn't listed above, we'd love to hear about your experience! Reach out to us at hello@dogsofcharmcity.net or on Instagram . Are dogs allowed in Maryland State Parks? Yes, dogs are allowed in State Parks in Maryland. For the full list of park rules and guidelines, visit Maryland Department of Natural Resources . Love exploring dog-friendly places in Maryland? Check out these posts: 12 Places For Your Dog to Go Swimming in Maryland Top Brunch Spots in Baltimore Dog-Friendly Breweries in Maryland Dog-Friendly Wineries & Vineyards in Maryland

A Dog Owner's Guide to The Holidays in Baltimore 2022

Santa Paws is coming to town...and here's where you can find him, as well as dog-friendly Christmas light displays, holiday events, Pet Photos with Santa, holiday markets, and more holiday fun in & around Baltimore! 🎅🎄 Dog-Friendly Christmas Light Displays Tail Lights at The Symphony of Lights Head out to Columbia for this one-night-only dog event you won't want to miss! Park your car and enjoy a walking tour through the iconic Symphony of Lights with your pup! Festive costumes are encouraged and all dogs must be leashed. Date: Tuesday, December 13th
Time: 5:30PM - 8PM Location: Merriweather Post Pavilion - 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044 Tickets: $10 and must be purchased in advance here Hampden's Miracle on 34th Street I t's back again for its 73rd year! Grab some hot chocolate and walk the brightest block in Hampden with your dog to experience the real-life Christmas magic based on the classic movie, Miracle on 34th Street! Dates: November 26th - December 31st
Time: 6PM - 11PM Location: 700 W 34th St, Baltimore, MD 21211 Tickets: FREE, but check for the most recent updates here Dog-Friendly Holiday Events & Markets Christmas Village in Inner Harbor Baltimore The closest thing you'll get to the North Pole this holiday season. This indoor/outdoor holiday market is modeled after traditional German Christmas markets - cue the delicious smell of waffles, gingerbread, bratwurst and mulled wine. 🤩 From Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, head over to the Inner Harbor to enjoy great shopping (think international holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry as well as high-quality arts and crafts) and vendors in wooden booths selling traditional European food, sweets and drinks. Christmas Village is 4-paws approved and this is the perfect opportunity for your pup to pick out gifts for everyone on their list! Dates: November 24th - December 24th
Time: 11AM-7PM Sunday - Thursday and 11AM-8PM Friday - Saturday. Check out their website for holiday hours and more details. Location: West Shore Park at the Inner Harbor - 501 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21230 Tickets: Tickets are not required, but check here for more event details and parking information. Holiday Market & Party at Checkerspot Brewing Company Head over to one of our favorite dog-friendly breweries in Baltimore for pictures with your pup & Santa, plenty of local vendors to shop fr om, TWO holiday beer releases, and more! Dogs are welcome! Date: Saturday, December 3rd
Time: 12PM - 4PM Location: 1399 S Sharp St, Baltimore, MD 21230 Tickets: Tickets are not required, but you can learn more about the party here Winter Lights at The Observatory Head to Patterson Park for the 8th annual lighting of the Patterson Park Observatory! Enjoy live music, food vendors and trucks, Santa & holiday characters, a toy drive, and local gift vendors like yours truly! DOCC will be there selling dog-approved merch like dog toys, hats, sweatshirts, crewnecks & more. Dogs are welcome, but there will be crowds and lots of kids, so please use your discretion. This is a perfect way to end your day after a walk through Patterson Park and a visit to Bmore Licks for their holiday flavor and pup cup! Date: Sunday, December 4th
Time: Festival starts 4PM, lighting of the Observatory is at 6PM. Location: Patterson Park Observatory - E Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21224 Tickets: Free! Paws, Claus & Claws: Yappy Hour at Candy Lane Head downtown to Candy Lane in Center Plaza for a larger-than-life candy-themed experience featuring giant candy installations, thousands of lights, and more! For one night only, you & your pup can enjoy yappy hour, pet photos with Santa, hooman & dog treats, food vendors, and more dog-friendly fun! Date: Wednesday, December 14th
Time: 5 PM - 8PM Location: 100 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201 Tickets: Tickets are $10 and include your photos with Santa & one drink ticket! All proceeds go to BARCS! Purchase them in advance here Dog Photos with Santa Pet Photos with Santa in Fell's Point Join Fell's Point Main Street for pet photos with Santa in Broadway Square from 1 - 4PM! Come grab a photo of your precious pet with Santa for your mantle, Christmas card, or social media posts! Sign up on Eventbrite ahead of time or join the line day of - $10 for all pets, whether they’re naughty or nice! Date: Saturday, December 3rd
Time: 1PM - 4PM Location: 900 South Broadway Baltimore, MD 21231 Tickets: Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here Dog Photos with Santa at Black Flag Brewing Company Santa Claus is coming to town to take photos with your dogs (and kids)! Come out to Black Flag in Columbia, have some fantastic beer, and get some amazing photos done by Superfan Photography. Photos are free but donations are gratefully accepted. Date: Sunday, December 4th
Time: 11AM - 3PM Location: 9315 Snowden River Parkway, Columbia, MD 21046 Tickets: Free! Pet Nights with Santa at Towson Town Center Capture Santa photos with your pets! Everyone is welcome, even without pets. During Pet Night events, they are collecting donations on behalf of The Humane Society of the United States at participating locations. The most accessible parking lot for guests is U & F Lots off of Fairmount Avenue. The most accessible entrance for guests to enter the mall is Level 1 By Brass Tap/Nordstrom. Date: Monday, December 5th
Time: 4PM - 7PM Location: 25 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson, MD 21204 Tickets: Vary in pricing, advance registration highly recommended here Pet Photos with Santa Paws at B&O Railroad Museum Bring your good boys and girls to the B&O this holiday season to take their very own photos with Santa in their spacious Roundhouse. One print photo is included with ticket! Date: Tuesday, December 6th
Time: 5PM - 7PM Location: 901 West Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21223 Tickets: Purchase your tickets in advance here Dog-Friendly Christmas Tree Farms For the full list of details on these dog-friendly farms, check out our 7 Dog-Friendly Christmas Tree Farms in Maryland blog post here! Payne Christmas Trees & Holiday Market Jarrettsville Nurseries Davidson Christmas Tree Farm TLV Tree Farm Gunpowder Tree Farm Wolfe's Pine Valley Farms Clemsonville Christmas Tree Farms Dog-Friendly Christmas Must-Haves Visit our online shop to get into the holiday spirit with your pup. From doggie advent calendars to cozy winter PJ's, breed candles, and dog toys, we've got something for every dog and pet parent on your list (naughty or nice). If you're buying for a friend and not sure what to get, here are our most popular items this holiday season: I Sleep With Dogs Fuzzy Sueded Fleece Pullover Orange Crush Dog Toy Orange Crush Catnip Toy Baltimore Bench Dog Toy Dogs Are My Favorite People Beanie Dogs Are My Favorite People Sweatshirt We strongly recommend that you visit the event or venue websites before visiting for the latest hours and policies, especially with COVID-19. Please remember to bring poo bags and pick up after your pet when nature calls. Let's be responsible pet owners so that we can continue visiting these festive events with our dogs for years to come!
If you visit one of these dog-friendly Christmas events or one that isn't listed above, we'd love to hear about your experience! Reach out to us at hello@dogsofcharmcity.net or on Instagram . Love exploring dog-friendly places in Maryland? Check out these posts: Dog-Friendly Christmas Tree Farms in Maryland Dog-Friendly Breweries in Maryland Dog-Friendly Wineries & Vineyards in Maryland Dog-Friendly Coffee Shops & Cafes in Baltimore Dog-Friendly Ski Resorts and Winter Weekend Destinations in & Around Maryland

