Dog Days of August

If a dog is a man’s best friend, then he’s going to want to spend his outings and vacations in the company of his favorite companion. These restaurants, hotels, attractions and shops cater to DC dog lovers and offer pet-friendly events and services.

HAPPY HOURS:

The Helix
1430 Rhode Island Avenue, NW
Every Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. the Helix Lounge hosts “Doggy Happy Hour” on its outdoor patio. The happy hour menu features a selection of filtered ice water, fortified vitamin water and assorted treats for dogs, and $3 and $5 drinks for their owners. The restaurant is located in the Hotel Helix at 1430 Rhode Island Ave., which also welcomes pets and provides amenities for its furry guests such as treats, feeding bowls, bottled water, beds and pick-up bags.

Cantina Marina
600 Water St., SW
This outdoor patio located at the Gangplank on the Potomac offers a menu full of great finger-food and famous fish tacos any day of the week, but during happy hour on Monday evenings from 5-9 p.m., dog owners can enjoy $2 beers on the waterfront in the company of their pets.

Union Pub
201 Massachusetts Ave. NE
Dogs are always welcome on the patio at Union Pub at 201 Massachusetts Ave., and upon request will be served water while their owners enjoy the pub’s famous burgers and beer.

Pat Troy’s Ireland’s Own
111 N. Pitt St.,?Alexandria, Virginia 22314
From the patio at Pat Troy’s Irish restaurant and pub, owners can treats their dogs to a hearty Irish supper from a menu that includes chicken, chopped burger, lamb stew and beef stew, all of which comes with a bone on the side.

The Argonaut
1433 H St., NE
Argo-Mutts Happy Hour takes place on the restaurant’s patio every Saturday from 12-5 p.m. The Argonaut has formed a partnership with Metro Mutts, which will bring treats and other giveaways for dogs attending happy hour.

Art and Soul
415 New Jersey Ave., NW
Art and Soul serves dog meals and treats every day of the week from its “Pooch Patio Menu.” Beverages include water, nonalcoholic “Bowser Beer” and “Vitapaw” – a vitamin enhanced water, and frozen raw bones, three ounce or six ounce grilled steak and beef tips with sauce and rice are among the entrée selections. The restaurant also serves homemade dog biscuits and granola treats.

Jay’s Saloon and Grille
3114 10th St. N, Arlington, VA 22201
Dogs are always welcome on the Arlington restaurant’s patio, but in addition, the Jay’s Saloon and Grille hosts “Yappy Hour” from 1-4 p.m. one Sunday each month. Pets can enjoy water, treats and games while their owners chill with a two-dollar bottle of beer, a $1.50 draft or $2.95 glass of wine.

Hotel Monaco
480 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
The hotel’s locations in DC and Alexandria are both pet-friendly, and deliver bottled water, food bowls, a treat and a map of popular dog walks to the rooms of guests accompanied by a four-legged companion. The Alexandria location advertises Doggy Happy Hour in the courtyard every Tuesday and Thursday from 5-8 p.m. between the months of April and October, where dogs receive complimentary treats and water and guests can order from the Jackson 20’s Bar Menu.

JUST FOR FUN:

Potomac Riverboat Co. Canine Cruise
3 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Canine Cruises depart from the Alexandria City Marina every Thursday at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. between June 16 and September 15. For $15, dog owners can take their pets on a 40-minute tour of Alexandria’s waterfront.

Doggie Style Bakery
1825 18th St NW
This bakery caters exclusively to any dog’s sweet tooth, with custom-designed dog cakes for any occasion, “Mutt Licks” – the bakery’s ice cream for dogs, fresh baked treats and cookies and a variety of all-natural dog snacks. Owners can treat their dogs to a day of pampering in the shop’s boutique and spa for professional grooming and shampooing.

GROOMING:

Chateau Animaux
524 8th St., SE
This pet store on the Hill sells pet supplies and professional grooming services, but also strives to make pet care easy for owners. For $15 dollars pet owners are given access to a tub and the supplies they need to bathe their pets themselves, or the busy pet owner can arrange for food and other supplies to be delivered straight to his or her home on a regular or occasional basis.

Metro Mutts
508 H St., NE
In addition to selling pet supplies, Metro Mutts provides dog walking and dog sitting services in the Capitol Hill area. Pet owners can select from a variety of packages to meet their pet’s walking and feeding schedules, and will receive records of their pet’s daily activities. Metro Mutts offers to take care of small household tasks during visits, including bringing in the mail, watering plants and the like.

Fur-Get Me Not
1722 Florida Ave, NW
This shop has everything a dog could need, from treats and toys to training, boarding and walking. The doggie daycare strives to meet the individual needs of each dog, and customers can take advantage of daily scheduled or overnight dog sitting services.

The Big Bad Woof
117 Carroll St NW
The Big Bad Woof carries pet gear and supplies for “the socially conscious pet,” selling Fair Trade and eco-friendly products. Their food selections are based on a holistic approach to pet health and wellness, and many products are made from organic materials.

While there are a lot of great things to do with your best buddy in the city, everyone needs a break from the bustle sometimes. Now is a great time of year to head off on a road trip with your pooch by your side. Check out this dog-friendly getaway:

Keswick Club
701 Club Drive, Keswick, Va. 22947
This stately retreat offers not only a challenging golf course, tennis courts, fine dining and well-appointed rooms, but it also extends its hospitality to its guests’ canine companions. Dogs are welcome all over the grounds and in the rooms. Beloved pooches are even incorporated into the lavish weddings that the Club often hosts with the rolling hills of the Virginia countryside as their backdrop.