A Pet-Friendly Guide to Madison, Georgia
When a pet is part of our family, we don’t necessarily want to leave them at home or board them when vacationing. It might not be possible, practical, or even affordable. Traveling with pets also comes with challenges. From accommodations and dining to shopping and activities, it could seem like options are limited for pet-friendly destinations. Luckily, Madison, Georgia, is a welcoming place to travel with pets.
Things To Do with Pets in Madison
1. Enjoy a Warm Welcome
Our first pet-friendly destination should be the Welcome Center, conveniently located in the downtown historic district. Pets will find a full water bowl outside and milkbones for furry visitors. Plus, it’s the perfect place to begin planning a Madison vacation. Inside, visitors can get local travel information as well as pick up brochures for the many sights and activities available.
2. Play at the Bark Park
Dog lovers will want to head over to Bill Wood Park to visit the local Bark Park, a dog park located beside baseball fields and a cross-country trail. This park offers two fenced areas — one for small dogs and one for larger ones. The aptly named Bark Park has a bench and picnic table for human visitors, water bowls for canine visitors, and plenty of shade for hot days. Hiking enthusiasts can also enjoy a short hike on the cross-country trail either before or after a Bark Park visit.
3. Enjoy a Spa Day
A spa day can be a wonderful way to celebrate a pet. Book your beloved pets a spa appointment at The Fetch House before visiting. They might not be able to accommodate a last-minute booking for grooming services so it’s best to plan and book in advance. For ultimate relaxation, humans can book their own appointment at ZEN Relaxing Wellness Center, Just Breathe Day Spa or Pure Bliss Spa while pets are being pampered.
4. Sleep in Style
Morgan County offers many dog-friendly accommodations including Hard Labor Creek State Park (cabins or camping), Hillside Cottage at Farmhouse Inn, Firefly Inn, Quality Inn, Deerfield Inn or New South Motor Inn. Dogs are welcome to stay in a horse stall at Southern Cross Guest Ranch if they don’t mind sleeping outdoors. Burnt Pine Plantation also offers kennel accommodations for hunting dogs. There are plenty of options to choose from to suit any budget.
There are also local boarding options available, provided they are booked in advance. The Ranch Dog Resort and The Lodge at Main Street Vet board dogs. Both The Fetch House and The Lodge at Main Street Vet in Madison offer daycare, as does The Ranch Dog Resort in Rutledge. Planning an equine adventure? Hard Labor Creek State Park offers stables to accommodate your horse close by during camping trips, while Southern Cross Guest Ranch offers boarding services. Call for reservations and for any vaccination or other requirements.
5. Dining with Dogs
Several local restaurants are pet friendly. Visitors can sit outside with your dog at the following downtown locations: Betty Gene’s, The Sinclair, Madison Square Nutrition, Madison Produce Co., Ricardo’s Kouzzina, Madison ChopHouse Grille, Amici Madison, Dos Amigos and Hart & Crown Tavern. Many of these locations will also bring out a water bowl for pets.
6. Shop Downtown
Visitors will find that many shops in the historic downtown area have signs on the door welcoming furry friends inside to shop with their owners. Some of these shops — such as Laughing Moon — even have items for pets. A walk downtown will reveal water bowls left out for visiting pets outside many of the stores. Madison Grace Home, Barkin Dogs Shoe Co., the Madison Artists Guild and the Welcome Center are just a few locations where a bowl can be found.
7. Enjoy Parks, Barks and Recreation
A visit to Madison wouldn’t be complete without a trip to a local park. Town Park is not to be missed, but Morgan County has many other enjoyable parks, too. In fact, adventuring visitors may want to bring their kayak to Hard Labor Creek State Park or rent a stand-up paddle board at Over Yonder Outpost in nearby Rutledge to paddle the Park’s two lakes. While cats are unlikely to enjoy a lake visit, pups might appreciate being taken out on the water. Just remember to bring them a life jacket. For more leisurely options, consider opting for a short hike or relaxing picnic by the lake instead.
As an extra treat, Hard Labor Creek State Park is one of 40+ state parks across Georgia that is part of the Tails on Trails Club. Visit 12 of these parks with your pup and become eligible for membership that includes a bandana and t-shirt with the club’s logo.
There’s much to do and see in Madison. A simple sightseeing tour around town could be enjoyed by human and pet guests alike. Learn about the history of the area with a free, self-guided walking tour from the Welcome Center. Visitors should remember to keep pets on leash and to clean up after them.
Traveling with a pet has never been easier! Madison welcomes human and pet guests with equal enthusiasm. Pups and kittens alike give this Georgia vacation destination two paws up.