Baltimore Events and Other Festive Things to Do With Your Dog this Holiday Season

Charm City is brimming with holiday lights, Christmas celebrations, and exciting (socially-distant) festivities to get you into the holiday spirit that can be enjoyed with your dog! Here are some ideas for dog-friendly events and outings in the Baltimore area between now and Christmas to add to your holiday bucket list. Holiday Selfie Station at Harbor East Visit the Holiday Selfie Station located outside of Landmark Theatres in Harbor East for a contactless holiday photo opp! Snap a pic of you and your crew and tag #HarborEastHoliday for a chance to win a Harbor East Gift Card prize pack valued at $300. Parking is FREE between 12PM-10PM at the following garages in Harbor East through 12/24: 700 S. President Street, 650 S. Exeter Street & 1008 Aliceanna Street. 645 S. President Street, Baltimore MD 21223. Pet Photos with Santa Paws at B&O Railroad Museum Thursday, Dec. 17 from 4-6 PM, you and your well-behaved dogs are welcome to visit the B&O’s spacious Roundhouse for photos with Santa. Pets are required to remain on leash while visiting the Museum. Pet owners and Santa are required to wear masks and observe social distancing. Admission is $20 per person and free for B&O Members. Pet Photo with Santa: $12. Additional photos - $6 each. Digital photo link - $20. B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21223. Pup Cups at Bmore Licks & Photos at the Pagoda Last call for pup cups! Bmore Licks will be closing their doors for the winter season on December 24th. Stop by for a pup cup and some homemade ice cream (Candy Cane Oreo, Christmas Cookie, Sugarplum Cheesecake, or Eggnog Caramel anyone?!).🍦After ice cream, walk up to the Patterson Park Pagoda for festive photo ops with your dog. Named Best Public Park in the Dogs of Charm City 2020 Choice Awards, Patterson Park features nearly 300 acres of walking paths and a Public Dog Park. Bmore Licks, 2437 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224. Build a Dog Gingerbread House Yes, you read that correctly! Gingerbread Houses JUST FOR DOGS do exist and you can find them at Dogs of Charm City for a limited time this December! Snuggle up in front of the fire with your favorite Christmas movie (and your dog, obvy) and have fun making a gingerbread house for your dog! If you're wondering what building a Gingerbread House for your dog looks like, check out this adorable video of our friend Kyle and his mom bringing their Gingerbread Dog House to life! Mask up, get outside, support Baltimore's businesses and enjoy the Holidays with your pup this December! If you need something festive to wear to help you get into the holiday spirit, we've got you covered . Happy Howliday-ing (is that a word? is now!) If you visit one of these dog-friendly spots, we'd love to hear about your experience! Reach out to us at hello@dogsofcharmcity.net or on Instagram . Enjoyed this blog post? You may also enjoy these posts: The Ultimate Maryland Pet Parent Holiday Gift Guide Dog-Friendly Christmas Tree Farms in Maryland

Baltimore Pet Businesses During Coronavirus Pandemic: What's Open and What's Closed

