Are you wondering where are dogs allowed in New Orleans? Well, there is no reason you can’t bring them to the famous Bourbon Street if you plan accordingly! Many people report that the residents of Bourbon Street are kind and excited to see pups, many offering water bowls when they can!
Although Bourbon Street and New Orleans can be rowdy, you can have a great time and you’’ find it to be incredibly pet friendly with the right planning! Check out our general tips and recommendations for visiting Bourbon Street with your dog and let the good times roll!
General Tips
There are a few things to keep in mind when considering where to take your dog in New Orleans’ French quarter to ensure they will be safe and happy.
If you can, try to bring your pup for a dog-friendly look into Bourbon Street on the calmer days, typically Monday through Wednesday. You also want to be sure to have a great day there but avoid bringing your dog there at night as things get rowdy and may be overstimulating. Also, be sure to bring extra water along for your pup as New Orleans can get warm at almost any time of the year! With these tips in mind, you and your dog can have an amazing time on Bourbon Street.
Music and Shade
The city of New Orleans is rich in musical history and well known for being an amazing spot for live music, today. If you want to enjoy some incredible jazz music in a beautiful spot that won’t be too loud for your pup – Musical Legends Park on Bourbon Street is for you!
The Musical Legends Park offers plenty of leg room, tables, and shade for you and your dog to enjoy. Most victors describe the spot as a great place to find some calm in the middle of Bourbon street, which can provide a good rest for your dog. Live bands start up at 10 am and you can also check out the life size statues of New Orleans musicians of the past!
Location: 311 Bourbon Street
Where to Eat
Make a reservation for you and your dog at the Café Amelie for incredible food inspired by Creole traditions! The Café Amelie has a colorful and spacious outdoor patio where you can request a table upon calling.
If you visit during the day you can find some shade to relax in or you can swing by at night to sit under twinkling fairy lights! At Café Amelie, you can enjoy the New Orleans weather, and famous food and sneak your pup some delicious leftovers.
Just be sure to let the restaurant know you plan to bring your pup when you make your reservation!
Location: A half block from Bourbon Street at 900 Royal St, New Orleans
Mardi Gras for Dogs
Dogs aren’t left out of the fun of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. While you might want to avoid the main parade so your pup isn’t too overwhelmed, New Orleans puts on the Krewe of Barkus Parade just for dogs! The Krewe of Barkus has been put on since 1992 and featured themes such as “Jurassic Bark”, “Joan of Bark” and this year – “Barkingham Palace”.
Location: The parade begins just a block from Bourbon Street and passes through on its way to its ending point at Orleans and N Rampart.
Nola City Bark
When creating this article, we were often asked if dogs are allowed in City Park. The answer is yes! The city of New Orleans created City BARK inside of the park as a haven just for dogs. It is a great idea to take your pup here before bringing them to Bourbon Street so they can run off some energy on the five acres of the park.
The park ensures that all dogs are playing safe by asking that you provide information on your dog’s vaccines. Just visiting the area? No worries. You can obtain a temporary or tourist permit at their office on Palm Drive.
Location: The south end of City Park
A Spooky Dog Friendly Tour
With a city with a history as rich as New Orleans, you can expect plenty of haunted history. One of the best tours you can take is New Orleans’s Haunted History Tour. They welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs to join in on the spooky fun. Just be sure to let your tour guide know that your pup plans on joining the tour.
The tour is two hours long and leads you to the oldest areas of Bourbon Street and beyond. The Haunted History tour has something for everyone with accurate storytelling, historic research, and local legend.
Shop til you Drop
Looking for dog friendly stores on Bourbon Street? Look no further than Big Easy Pet Shop and Rescue. You and your dog can shop happily knowing that the big Easy Pet Shop and Rescue is a non-profit, volunteer run rescue group. You can find all sorts of pet loving apparel as well as goodies for your four-legged friend. Just be careful...or you might end up adopting another animal while you’re there!
You can also find great pet supplies at Southern Paw, just a block from Bourbon Street. Not to mention - Southern Paw carries all of Suzie's products!
Location: Big Easy Pet Shop - A few blocks from Bourbon Street at 839 Spain Street
Southern Paws - One block from Bourbon Street at 633 Toulouse St
Carriage Rides
One of New Orleans's famous attractions is its carriage and street car rides! Because of this, we found many pet parents asking if dogs are allowed on the street cars or carriages. We found that while the RTA trolley only allows service animals, locals tell us the carriage rides at Jackson Sq. are dog friendly at the discretion of the driver. If you have a leashed, well behaved pup you should be able to find a carriage they can join in on the fun in!
Location: Jackson Square
Dog-Friendly Hotel
Bourbon Street offers many incredible hotels and the Royal Sonesta New Orleans is dog friendly for those bringing their pup along! The 483-room hotel offers a secluded courtyard, pool, fitness center, and unique dining experiences. The Royal Sonesta also offers plenty for your dog! They provide comfy dog beds, water and food bowls, waterproof mats, and treats! Even cuter? The hotel staff provides a welcome letter for pets with pet-friendly recommendations for your stay! The Sonesta does ask for a $75 pet fee for your stay.
Location: 300 Bourbon Street
Doggy Bowls
You don’t have to miss out on grabbing a drink while you’re in New Orleans with your dog! Bourbon Street offers a dog friendly bar spot with Bourbon Street Drinkery. Bourbon Street Drinkery offers live music daily, three beautiful stories of space, and a fantastic outdoor space. Their patio provides large fans for the warm summer months and doggie bowls for their four legged patrons!
Location: 217 Bourbon Street
Ending the Day
After spending time taking in the lively sights and smells of Bourbon Street walk 2 blocks down to the Mississippi River Walk to enjoy a breeze and wrap up the day. As you stroll along the River Walk you will see the ships floating on the river and many beautiful statues installed by the city. After you enjoy a stroll, you can also relax in the bordering Woldenberg Park with its many river-facing benches and grassy areas.
