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Looking for a Pet Friendly Springfield MO? I have got you covered with all the best things to do with your fur baby as well as where to stay, where to eat etc.

Traveling with your dog doesn't mean you have to leave all the fun behind. Springfield, Missouri, is one of the most pet-friendly destinations in the Ozarks, offering beautiful parks, welcoming restaurants, and comfortable accommodations that make traveling with your four-legged family member easy.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or simply passing through on a road trip, here's everything you need to know about enjoying Springfield with your furry best friend.

Why Visit Springfield with Your Dog?

Springfield is packed with outdoor spaces, dog-friendly patios, and attractions that welcome leashed pets. From scenic walking trails to local restaurants that happily greet canine guests, you'll find plenty of ways to include your pup in the adventure. 

Pet Friendly Springfield MO – Where to Sleep

University Plaza Hotel

If you're looking for a centrally located hotel that welcomes pets, University Plaza Hotel is an excellent choice.

During our visit to Springfield, we stayed here with our dog and appreciated how easy it was to travel without leaving our furry family member behind.

The hotel offers:

• Pet-friendly guest rooms
• A convenient pet relief station on the property
• Close proximity to downtown restaurants and attractions
• Easy access to nearby walking areas
• Spacious accommodations for relaxing after a day of exploring

One of our favorite things about staying here was the location. Being in downtown Springfield meant we were only minutes from many of the city's best pet-friendly patios, parks, and attractions, making it simple to head out for walks or dinner without a long drive.

The hotel allows up to two dogs (with weight limits and a pet fee), making it a convenient option for families traveling with more than one pup. They even offer a special “Bark & Stay” package that includes treats and pet amenities for your canine companion. 

After my very first visit to Springfield and my stay at the University Plaza Hotel, I was super excited to learn that they are 100% pet-friendly. They treat the fur visitors just like they do the human visitors!

As I told you before, University Plaza offers dining, coffee, and so many amenities on property. The best part? It is just steps away from Hammonds Field, so you can always catch a ball game going on.

Pet Friendly Springfield MO – Where to Eat

One of the best parts of Springfield is the number of restaurants with pet-friendly patios.

Café Cusco

Known for its incredible Peruvian-inspired cuisine, Café Cusco welcomes well-behaved dogs on its outdoor patio during patio season. It's a favorite for both locals and visitors.

Try:

• Lomo Saltado
• Empanadas
• Fresh fruit smoothies

Bricktown Brewery

One of our favorite pet-friendly dining experiences in Springfield was Bricktown Brewery. Their spacious outdoor patio welcomed our dog, making it the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring the city.

The atmosphere was casual and inviting, and the staff made us feel just as welcome with our four-legged travel companion as they did without one.

The menu offers a little bit of everything—from handcrafted burgers and sandwiches to salads, pizzas, and local craft beers—so everyone in the family can find something they'll enjoy. If you're looking for a laid-back restaurant where you don't have to leave your pup behind, Bricktown Brewery is definitely worth adding to your Springfield itinerary.

Tucker was able to have a few things to nibble on himself and they provided him his very own cup of water for drinking. 

The patio area is covered, so whether it rains or not, you can sit out there with your fur baby and enjoy the food — and believe me, you will want the food because it was fantastic.

Andy's Frozen Custard

One of the coolest treats in town is a puppy cone! The friendly people at Andy's Frozen Custard give complimentary cones to the dogs just because!

And — if you have never had Andy's Frozen Custard, you are missing out!

Here are a few others that happen to be close to the hotel!

• Aviary Cafe & Creperie (0.5 Miles)
• Gailey's Breakfast Cafe (0.6 Miles)
• Nonna's Italian Cafe (0.7 Miles)

Pet Friendly Springfield MO – Where to Play

Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park

One of Springfield's most beautiful parks, Nathanael Greene Park features:

• Walking paths
• Open green spaces
• Beautiful gardens
• Plenty of room for leisurely walks

Dogs are welcome on leash, making this one of the city's most popular places for visitors traveling with pets.

Sequiota Park

This scenic park offers peaceful walking trails, a lake, and access to the Galloway Creek Greenway.

It's an excellent place to stretch your legs after spending time in the car.

Valley Water Mill Park

Nature lovers will enjoy this peaceful lake surrounded by a 1.5-mile trail. Dogs are welcome on leash, and it's a wonderful location for an early morning walk.

Ritter Springs Park

If your dog loves exploring wooded trails and open spaces, Ritter Springs Park offers hundreds of acres of natural beauty complete with streams, wildlife, and easy hiking trails.

Cruse Dog Park

Need to let your pup burn off some energy?

Cruse Dog Park is Springfield's dedicated off-leash dog park featuring separate areas for large and small dogs. Visitors can purchase a day pass, making it a great stop if you're just passing through town. Vaccination records are required for entry.

Pet Friendly Springfield MO – Where to Shop

f your pup still has energy to spare, Springfield also has several businesses that welcome leashed dogs.

Some favorites include:

• Bass Pro Shops
• Farmers Market of the Ozarks
• Culture Flock
• C-Street City Market
• Mike's Unique Collectible & Antique Flea Market

It's a fun way to continue exploring while your dog tags along. 

When we visited Springfield, I had no idea that Bass Pro Shops are pet-friendly. We visited the store 5 times in our 2 days and Tucker went with us on every single visit. 

Pet Friendly Springfield MO -Tips for Visiting with Your Dog

• Bring water, especially during the warmer months.
• Keep your dog leashed unless you're inside an approved off-leash area.
• Always clean up after your pet.
• Check restaurant patio policies before visiting, as they may vary by season.
• Pack a collapsible water bowl for sightseeing days.

Final Thoughts

Springfield, Missouri, makes it easy to enjoy a getaway without leaving your furry family member at home. From scenic parks and welcoming patios to comfortable accommodations like University Plaza Hotel, you'll find plenty of opportunities to create lasting memories together.

Whether you're exploring downtown, hiking scenic trails, grabbing frozen custard, or relaxing at your pet-friendly hotel after a day of adventure, Springfield proves that vacations really are better when your best friend gets to come along.

If you are looking for more pet-friendly businesses and things to do in Springfield, check out this amazing list of places from the Springfield Travel and Tourism website.