**UPDATED MAY 26, 2020 Veterinary Hospitals, Pet supply stores, and Animal Facilities are considered essential businesses in Maryland under Governor Hogan’s latest executive order. Many pet businesses that have remained open are offering curbside services and have made adjustments to their hours and the way they operate in order to meet dog owners' needs while supporting social distancing rules and regulations. If you’re like us, you’ve been googling things like, “are dog parks still open?” and “does Petco offer curbside pickup?”. We reached out to Parks and Recreation, local pet stores, dog daycare facilities, vet offices, groomers, and animal shelters in the Baltimore area to get the scoop on their current hours and any changes to how they are operating. Dog Parks Canton Dog Park - at least 6ft distance must be maintained between owners at all times and no more than 5 people in the park at once. Downs Dog Beach - Closed until further notice. Howard St Dog Park - at least 6ft distance must be maintained between owners at all times and no more than 5 people in the park at once Latrobe Dog Park - at least 6ft distance must be maintained between owners at all times and no more than 5 people in the park at once Patterson Dog Park - at least 6ft distance must be maintained between owners at all times and no more than 10 people in the park at once Paw Point Dog Park - Closed until further notice. Quiet Waters Dog Beach - Closed until further notice. Worthington Dog Park - Closed through April 24, 2020 Pet Stores Howl - Reduced hours 1pm - 6:30p Tuesday through Friday, 11am - 6pm on Saturday and 11am - 5pm on Sunday. Closed on Monday. Taking orders by email for pickup at howlinhampden@gmail.com Loyal Companion Stores - Reduced hours 10am - 6pm. Offering curbside service including payment over the phone. Canton and Mt. Washington locations are still offering grooming but Federal Hill/McHenry Row location is not. Mutt Mart - Reduced hours 1pm - 6pm on weekdays, 11am - 3pm Saturday and Sunday, CLOSED on Tuesday. Offering FREE local delivery and price matching. Petco Canton - Reduced hours 10am - 6pm (10am - 5pm for grooming). Offering curbside pickup for online orders (call when you arrive and they will bring out order). Grooming is by appointment only (no walk-in services). Pet Valu ( Southside Marketplace, Mt. Vernon and The Rotunda Locations) - Reduced hours 10am - 6pm. Allowing max of two customers into the store at a time. Self wash and grooming services are unavailable at this time. The Dog Chef Cafe - O pen by appointment only. Still taking orders and making food deliveries. If you’re looking for same-day delivery and don’t want to leave your home, digital convenience delivery services such as GoPuff and Instacart will bring everything from dog food to tennis balls to your home in as little as one hour for a small delivery fee. Dog Daycare & Boarding Facilities Camp Bow Wow Columbia - Reduced hours 630am - 7pm Monday through Friday and 630am - 10am and 330pm - 7pm on Saturday and Sunday. Dogtopia of Canton -Regular operating hours as of 5/26. Offering curbside drop off/pick up for daycare and boarding. Offering 25% off all spa services on Wednesdays and 25% off nail trims on Thursdays. Dogwood Acres Pet Retreat - Regular operating hours. Offering curbside service and pet limo transportation. Downtown Dog Resort - Regular operating hours. Sobo Dog Daycare - Closed until further notice. Eastern Animal Hospital - Offering boarding and Doggie Daycare. No free evaluations/new dogs until further notice. Good Doggie Daycare - Regular operating hours. Pooches and Purrs - Closed until further notice. The Dog Chef Cafe - Offering dog boarding by appointment only. Dog Grooming Hair of the dog – Serving only emergency health care workers at this time. Petco Canton - Reduced hours for grooming 10am - 5pm. By appointment only (no walk-in services). Prince Benji - Regular operating hours. Please call to schedule an appointment. Loyal Companion Canton - Offering in-store grooming between 10a-3p. Booking about one month out. Vet Offices Aardmore Veterinary Hospital - Regular operating hours. Charm City Veterinary Hospital - Mon and Tuesday 8am - 4pm, Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 8am - 5-pm, Friday 8am - 3pm. Requiring curbside service (all clients are asked to wait in their car and staff will take and bring dog back to car when finished). Trying to limit visits for sick animals only. CityPets Veterinary Care and Wellness - Regular operating hours. Allowing only one client with animal in at a time and being directed straight back to room when entering clinic. Still doing routine visits on an appointment-only basis. Countryside Veterinary Clinic - Regular operating hours. Doc-Side Veterinary Medical Center - 7:30am - 7:30pm Monday through Friday. Curbside only, no patients in building at all. Requiring medical history from owner over phone. Eastern Animal Hospital - 7:30am - 9pm Monday - Friday, 7:30a - 4pm on Saturday and 10am - 4pm and Sunday. Using curbside pet dropoff system (c lients call when they arrive in the parking lot, are met at their car, checked in, a brief history is taken and pet is escorted inside the building. Clients are asked to wait in their car and the Veterinarian will call the client on the phone for their pet's consult.  Payment is made over the phone and their pet is returned to them at their car). No owners in the building. Curbside pickup for all medication or dietary needs. Hampden Veterinary Hospital - 9am - 4pm Monday through Friday and urgent care only. No new clients at this time Harbor View Animal Hospital - 8am - 5pm Monday through Friday, closed on Saturday for time being. Requesting clients only utilize for urgent care services at this time. Light Street Animal Hospital : 8am - 6:30pm Monday through Friday and 7:30am - 1:30pm on Saturdays. Owners can enter the building with pets at this time. You'll Never Walk Alone - Dr. Kip is still doing home vet visits. Per the office, hoping to have a license secured by next week so they are able to open their Can Company office. Animal Shelters BARCS - O pen to the public by appointment only for adoption and emergency intake by emailing info@barcs.org or calling 410-396-4695. Appointments are required for all visitors, including adoptions, surrenders, volunteers and fosters. Click here for more information around the specifics of each program. Maryland SPCA - Temporarily closed to the public. Read more here . Baltimore Humane Society - The shelter remains open to care for the animals, for adoptions, and to provide pet food to individuals who are experiencing financial difficulties. The spay/neuter and wellness clinic is closed until further notice. All volunteer orientations and community outreach events have been canceled/postponed until it is deemed safe to reschedule. Other Pearly White Pets - Regular operating hours at Gaithersburg location. Offering in-home visits beginning the week of March 30th. Are you a pet business owner who would like to be added to this list? Email us at hello@dogsofcharmcity.net.

