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Cape Cod is a dream destination for travelers who hate the idea of leaving their dogs behind. With scenic beaches, wide open trails, and plenty of spots that welcome pups with open arms, this coastal region makes it easy to plan a trip that includes your furry companion. Whether you’re after off-leash adventures, outdoor dining with a view, or a cozy place to stay that feels like home, Cape Cod delivers. Here’s how to plan a Cape Cod pet-friendly getaway both you and your dog will love.

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Let Your Dog Run Free at These Parks and Trails

Cape Cod has more than just beaches. The region is home to a number of open spaces where your dog can roam and run. Thompson’s Field in Harwich is a local favorite. With over 50 acres of woodlands and meadows, it is a dream for dogs that love to sniff, chase, and explore. The Dennis Fresh Pond Dog Park adds even more fun with a swimming pond and wooded trails. Some areas are off-leash while others require a leash, but each one gives your pet a chance to move. Walking through these natural areas is a great way to take in Cape Cod’s quieter, wooded side.

Grab a Bite Together in Provincetown

You do not have to leave your dog behind when it is time to eat. Provincetown is one of the most pet-friendly spots on the Cape. Many of the restaurants along Commercial Street offer outdoor seating where pets are welcome. Some even provide water bowls or dog treats so your furry friend feels included. Café Heaven and The Canteen are two popular spots where you can relax with a meal while your pup lounges nearby. Walking the main drag also gives you access to fun little shops, including dog bakeries and boutique pet stores. There is even a shuttle bus where dogs ride free, adding to the fun.

Cape Cod Restaurants That Welcome Your Pup

Cape Cod loves dogs as much as you do, and as such, many of our restaurants featuring outdoor patios invite you to bring your beloved fur child along for the meal. Café Chew in Sandwich, Chatham Fish & Chips in Chatham (obviously), and Sesuit Harbor Café in Dennis are just a few of our favorites, but there are definitely many, many more. Whether you are grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a seafood dinner, you will find plenty of places that roll out the welcome mat for you and your pup. Dining out no longer means leaving your dog behind.

Dog-Friendly Beaches Around Cape Cod

Cape Cod has plenty of dog-friendly beaches with a few rules to keep in mind. Sandy Neck in Barnstable allows leashed dogs, but not on Bodfish Beach during summer. In Chatham, Jackknife Beach permits dogs before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. Eastham, Orleans, Truro, and Wellfleet allow dogs outside lifeguarded areas, with specific access times and leash rules. Provincetown is the most flexible, welcoming leashed dogs on all public beaches with off-leash hours in the morning and evening.

Book a Pet-Friendly Rental with New England Vacation Rentals

When it is time to wind down, you need a space that works for both you and your pet. That is where New England Vacation Rentals comes in. We offer a variety of cozy cottages and spacious homes that welcome pets and give them room to play. Many of our homes have fenced yards, outdoor spaces, and easy access to pet-friendly parks and beaches. Inside, you will find all the comforts you need, from fully stocked kitchens to Wi-Fi and comfortable furnishings. We know how hard it can be to travel with pets, so we make it as easy as possible. You do not have to worry about pet restrictions like you would at a hotel. Just pick the place that fits your group and let us help you enjoy every minute of your Cape Cod stay.

Start Planning Your Pet-Friendly Getaway Today

You do not have to choose between an amazing vacation and spending time with your furry friend. Cape Cod makes it easy to do both. From dog-friendly beaches and trails to outdoor dining and great spots to relax, there is something here for every pet-loving traveler. Contact us today at New England Vacation Rentals to book your stay!

Cape Cod is the purrrfect place to bring your pet on vacation. This pet friendly community has almost anything you will need to take care of your pet. Pets are welcome in almost everywhere in town and you will find tons of other animals in the cape as well. So, if you are thinking that you want to bring your furry friend with you on vacation, it’s time to check out these paw-some spots.

1. Bark Beaches

There are seven beaches in the Cape Cod National Seashore boasting endless stretches of white sands, and all are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Cape Cod. Dogs on a 6′ leash are allowed year-round except in lifeguard protected swimming areas and posted shorebird nesting areas. The world-famous Nauset Beach and Skaket Beach allow pets during the off-season from Labor to Memorial Day. Harbor Beach in Provincetown also allows leashed pets all year round and your pooch can run completely free chasing the waves from 6am to 9am.

2. Pets Play in the Park

The “Second Best Dog Park in America” is in Outer Cape Cod, in pet-friendly Provincetown. Throw your pooch the tastiest bone ever and take him for a romp around Pilgrim Bark Park. Divided into two parks for smaller and larger dogs, Pilgrim Bark Park remains in tune with the artsy and eclectic buzz of Provincetown with local artists adding a touch of their creativity, a combination of art, history and function where your pooch can truly run free.

3. Sail Away with Me

Every dog has its day and this just might be the most memorable one of all! Set sail on a delightful cruise with your pooch. Dog Gone Sailing Charters, Dolphin Fleet and SeaSalt Charters all offer a variety of trips including whale-watching and dolphin cruises, sunrise and sunset sails and even charter fishing trips.

4. Meet New Friends

There are many adventures in Outer Cape Cod that are not pet-friendly so plan a play date for your pooch to give you a bit of time to explore while he romps and plays at the incredible Provincetown Pet Resort. It’s doggy day care at its finest with over 7,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor play areas, toys, large screen TV’s playing cartoons, cool water pools and comfy nap areas! Rest assured your pooch will have the play date of a lifetime.

5. Dogs Love to Sleep at Home

We are putting the vacation back in vacation homes! When you stay in one of our dog-friendly Cape Cod vacation rentals with all the creature comforts of home, stunning water views and wide open spaces, you may simply want to relax and unwind, put some fresh seafood on the grill and do nothing!