When it comes to travel and vacation planning, the one thing on every dog-owner's mind is what to do with their pet. The answer is simple – bring them with you. The Woodlands welcomes all travelers, even the four-legged ones!

There are plenty of dog parks in The Woodlands. Here, your dog can go leash-free and have a tail-wagging good time in the safety of fenced areas.

Bear Branch Dog Park

Bear Branch Dog Park

BEAR BRANCH DOG PARK

Bear Branch Dog Park offers plenty of space for both small and large dog breeds to play safely while in separate fenced areas. The park includes shaded and non-shaded seating areas for owners to comfortably watch their dogs play with plenty of space that is ideal for playing fetch and allowing your dog to run. There are mini pools for them to splash and cool off in and a water station for when they get thirsty. This is the largest dog park in The Woodlands and the ground is a mixture of mulch, gravel and dirt.

Cattail Dog Park

CATTAIL DOG PARK

Much like Bear Branch, Cattail Dog Park offers seating and shaded areas for owners. Dogs will enjoy the plastic wading pools for splashing and cooling off and there's plenty of grassy space for them to run. Let your four-legged friend work on their skills with a run through the agility tunnel! There are separate play areas for small and large breeds and a water source for you to fill up their bowl - just remember to bring one with you. 

Terramont Dog Park

Terramont Dog Park

TERRAMONT DOG PARK

On the west side of The Woodlands or what some refer to as the "back of The Woodlands," is Terramont Dog Park. This area is very wooded and much more natural than the other dog parks in The Woodlands. You'll find a picnic table and bench for human visitors to enjoy, while the fenced-in park offers tree cover for shade rather than the man-made options at the other area dog parks. It does not have a fence to separate large and small breeds from each other so all dogs are in the same fenced area. BYOB (bring your own bowl) - there's a faucet you can use to fill your bowl with water for when your dog gets thirsty.

Tamarac Dog Park

Tamarac Dog Park

TAMARAC DOG PARK 

Tamarac Dog Park is very similar to Terramont. The ground is covered with mulch and guests will be shielded from the sun by the tall pine trees in the area. No need to bring a toy, you'll find plenty of fallen limbs to play fetch with!

Harper's Landing Dog Park

HARPER'S LANDING DOG PARK

If you are looking for a dog park on the east side of I-45, head to Harper's Landing Dog Park. Here, your dog can run on the grass and make a splash in a kiddie pool. There is also agility equipment that they can play on. Bonus points for you and your dog if you can recreate the photo above! If you do, be sure to post it and tag us using #SoWoodlands.

ROB FLEMING DOG PARK

Take your pup to the newest dog park in The Woodlands, Rob Fleming Dog Park in Creekside. The grassy fenced area offers separate play areas for large and small breeds. There is not much tree cover, but there are benches and a sunshade to shield you from the elements. 

Riva Row Boat House

Pug dining at Crust Pizza

VACATION PLANNING WITH YOUR PUP

You can plan your stay in The Woodlands with your pet in mind from beginning to end. Book a stay at one of these pet-friendly hotels. Dine outdoors at one of the many restaurants in with dog-friendly patio dining, many of which are located on The Waterway or in Hughes Landing along Restaurant Row. Because your dog deserves to enjoy a good view too!

When it’s time to play, your dog has several options. They can join you on a kayak ride, for no additional charge. The Riva Row and Lakes Edge Boat Houses will provide life jackets for your dog, just in case they get a little too excited while you paddle. You can always go for a run on the pathways with your dog, with more than 220 miles to enjoy - there will be plenty to sniff out.

Remember to be a responsible pet owner, keep your dog leashed when they aren't in a fenced area, and be sure to collect and dispose of their waste properly. There are doggy waste stations and trash cans in each dog park and in high traffic areas such as Waterway Square, Town Green Park, and along various pathways.