Confessions of Baltimore Dog Moms

We Baltimore dog moms love our dogs. Like really, really love our dogs. We are totally obsessed with our dogs, and we could not be more proud. You will often hear us refer to ourselves as dog momagers, dog moms, puppy baby mommas, and crazy dog ladies. Loving? Definitely. Crazy? Possibly. If you're a dog owner wondering if you're a #dogmom, read on. We Baltimore dog moms do not mess around when it comes to the happiness of our fur children! Here are some of the things we do best when it comes to our dogs. We Pamper Them and Make Sure They are Looking Their Best. Their Style is Better Than Ours, and We Are Well Aware. Allison & Telly (@tellsulater) I brush my dog’s teeth with an electric toothbrush Lyndsay & Wilson (@apupnamedwilly) I had the groomer give my dog a blueberry facial. Dana & Piper (@piperthepin) My dog has Louis Vuitton. I don't even have Louis Vuitton. Emily & Chia (@Chiathesuperdog) My dog and I have matching shirts. Kaila & Finley (@doodnamedfinley) I’ve spend hundreds of dollars on bandanas, bow ties, and leashes. I don’t care how much they are, but when It comes to my clothes I only shop on sale/clearance. Caitlyn & Remy (@Remythefrenchie5) Every Friday we have a fashion show at the house so I can see all of the new clothes I got him that week. Claudia and Hazel (@Hazeldoodlegram) I take 4 days to pack my dog’s bag and only one for mine. We Make Sure Everyone Knows They are a Big Deal (Because They Are). Emily & Fika (@fikaonfleeka) I have a business card for my dog. Paige & Ollie (@ollie.pop.cavalier) I have a tattoo of my dog’s face on my forearm. People in public always say “he’s so cute!” and I forget he’s on my arm. Kaila & Finley (@doodnamedfinley) We have two walls in our house with hand-drawn and framed portraits of our dog. Jamie and Tyson I brought my dog to “bring your child to work day”. We Take Them Everywhere Lyndsay & Wilson (@pupnamedwilly) One time I snuck my dog into Target in an oversized bag. No regrets. Jamie & Tyson I purchased a carrier for my pup Tyson so I can bring him on scooter rides all over Charm City. He is my angel and therefore should not have to walk himself anywhere. Stacy & Smitty (@smittythepup) Smitty gets to come to work with me. At times I feel like I should give him his day off, so I let him sleep in and come home at lunch to pick him up. I feel like a nice boss/ dog mom! Mackenzie, Wallie & Cleo When we go on family car rides, my dogs sit shotgun in their car seat and my boyfriend sits in the back. Morganne, Scarlett & Boh (@scarleydays) I set up a paradise in the back of the car for my dogs when we travel. Even with the 5 star hotel in the back, they still demand to sit up front with me. One time, during a 6 hour drive, I crawled in the back and laid my body in the dog bed with them. The luggage wheel marks in my back were worth it for their happiness. It’s a dog mom thing. We Never Let Them Go Hungry Bunkin (@bunkinbmore) One time, I realized – after Dogma was closed – that I ran out of dog food. I went out on a date that night to Dinner at The Prime Rib and ate only half of my prime rib so that my dog could eat the rest. My date was horrified that I was saving half of my food for my dog, and I was horrified that he was horrified. No second date, but a delicious and nutritious bone-in piece of beef for my dog! Pricilla and Reebs (@Priscillaandreebs) I’m a vegetarian but order ham and cheese sandwiched so my dog can eat the ham. Annie, Ruca & Kora Anytime I brunch with my dogs, they each get their own plate of bacon. Pricilla and Reebs (@Priscillaandreebs) I once ran out of dog food and my Amazon shipment got lost. It’s 9pm, and Reebs was starving, so I grub-hubbed (new verb?) a hamburger. We Put Their Happiness First Kelly & Scout (@itsallaboutscoutgirl) I put on puppy movies for my dog on Netflix (Santa Paws, Super Buddies, Snow Buddies, etc.) when I have to leave so she would hopefully be less lonely. Emily & Natty My lab tries to get in the bathroom with me so often while I go to the bathroom, that I stopped shutting the door so she could. Crazy or loving? Jenn and Milo (@Miloooooooooooooo) I spend more money on my dog’s clothes, toys, and treats than I do my groceries each month. Ciara & Zoey I called out “sick” for my dog’s birthday. I had to block all of my coworkers on Instagram that day so I could post pictures of my dog. It was a smashing success. Morganne, Scarlett & Boh (@scarleydays) I sit with them as they eat their food, because who actually wants to eat alone? Right next to the bowl.

DIY Barkuterie Boards For Your Dog

Yes, charcuterie boards for dogs are a thing and we are here for it. We first came across Barkuterie, that is, charcuterie for dogs, on our Instagram Explore Page. We went down a barkuterie rabbit hole and stumbled across Barkuterie Boards LLC , a female-owned business based in Atlanta, GA serving up charcuterie boards for dogs. We reached out to Barkuterie Boards' owner, Amanda Yu-Nguyen, to get the lowdown on all things barkuterie. Read on to learn more about how Amanda got started, her tips on building your very own DIY barkuterie board, and inspiration for a DIY St. Patrick's Day barkuterie board. As many great ideas come about, Barcuterie Boards started as a text message between Amanda and her sister. "What better way to combine two of my passions, dogs and food, than creating charcuterie for dogs," Amanda thought. After an enthusiastic response and many test boards for Amanda's pups, Tokyo and Nali, Barkuterie Boards officially launched in December of 2020. Barkuterie boards are heavily influenced by the artistic creations of human charcuterie boards with dog-safe foods. Not only do barkuterie boards make for a fun activity to do with your dog, but they also provide canine enrichment for your pup. Introducing new foods with different textures is mentally stimulating for dogs, as dogs love to use their sense of smell to figure out what they’re eating. Think of canine enrichment as a workout for your dog’s mind! DIY Barkuterie Tips DO YOUR RESEARCH Make sure any human foods you use are dog-friendly. If you aren't sure, use this guide as a starting point. If you have questions about dog-safe foods or incorporating new foods into your dog's diet, consult your veterinarian. PLAY AROUND WITH SHAPES, SIZES, AND TEXTURES Incorporate foods that you know your dog loves to eat, and experiment with new foods. If your dog likes crunchy treats, try incorporating some crunchy vegetables such as carrots. If your dog prefers soft foods, peanut butter and Greek yogurt make for yummy snacks. GET CREATIVE Have you ever seen Michelin Star chefs plate their food? Their dishes have dimension and yours can too. Stack treats and smear peanut butter. Choose produce with vibrant colors and get artsy! HAVE FUN This is a creation for your pup, so enjoy the process. We promise that your dog is going to love his or her barkuterie board regardless of how it looks. Dog-Safe Barkuterie Ideas · Jerky Treats - Chicken, Beef, Sweet Potato, Salmon Skin · Natural Chews - Bully Sticks, Pig Ears, Duck Feet are all great. Bonus points for naturally cleaning your dog’s teeth as they chew! · Fruit - apple slices, strawberries, banana slices, watermelon, blueberries · Veggies - carrots, green beans, bell peppers, broccoli, cucumbers · Kibble - incorporate all or part of your dog's dinner into your board · Frozen Treats - Freeze bone broth, plain greek yogurt or goat milk in an ice cube tray or a fun paw print silicone mold . · Cheese in small amounts! · Other Dog-Safe Toppings - Greek Yogurt, Peanut Butter, Pumpkin Purée, Unsweetened Coconut Boards, Cookie Cutters & More · Cookie Cutter Shape Set · Mini Letter Cookie Cutter Set · Compostable Cups and Lids · Silicone Baking Cups · Charcuterie Boards - If you want to use a traditional charcuterie board, you can find them at Target and TJ Maxx. Consider supporting local by purchasing a board from a regional woodworker or small business. Boards do not have to be expensive. Exhibit A: This pink dinner plate we found at Target for fifty cents. You can also use a serving platter or plate from your kitchen cabinet, or your dog's bowl! DIY St. Patrick's Day Inspired Barkuterie Board Looking for a creative way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your dog? Here are some ideas you can incorporate into a festive Saint Patrick's day barkuterie board for your dog. · Green Bell Pepper Shamrock: wash a green bell pepper, remove the seeds. Slice the bottom of the pepper and use it as a filled shamrock. Alternately, you can continue slicing the whole pepper and use a sliver as a shamrock outline. Cut a short strip of the pepper to use as the base of the shamrock. · Green Dog Popsicle Recipe : get a dog-themed silicon mold and fill it with a green smoothie blend (Greek yogurt, spinach, cucumber, banana). Freeze and remove from the mold when you’re ready to create your board. Alternatively, you could freeze Primal Pet Foods Green Goddess Raw Goat’s Milk . · Green Dog-Friendly Foods : Green Bell Pepper, Cucumbers, Spinach, Green Apples, Green Beans, Snap Peas, Broccoli · Use your letter cutters and press out a fun St. Patrick’s Day saying from slices of mozzarella cheese! Remember, feed dogs cheese sparingly in moderation. For more Barkuterie Board inspiration, follow Barkuterie Boards on Instagram at @barcuterieboards and on Facebook at facebook.com/barkuterieboards . Custom orders from Barcuterie Boards are currently available only in metro Atlanta, but who knows, maybe one day they will ship to Charm City! In the meantime, go support this female entrepreneur on social media as she follows her Barkuterie dreams. Looking for more dog recipes and DIY activities to do with your do with your dog? Check out these posts: Easy Carrot Cake Pupcakes DIY Dog Boredom Busters

