Pet Friendly Activities and Places
Birmingham and Huntsville, Alabama
Our customers like to include their pets in their outdoor activities. Here are some tips and options on including your pet(s) in your active lifestyle.
For the hikers and campers in our area who want to take their dogs along, there are quite a few options. The state parks in Alabama allow pets at all campgrounds and on most hiking trails. There are even a few with pet friendly cabins or lodges at the parks. You are asked to keep your pets on a leash, and clean up after them. Here is a link with more information about pets in Alabama state parks: http://www.alapark.com/PetFriendly/
Most of the local parks and day hiking areas in Birmingham are great places to take your leashed dogs. There are also a handful of pet friendly hotels and campgrounds in Birmingham for those folks who want to bring their dogs along when traveling to the area. There are even a few local cafes with patios that welcome pets. The following link has a listing of all of these places, along with the contact info for emergency veterinary services in the area:
http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/uscities/guides/us/cities/usonlinecityALBirmingham.shtml
Many urban areas have built fenced dog parks for residents who want to let their dogs have a run without a leash. Huntsville has one of these parks, but Birmingham residents are still working to influence the city to create one. Here is a link with information about a few Alabama parks that are popular with dog owners: http://www.ecoanimal.com/dogfun/alabama.html
We also want to mention the efforts of the Birmingham Humane Society to set up pet friendly activities in the community. Their annual Doo Dah Day is a pet festival that features costumed animal parades, live music and lots of other activities for people who want to bring their pets out for a day in the sun. The event celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2009, and the funds raised as a result of it have helped numerous animal charities in the area. Doodahday.org
The Birmingham Humane Society (www.gbhs.org) also features a Critter Camp for kids and a very active pet adoption program.
We wish you many great days outdoors with your pets. Mountain High Outfitters carries dog collars, leashes, toys and food/water dishes. If you are aware of any other pet friendly activities in the area not mentioned here, be sure to let us know.