All those dogs riding over the bridge with heads out the window, tongues wagging? They know what's in store: shopping, spa days, long walks, jazz brunches. Yes, that’s for the dogs.
Here are 10 ways to spoil your pet on Cape Cod:
1. Wherever you are on the Cape, there's a dog park somewhere nearby. Fresh Pond Dog Park in Dennis is a particular crowd-pleaser, with room to roam and a swimming hole, plus an easy walking trail in the woods to explore pre- and post-dip. Here’s a list of some of our favorite local dog parks to explore and make new friends.
2. If your dog's ears perk up at the first shake of a biscuit box, give him a real treat from the "barkery" at Hot Diggity in Mashpee Commons. The hand-scooped bonbons, mini birthday cakes and hand-decorated cookies will look good enough to eat, but they’re purely for pets, made with such healthy ingredients as rolled oats and peanut butter. Be sure to mark your calendar for Hot Diggity’s annual Canine Easter Egg Hunt (April 19, 2025); the hunt will include 4,000 plastic eggs filled with tasty treats for pups, along with dog toys and tennis balls.
3. Pamper your pet at Cape Cod Dog Center in Mashpee, where they can join one of the play packs for the day and romp around in the outdoor play area, or explore the indoor playroom, stocked with toys. For lazybones, there are cozy nap areas. Open year-round, Cape Cod Dog Center also offers cage-free boarding and a pet supply store.
4. Spa day! In addition to playtime and boarding, you can indulge your pup at Cape Cod Dog Center with a stress-free bath, plus an organic shampoo and conditioning, complete with warm-towel and blow dry. Or elevate their experience with one of the signature Pawdicures or Blueberry Facials.
5.Head to Provincetown, bring the pooch to stroll the Commercial Street shops and eateries; you'll find many stocked with water bowls and biscuits to welcome the furry and four-legged.
6. If your dog is the type who likes to kick it poolside at a live jazz brunch (p.s. your dog is awesome), the Lamb & Lion Inn in Barnstable is known for pet-friendly lodging and dining, not to mention having the inside scoop on the Cape's most dog-loving activities and adventures. (Whale-watching? Yes!)
7. If you’ve noticed that all dog-friendly roads lead to Provincetown, it’s no surprise that a town famous for inclusiveness includes dogs, even in some of the swank surroundings. If you're getting away from it all but taking the hound, the luxe Harbor Hotel offers several pet-friendly suites.
8. Year-round, the 25.5-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail is a doggone perfect place to bring your leashed one for a walk or run. It's the best of both worlds: scenic surroundings that are never too far from town if you want to step off the trail for a snack. If your dog is jumpy at bikes and rollerblades whizzing by, venture out in the less-populated spring months.
9. See and be seen at Mashpee Commons, where you'll find dog-friendly patios at Bleu French bistro or bocce-side at the Lanes Bowl and Bistro; plus, there's often fun doggie activities on the Village Green, such as the annual Halloween costume parade for kids and dogs.
10. All dogs go to heaven: The Cape Cod National Seashore is open to leashed dogs year-round. (Stay away from shorebird areas and lifeguard-protected beaches; visit the website or Salt Pond Visitor Center for a guide to pet-friendly spots.) Off-season, most Cape Cod towns allow dogs on the beach—depending on the town, “off-season” begins sometime between Labor Day and mid-October. Miles of trails at Sandy Neck in Sandwich are a favorite, or walk a sunset stretch at Paine’s Creek Beach in Brewster. Breathe in the ocean air, see that tail wag.
Cheers to the good life, you lucky dog. For more pet-friendly lodging options on Cape Cod, click here.