DIY Dog Boredom Busters

Did you know that mental stimulation and problem-solving can be just as exhausting for your dog as physical exercise? Here are some of our favorite inexpensive DIY dog boredom busters you can make at home. Busy Box Enrichment Toy via Wear Wag Repeat Grab the empty cardboard wine or tequila box that we know you have laying around, and use your imagination for dog-friendly things to put inside. Some of our favorite “fillings” include dry kibble food (put your dog’s entire dinner inside to extend mealtime), Cheerios and squeaky Kong tennis balls. Poke holes in the box if it doesn't already have an opening to keep your dog engaged and entertained. Check out the full post from Tori at Wear Wag Repeat for instructions and ideas for things to put inside. Snuffle Matt via Proud Dog Mom Whether you call it nose work, foraging, hunting or snuffling, it’s all really the same thing – it’s your dog’s way of using his or her nose to sniff out good things to eat. Enter the Snuffle Mat. The snuffle mat is designed to mimic the grass your dog forages in outside. Made from strands of fabric attached to a backing, you can bury treats and kibble throughout the mat to create a game of hide-and-seek for you r dog's nose. All you need is a piece of cardboard, an old pillowcase or t-shirt, and scissors. Ch eck out this post by Proud Dog Mom for detailed instructions. 4-Layer Kong Recipe via Wear Wag Repeat Did you know that there is an optimal way to stuff a Kong to make it last longer? YES. The way you stuff your dog’s kong is about to change completely. A Kong is a great way to quietly keep your dog busy (think bark-free virtual work meetings). Read about the long-lasting, optimal kong layering technique here .
Share your DIY Dog Boredom Buster creations with us on social media! If you’re not a DIY person and would rather purchase enrichment toys, check out our Amazon Prime favs here . Looking for DIY activities to do with your dog? Check out these posts: DIY Barkuterie Boards For Your Dog Easy Carrot Cake Pupcakes

