Pet-Friendly Places in Redding, CT, to Visit with Your Dog
If you’re a dog lover, you know a few things. Like, put your pet in the best-insulated room in the house on the Fourth of July. And that doggie bags really are for dogs. And especially, that you can never have enough fun new spots to enjoy with your pooch.
Fortunately, Redding and the surrounding area have plenty of options to discover with your good buddy. Here are some of the best places to take your dog.
Dog-friendly parks
Dogs need their walks, and nothing beats the freedom of getting out in nature and exploring trails or open beaches. Happily, the areas around Redding provide easy access to scenic beaches and some of the most beautiful and diverse places to hike with your dog in New England.
- The Cascades at Lake Mohegan
This is a beautiful dog-friendly park in Fairfield, Connecticut. Lake Mohegan and its surrounding open space comprise 170 acres. The best off-leash areas for dogs are the trails that surround the lake and waterfall/creek called the Cascades. There are waste bins for doggie cleanups, but you need to supply your own bags. There are no designated watering areas, but most dogs don’t mind drinking out of the lake.960 Morehouse Hwy, Fairfield, CT 06825
Call 203-256-3191 for more information. - Jennings Beach
Sometimes called Jennings Dog Beach, this 27-acre site offers visitors a large sandy beach with great views of Long Island Sound. From October 1 to March 31, dogs can roam to their heart’s content on the sand, as well as jump right into the surf to swim and fetch toys. There’s also a dog park near the beach, with chain-link fences separating areas for large and small dogs. People come here from neighboring areas just to socialize their dogs and meet other dog lovers. It’s handicapped accessible with a concession stand and bathroom facilities.880 S. Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824
Call 203-256-3191 for more information. - Penfield Beach
Penfield Beach is a 3.5-acre beachfront property with an on-leash beach open to canines October 1 to March 31. It offers a long stretch of sandy beach, which abuts Rickards Beach. Part of the Penfield Complex, the property includes a large covered deck, handicapped accessibility and bathroom facilities.323 Fairfield Beach Road, Fairfield, CT 06824
Call 203-256-3191 for more information.
Wherever you wander, remember to bring extra supplies, like food and water, as well as enough plastic baggies to pick up after your dog. And be sure to respect wildlife and vegetation — Connecticut’s many hiking trails contain an amazing variety of natural beauty enjoyed by people and pets alike.
Dog-friendly restaurants
Health code inspectors tend to frown upon pets hanging out in places where food is prepared, so very few establishments (if any) will allow you to bring your dog inside. But many places with patios welcome well-behaved dogs.
Dog-friendly isn’t an official restaurant-industry term, so it means different things to different restaurants. You’ll want to call ahead and verify that your pet will be welcome before heading out the door, but most of the restaurants listed below will be delighted to meet your furry friend.
- The Redding Beer Company
Fido is welcome at this casual brewery. Well-behaved pets are welcome in the taproom, and while food isn’t served, you’re welcome to bring your own or have any of the great nearby restaurants deliver it. They even provide doggy treats.7 Main Street, Redding, CT 06896
Call 203-587-9000 for more information. - The Wire Mill
Serving authentic smoked BBQ brisket, chicken, sausage and pulled pork, their outdoor seating is dog friendly.12 Old Mill Road, Redding, CT 06896
Call 203-544-9988 for more information. - Wentworth’s Homemade Ice Cream — Hamden
If you’re up for a road trip, Wentworth’s in Hamden offers its dog customers their own ice cream flavor, K-9 Crunch, studded with kibble and chunks of dog biscuit.3697 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT 06518
Call 203-281-7429 for more information. - DiGrazia Vineyards
Allows well-behaved dogs on leashes and other support animals on their winery tours and tastings. The tour is included with tastings or available for no purchase to customers during regular hours. You may bring your own food and nonalcoholic beverages.131 Tower Road, Brookfield, CT 06804
Dog-friendly activities
Take your pup to an event filled with other dogs and dog lovers.
- Bridgeport Sound Tigers Puck & Paws Night
Enjoy a hockey game with your furry friend. The Sound Tigers encourage all fans to bring their dogs to the game for free. Local animal rescue organizations will also be on hand to showcase adoptable pets.Sunday, March 29 vs. Rochester Americans — 3 p.m.
Webster Bank Arena, Bridgeport, CT 06604
Call 203-345-2300 for more information. - Annual FunMinster Dog Show
Show off your dog at the FunMinster Dog Show. With fun categories like Shaggiest Coat, Dog/Owner Look Alike, Best Senior Dog, and Most Affectionate, all friendly dogs are welcome. There will also be a food truck, raffles and vendors.April 4
Noon to 3 p.m.
Patterson Recreation Center, 65 Front St., Patterson, NY 12563
Call 917-449-5359 for more information.
Dog-friendly shopping
If you live to shop, you’ll be happy to know that many major retailers welcome well-behaved pets in their stores.
Major retailers like Nordstrom, Marshalls, Home Depot, and Barnes & Noble say they’re dog friendly. But, as always, give the store a call to check before you bring your pup.
Pet-friendly senior living
Meadow Ridge is pet-friendly senior living at its finest. Our recent Dog Show was a tail-wagging success. And our wonderful dog park, renovated last summer, is a happy spot for dogs and residents alike. Learn more about our community and our pet-friendly senior apartments by filling out the form below.