Dear Santa: We’ve Been Nice. Signed, The Dogs of Charm City

Word on the street is that Santa’s cutoff date for deciding who’s naughty and who’s nice was last week. Fortunately, nearly all of Baltimore’s dogs made the nice list this year despite a lengthy list of minor slip ups. Thank goodness for redeeming nice-list behaviors (and adorably guilty faces). Dogs are born troublemakers — but every dog owner knows that there's no such thing as a dog on the Naughty List, no matter how bad they may have been. We asked dogs around the DMV to share their naughty and nice highlights from the year. Here were some of our favorites: Naughty Highlights Acts of Destruction I Made the couch explode @kona.the dobie Chewed up dad’s winning scratch off @doubledoodluna Ate and shredded an entire box of leftover puppy pads @baby_got_baxter_ While our parents were at work, we pulled their potted plants from the window sill, ate the flowers and then peed all over the dirt so that it got stuck on the floor. @jackson.and.hunter Ate/shredded most of mom’s mail @baxter_in_bowties Chewed through the laundry basket to steal all the dirty socks and undies @sparkythemaltipon I broke my mom’s ankle @kahi_in_md Pee, Poo and Shart Accidents I peed on my mom’s head while she was sleeping. Reason? Still TBD. @astrothefrenchbulldog Goin tinklys on the couch (my nickname is Sprinkles). @snoopy_and_olive I peed on mom and dad’s duvet @penny_the_mini_doxie I may have went potty in an elevator @the_xander_the_mander Sharted on mom and dad’s bed @baselthegoldendoodle Peed all over Mimi’s furniture every time I came to visit @winstonchurchillthepug Peed on my grandpa while he was sleeping @ti_doublegoodboi Pee on momma’s prized couch @murphthesmurfcorgi Pooped on the rug and then got the zoomies and ran through it @lifewithlunalouisa I peed on my pawrents bed twice in one week @natsu.theloaf Rolled in fox poo 4 times in one weekend, making the hooman give me 4 baths in 3 days @hyperpiper219 Mom & dad were out and checked on the furbo camera only to find me doing a number 2 right on the sofa 😇 @winniethewhitelab I roll in poop every chance I get @ellie_little_legs Chasing After Things (squirrels, people, bikes, electric scooters) I ran after my sister (cashew cat) one too many times…and maybe tried to eat her… @onyx_themalxgsd Tried to steal a blind man’s cane right out of his hand! Mom was so embarrassed @Ottotheenglishlab I took up a personal vendetta against every scooter and bike in the city and made sure to bark every time I saw one, making walks stressful for mommy and commuters alike @swalker19 Poor Food Choices Ate all of mama scrunchies n headbands n puken em on Grandma hardwood floors @Pippa_thegreat Ate a whole plate of blueberry muffins that were cooling on the stove while my hoomans were outside @porterethepooch17 I tried to eat all the cookie dough when mom was making xmas cookies @scrollindowntheriver I snuck a chunk of poo when mom wasn’t looking and then yacked it up in the back of her car! @ottotheenglishlab I trick mom’s roommate into giving me a second dinner @barnabypoug Ate a stick of butter that my pawrent left out, it was delicious @jakefromCatonsville Eated everyboy’s shoelaces @darcy_the_choclate I tore out all the fluff inside my bed and ate FOUR pairs of mom’s shoes @bellythebernedoodle Tried to snack on a decaying rat outside in the courtyard. Mom had to use jaws of life to pry it from my chops as guts spewed out and bones crunched @theartooarchives I ate mommy’s expensive sandals and chewed up the banister @elperropablito Bad Habits Hitting my pawrents with my paws to wake them up when I'm hungry @boomerbearthenewfie I am the goodest gurl except when mom & dad leave empty Starbucks cups on the table. I LOVE PAPER CUPS. Fav thing 2 shred. My beard was orange for 3 days after I found an empty PSL cup. #basic @snoopy_and_olive Learned how to jump onto the coffee table to steal my mom and dads food @milkthespeckledspaniel My favorite thing to do is drink out of the toilet @aneedforreed I eat my treats REALLY fast so I can take my brother’s treats OUT OF HIS MOUTH and eat them myself. @brixton_louis_the_frenchie Brought a dead bird into mahm’s house @ti_doublegoodboi Nice Highlights Protection Protected my home from every leaf that blew by @supercooper413 Woofed at every man who dare lay eyes on mama @pippa_thedane Protected my mom from a giant mean yellow threat on the sidewalk (recycling bin) @brixton_louis_the_frenchie Brought Joy to Hoomans Gave my human a best friend @Hyperpiper219 Comfort mom during the times she was upset, and snuggle her to bed every night @willowgoestocollegeee Snuggled up next to mom in the bed during the middle of the night. While I did wake mom up because her arm was tingling from the weight of my head, she said it was worth it. @nox_theblacklab Gave mams + dad unlimited supply of kisses, cuddles and love @onyx_themalxgsd Spread love to all, one Mer hug at a time @meritthemini Make mom and dad feel better after losing my brother Jack @snoopy_and_olive Give Olive a sibling again and helped heal mom and dad’s heart after losing Jack. @snoopy_and_olive Snuggled mommy when she was sad @Darcy_the_chocolate Be gentle to every mini hooman I met @falafelthefluff Celebration of Special Milestones with our Hoomans Sat through many hours of lectures with mom and brought her smiles as she finished grad school @porterthepooch17 Helped my dad propose to my mom @doodnamedfinley We were the perfect model dogs for our parents engagement shoot @suttandlucy Acts of kindness Donated food, treats, and toys to BARCS Animal Shelter. @the_xander_the_mander Snuggled up with my foster siblings. I’m not much of a snuggler but I could tell they needed it <3 @dominoandfosters Played with all furrends no matter size, shape, or color @itsyourboy.blue I reviewed food out of the kindness of my own heart @firstofthebuffetline Shared my house, bones, toys, and hoomans with my foster sister and taught her how to be a good doggo so she would be all ready for her new furever family! @winstonchurchillthepug I Became a big brother and learned patience when dealing with a puppy @smittythepup Self-Improvement I graduated from puppy basics! I’ve learned to walk better on a leash, listen to commands and I'm finally not peeing in their house or mom’s hair @astrothefrenchbulldog Made friends with my neighborhood doggos and learned how to walk on a leash better @milethespeckledspaniel Did your pets have any “naughty” or “nice” moments this year? Do tell! Shoot us a message on Facebook or Instagram with your dog’s naughtiest and nicest moment from 2019!

Dog Halloween Events Around Baltimore

From spooky yappy hours and doggie costume contests, to a dog-friendly Halloween drag show, dog-dedicated days at a farm, and MORE...keep reading for a MEGA list of all the Halloween events for dogs in & around Baltimore! 👻🎃🐶 Thursday, October 13th Spook-tacular Yappy Hour at The Point 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm 1738 Thames Street, Baltimore, MD 21213 Join our friends at The Point for a Halloween-themed yappy hour where all proceeds go to BARCS! Your ticket snags you your first cocktail free, a goodie bag & more! Come dressed up with your pup and enjoy raffles, a doggie menu, and prizes for those voted best dressed! MORE Saturday, October 15th Dogfest 11:00 am - 4:00 pm 1601 Nicodemus Road, Reisterstown, MD 21136 Join The Baltimore Humane Society and over 3,000 animal lovers for this pet-centric fundraiser & community event full of games, contests, food, and fun. There will be plenty of activities for the pups, including bowling, a treasure hunt, a 20-yard dash, a bubble chase, paw painting, and fun in the sand. There are also contests and prizes for Best Halloween Costume, Best Kisser, Best Dancer, Best Owner/Pet Look-alike, Catch the Treat, Musical Sit, and Best Pet Trick. There will be pet-themed arts & crafts, face painting, and a bounce house to engage the kids, pet rescue groups with adoptable animals, and loads of vendors and food trucks. MORE Sunday, October 16th Tails on the Rails at B&O Railroad 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm 901 West Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21223 Come best dressed with your pup to the B&O this Halloween for an afternoon of tails on the rails. There will be a train ride to Carroll Park, activities under the pavilion, free pet photos, and a “Yappy” Hour for all the adults in the building! Owners must buy tickets in advance and pre-register their dogs with proof of a rabies vaccine and sign a hold harmless waiver. Please send completed forms to EBlinzley@borail.org . Each dog must be accompanied by one adult. All dogs must be on a leash and owners must bring waste bags. MORE Saturday, October 22nd Dogs of Charm City x Yelp Howl-o-ween Doggie Costume Party at Monument City Brewing 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm 1 N Haven St, Baltimore, MD 21224 Yelp and Dogs of Charm City have joined forces to throw the ultimate Howl-o-ween Doggie Costume Party (& contest!) on Saturday, October 22nd from 3-5 PM at Monument City Brewing! Join us for brews & barks and SO much more, including a chance to learn more about the Yelp Elite Squad, human food from Tacos Friday food truck & Butch's Bistro, INSANELY delicious cupcakes from Catherine's Classic Cakes, live music, games, AND a live doggie costume contest (with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes containing swag from yours truly, Yelp AND Monument City)! Tickets are $25 for one hooman & one dog. This gains you and/or your dog entry into the costume contest, one free beer, one free slice of doggie PUPkin pie, AND the chance to win one of our amazing top 3 prizes! Both humans & pups are encouraged to arrive in costume! MORE Monday, October 24th Hallo-Week at Bark Social, Day #1: Double Trouble Halloween Costume Contest 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm 3822 Boston St, Baltimore MD Kick-off Halloween week strong with a costume contest for you and your pup! Head to Bark Social in a coordinating costume with your pup and you could win some pretty spooktacular prizes! Don't forget: All dogs must be registered and have valid vaccinations to enter Bark Social (register here ). MORE Tuesday, October 25th Hallo-Week at Bark Social, Day #2: Halloween Cookie Decorating 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm 3822 Boston St, Baltimore MD Nothing better than cookie decorating to get in the holiday spirit! Join Bark Social for sugar cookies from a local bakery, Sunflower Bakery, with plenty of icing (in different colors) to turn your plain sugar cookie into a Halloween masterpiece! Everything you need will be provided, whether you come with friends or bring a pup! (PS - sugar cookies are both human and dog-friendly, YES!) Don't forget: All dogs must be registered and have valid vaccinations to enter Bark Social (register here ). MORE Friday, October 28th Hallo-Week at Bark Social, Day #5: Drag me to Halloween 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm 3822 Boston St, Baltimore MD Join Bark Social for a one-of-a-kind Drag Dance Party with dogs! Come dressed in costume and ready to dance! Hosted by, Kayen Amore Chloe and Egyppt Chole, with performances by Ervena Chloe, Ricky Rosé, Stelya Manz, and dance all night to beats by DJ Confetti The First! Tickets are limited, and this event is expected to sell out, so get yours today! Don't forget: All dogs must be registered and have valid vaccinations to enter Bark Social (register here ). MORE Saturday, October 29th 6th Annual Dog Days at Sharp's Farm 10:00 am – 5:00 pm 4003 Jennings Chapel Rd, Brookeville, MD 20833 Sharp's Farm is always dog-friendly ( check out our guide to all the dog-friendly pumpkin patches in MD here ), but October 29th and 30th are dedicated to dogs! Dress your dog up in costume and you will receive $1 off any pumpkin. Stroll through acres of pumpkin fields and pick out the perfect pumpkin, enjoy a tractor hayride (dogs are allowed on!), say hi to farm animals, and visit their fully stocked country store with local honey, apple cider, locally made pumpkin pie, pumpkin butter, and fresh fall flowers! MORE 2nd Annual Costume PAWty at Choptank 10:00 am 1640 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, MD 21213 Enjoy a boozy brunch with your pup at Choptank hosted by The Baltimore Humane Society & Tito's Vodka! Dogs & hoomans are encouraged to come in costume and can enjoy a photo booth, a special doggie menu, a live caricature artist, giveaways, and live music! MORE Hallo-Week at Bark Social, Day #6: Halloween DJ Dance Pawty 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm 3822 Boston St, Baltimore MD It's the Saturday before Halloween...are you gettin' down with your dog?! Head to Bark Social for one heck of a party with a costume contest and a DJ dance party! Get ready for dancing, prizes, spoooky cocktails, and a howling good time! Get creative with your costume contests for a chance to win some fun prizes. Don't forget: All dogs must be registered and have valid vaccinations to enter Bark Social (register here ). MORE Sunday, October 30th 6th Annual Dog Days at Sharp's Farm 10:00 am – 5:00 pm 4003 Jennings Chapel Rd, Brookeville, MD 20833 Sharp's Farm is always dog-friendly ( check out our guide to all the dog-friendly pumpkin patches in MD here ), but October 29th and 30th are dedicated to dogs! Dress your dog up in costume and you will receive $1 off any pumpkin. Stroll through acres of pumpkin fields and pick out the perfect pumpkin, enjoy a tractor hayride (dogs are allowed on!), say hi to farm animals, and visit their fully stocked country store with local honey, apple cider, locally made pumpkin pie, pumpkin butter, and fresh fall flowers! MORE 2nd Annual Puppy Pizza Party & Costume Contest at Verde 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm 641 S. Montford Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224 Join Verde on their #DOCCVerified patio for some delicious pizzas, $5 Checkerspot brews, a costume contest for the pups with prizes & more! Head to Verde's Instagram to learn MORE N eed some last-minute dog Halloween costume inspo? Head to our Pinterest Page for a bunch of DIY dog costumes that you can whip up in no time! Looking for more dog-friendly things to do in and around Baltimore? Check out these posts: Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Patches, Apple Picking & Fall Fun in Maryland, DC & Virginia Dog-Friendly Breweries in Maryland Dog-Friendly Wineries & Vineyards in Maryland Dog-Friendly Christmas Tree Farms in Maryland

Dog-Friendly Breweries in Maryland

Maryland's beer scene has blown up in the past decade, to the point where a new brewery seems to be popping up every month. To our excitement, most breweries in Maryland are dog-friendly. From taprooms to brewpubs to beer co-ops, here is a list of dog-friendly breweries from Baltimore to the Eastern Shore that you need to check out with your dog! Use this guide to find the right brewery: 🌲 Dogs allowed outside only 🌮 Has really good food Baltimore City Checkerspot Brewing Charm City Meadworks Monument City Brewing Diamondback Brewing 🌲 Union Brewing 🌲 Mobtown Brewing Waverly Brewing 🌲 Oliver Brewing (only open on Saturdays, 12-5 PM) Suspended Brewing (temporarily closed while moving from Pigtown to North Baltimore!) Peabody Heights Brewery Nepenthe Brewing 🌲🌮 Guilford Hall Brewery 🌲🌮 Pariah Brewing Wico Street Beer Co. Pickett Brewing Company Ministry of Brewing M8 Beer NEW!   Baltimore County Heavy Seas Brewing B.C Brewing Pooles Island Brewing Company Big Truck Farm Brewery 🌲 Harford County Independent Brewing Company🌲 AleCraft Brewery Double Groove Brewing Company Falling Branch Brewery 🌲 Slate Farm Brewery 🌲 Market Street Brewery Howard County Hysteria Brewing Company Black Flag Brewing Co Sapwood Cellars 🌲 Carroll County 1623 Brewing Company Brewery Fire 🌲 Liquidity Aleworks Milkhouse Brewery at Stillford Farm Pipe the Side Brewing Company 🌲 Pub Dog Brewing Company 🌲 Ruhlman Brewery 🌲 Flood Zone Marketplace & Brewery 🌲 Freys Brewing Company Frederick County Attaboy Brewery Brewer’s Alley 🌮 🌲 Frey’s Brewing Company Mad Science Brewing Company Monocacy Brewing Company Idiom Brewing Steinhardt Brewing Smoketown Brewing Station 🌲 Rockwell Brewery 🌲 1812 Brewery 🌲 Prospect Point Brewing Olde Mother Brewing 🌲 Montgomery County 7 Locks Brookeville Beer Farm 🌲🌮 Denizens Brewing Elder Pine Brewing Lone Oak Farm Brewery Saints Row Brewing Silver Branch Brewing Company Astro Lab Brewing 🌲 Waredaca Brewing 🌲 True Respite Brewing Company 🌲 Landmade Beer 🌲 Anne Arundel County Pherm Brewing Forward Brewing 🌲 Chesepiooc Real Ale Brewery Prince George's County Streetcar 82 🌲 Calvert County Mully's Brewery 🌲 The Ruddy Duck Brewery & Grill 🌲 Cecil County 5th Company Brewing 🌲 Elk River Brewing Company Garrett County Short Story Brewing 🌲 Mountain State Brewing 🌲 (during the spring & summer seasons only) Queen Anne's County Ten Eyck Brewing Company 🌲 Eastern Shore Big Oyster Brewery 🌲 Crooked Hammock Brewery 🌲 Dogfish Head 🌮 Dewey Beer Co. Eastern Shore Brewing Sinepuxent Brewing Company The Other One Brewing Co. 🌲 NEW in OCMD! Breweries in Maryland that are NOT Dog-Friendly Guinness Brewery Baltimore (dogs are allowed only during advertised dog events) Burley Oak Brewing Company Farmacy Brewing Inverness Brewing Jailbreak Brewing RaR Brewing Manor Hill Brewing Hopkins Farm Brewery Crooked Crab Brewing Key Brewing Co. We strongly recommend that you visit the website of any brewery before visiting for the latest hours and policies. Please remember to bring poop bags and pick up after your pet when nature calls. Let's be responsible pet owners so that we can continue visiting these breweries with our dogs for years to come!
If you visit one of these dog-friendly breweries or one that isn't listed above, we'd love to hear about your experience! Reach out to us at hello@dogsofcharmcity.net or on Instagram . Love exploring dog-friendly places in Maryland? Check out these posts: Dog Friendly Wineries & Vineyards in Maryland 12 Places For Your Dog to Go Swimming in Maryland Top Brunch Spots in Baltimore Dog Friendly Pumpkin Patches, Apple Picking & Fall Fun in Maryland, DC and Virginia

Dog-Friendly Christmas Tree Farms in Maryland

What better way to Spruce this Christmas season up than to take your Frasier Fir-ry friend to a Christmas Tree Farm??? See what we did there? There are quite a few dog-friendly Christmas tree farms in Maryland, and the DOCC elves did the research for you so that you can get back to watching Hallmark movies and sipping eggnog! So what are you waiting for?! Check out some of these awesome dog-friendly Christmas tree farms and get into the holiday spirit with your very own tree! 🎄 Payne Christmas Trees & Holiday Market 5481 Levering Avenue Elkridge, MD 21075 410-796-7932 info@paynechristmastrees.com Open daily through December 23rd 9AM – 8PM Jarrettsville Nurseries 1121 Holy Cross Road Street, MD 21154 410-452-8677 jarrettsvillenurseries@gmail.com Open November 25th until they sell out Weekends 9AM – 5PM Weekdays 10AM – 5PM Davidson Christmas Tree Farm 1101 Emory Church Road Upperco, MD 21155 410-239-6556 info@davidsonchristmastreefarm.com Open November 18th – December 17th Monday through Thursday 12 – 5PM Friday through Sunday 8:30AM – 5PM TLV Tree Farm 15155 Triadelphia Mill Road Glenelg, MD 21155 410-489-4460 tlvtreefarm@yahoo.com Open November 18th – 19th and November 24th – 26th for cut your own trees. 9AM – 5PM with Santa on the farm from 10AM – 4PM! Check their website for the most up to date weekends open/hours. Gunpowder Tree Farm 12025 Philadelphia Road Kingsville, MD 21087 443-844-1694 Open November 24th with plenty of precut trees and a limited supply of cut your own trees. Thursday & Friday 4 – 7PM, Saturday 10AM – 7PM, and Sunday 10AM – 6PM Santa visits the farm on November 25th 12:30 – 3:30PM Wolfe's Pine Valley Farms 1150 Fannie Dorsey Road Sykesville, MD 21784 410-795-8314 info@pinevalleyfarms.com Open November 17th until they sell out! Monday – Thursday 11AM – 5PM Friday – Sunday 9AM – 5PM Clemsonville Christmas Tree Farm 10120 Clemsonville Road Union Bridge, MD 21791 410-848-6083 Open November 24th - Christmas Eve Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10AM – 5PM Greenway Farms Christmas Trees 15097 Frederick Road Woodbine, MD 21797 410-442-2388 Open November 24th for Choose-and-cut Christmas trees Monday – Friday 11AM – 5PM Saturday & Sunday 9AM – 5PM Linden Hill Christmas Tree Farm 4102 Old Crain Highway Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 301-520-3127 Open November 24th until they sell out - cash only Friday, Saturday & Sunday 8:30AM – 4:30PM Showvaker's Christmas Tree Farm 2020 Garrett Road Manchester, MD 21102 410-374-1499 info@qualityevergreens.net Open for early birds November 19th from 12 – 5PM Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 12 – 5PM Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 9AM – 5PM We strongly recommend that you visit the website of any farm before visiting for the latest hours and policies, and to ensure that they have trees left! Please remember to bring poo bags and pick up after your pet when nature calls. Let's be responsible pet owners so that we can continue visiting these beautiful farms with our dogs for years to come! If you visit one of these dog-friendly tree farms or one that isn't listed above, we'd love to hear about your experience! Reach out to us at hello@dogsofcharmcity.net or on Instagram . Looking for more dog-friendly places in Maryland to visit with your dog? Check out these posts: Baltimore's Favorite Dog-Friendly Spots The Top Dog-Friendly Brunch Spots in Baltimore Dog-Friendly Breweries in MD Dog-Friendly Wineries & Vineyards in MD