• Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
  • Saturday – Sunday: Closed

A Pet Owner's Guide to Charlotte, NC

Veterinary Care Rooted in the Queen City

Charlotte, North Carolina, is a vibrant and welcoming community where pets are truly part of the family. Whether you’re a longtime resident, new to the area, or simply visiting with your four-legged companion, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city together—from parks, greenways, and walking trails to pet-friendly patios, cafes, breweries, and local events.

It’s fitting that Queen City Animal Hospital shares its name with the city we love. Charlotte earned the nickname “Queen City” in honor of Queen Charlotte, and our hospital is proud to call the Historic Belmont neighborhood home, just steps from Uptown, Plaza Midwood, and NoDa. As a privately owned, locally owned hospital, we’re part of this community in every sense of the word. Our owners live just a few miles from the hospital, and Queen City Animal Hospital was created to be the kind of Fear-Free veterinary hospital we wanted close to home—a place where we’d feel comfortable bringing our own pets. At QCAH, we believe in being good neighbors and caring for our neighbors and their pets with the same compassion we’d want for our own.


Pet-Friendly Activities in Charlotte, NC

U.S. National Whitewater Center

5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC, US, 28214

The U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) is a dog-friendly non-profit on 400 acres of woodlands along the Catawba River in Charlotte, NC. Visitors can enjoy mountain biking, running trails, a climbing center, zip lines, high rope courses, and the multiple-channel, customized whitewater river. Leashed dogs are allowed on the grounds, outdoor restaurants, hiking trails, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards, but they cannot join you on the zip line, ropes courses or whitewater rafts.

Birdsong Brewing Co.

1016 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC, US, 28206

Charlotte, NC is home to the dog-friendly Birdsong Brewing Co. Leashed pups can join their humans at a table inside the taproom or at one of the outdoor seating areas, and a bowl of fresh water is available on request. Here, you can treat yourself to an array of beverages, including a variety of their craft beer on tap. If you're feeling snacky, have some of their complimentary peanuts or check out the daily food truck.

The Dog Bar

3307 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC, US, 28205

The Dog Bar is a pet-friendly, off-leash pub located in the historical North Davidson St neighborhood of Charlotte, NC. This unique concept welcomes visitors to unwind with a drink while their furry friends spend some time socializing. Note that an annual membership is required to visit and can be found on their website.

Park Road Books

4139 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC, US, 28209

Bring Fido to sniff out your next read at the dog-friendly Park Road Books in Charlotte, NC. Established in 1977, this shop is Charlotte's only independent bookstore that carries strictly new books. You can bring your four-legged friend with you, as long as they don't mind hanging with the store dog, Yola. Don't forget to check out their community events, including author signings, local book clubs and more.

Free Range Brewing

2320 N Davidson St #D, Charlotte, NC, US, 28205

Bring Fido to unwind with you at the pet-friendly Free Range Brewing in Charlotte, NC. Pups are welcome outside on the porch or in the back gathering space on a leash during their visit as long as they are under control and all mess is cleaned up after them. This brewery produces a delicious variety of beers for patrons, including a number of beers on tap. Visitors can try their tasty snacks, bring in outside food, or try one of their POP UP's offered throughout the week.

Mac Tabby Cat

3204 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205

Our space is divided! Half Coffeehouse, half Cat Lounge. The cafe offers coffee, wine, craft beer, smoothies, baked goods and more! The Cat Lounge boasts twelve adorable, adoptable cats who are waiting to meet you. Choose one side of the cafe, or both! You don't need a reservation to hang in the cafe, but to sip your beverage with the cats, reservations are encouraged


Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Charlotte, NC

Oh My Soul

3046 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC, US, 28205

Venturing out from South Africa, Oh My Soul opened a vegan kitchen in Charlotte, NC. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you at outside tables in the Woof Corner. Make sure you don't skip over the dog-friendly section of the menu. You can order Fido a Fur Kidz nice cream or a Doggie Biscuit. For two-legged patrons, the menu offers a variety of Vurgers (vegan burgers), waffles, nachos and more.

Hawthorne's NY Pizza and Bar

1701 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC, US, 28204

Hawthorne's has two pet-friendly patios and is just across the street from Independence Park. Stop by for a slice, salad, pasta, or a cold one after a good walk in the park.

McGill Rose Garden

940 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC, US, 28206

Fido is welcome on leash at the garden tables at McGill Rose Garden in Charlotte, NC. This dog-friendly spot offers beverages including coffee and wine in a beautiful environment. Make sure to check their website for update public hours because they do host many private events.

Moo & Brew

1300 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC, US, 28205

Moo & Brew is a pet-friendly restaurant in Charlotte, NC. Fido is welcome to join you on the outdoor patio. Enjoy burgers, fries, salads, cocktails and over 40 beers on tap. They also serve dessert, non-alcoholic drinks and vegetarian options.

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery

4150 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC, US, 28217

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery in Charlotte is pet-friendly. Home to the largest biergarten in the Southeast, it’s more like a park than a garden. The space, modeled after the early biergartens of Munich, is surrounded by 100-year-old oak, mature pecan and hickory trees for shade. It would be easy to forget that you’re only minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown as you stroll the brewery’s cobbled pathways and discover shady tables, cornhole games and toasty fire pits with your pup by your side.


Pet-Friendly Accommodations in Charlotte, NC

Aloft by Marriott Charlotte Ballantyne

13139 Ballantyne Corporate Place, Charlotte, NC 28277

Aloft by Marriott Charlotte Ballantyne allows 2 dogs of any size for no additional fee. Cats are accepted for an additional fee of $100 per stay. Guests traveling with pets are assigned to rooms on the first two floors. Dogs may not be left unattended in rooms. Treats, beds, bowls, and waste bags are available at the front desk, and there is a grassy area on the property for pet relief.

Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel by IHG

303 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel by IHG allows pets of any size for no additional fee. Both dogs and cats are welcome.


Recommended Pet Services in Charlotte, NC

Queen City Animal Hospital

920 Belmont Avenue, Charlotte NC 28205

Queen City Animal Hospital is a privately and LGBT+ owned Fear-Free Certified, AAHA accredited, Cat Friendly Certified practice located in the heart of Charlotte, NC.

Gold Standard Grooming

1201 Kennon St, Charlotte, NC 28205

Established in 2022, Gold Standard Dog Grooming (GSDG) is a grooming salon that focuses on quality over quantity. We offer both traditional crates and dog suites, but for the safety of both our staff and your furry family members, we don’t offer a free-range environment. We encourage open lines of communication between our clients and GSDG to make sure that your pet has the best possible grooming experience.

Southeast Animal Behavior and Training

10401 Rozzelles Ferry Rd, Charlotte, NC 28214

Our dedicated team is passionate about helping you and your pet(s) learn and grow together. In this, we strive to provide humane, science-based care for pets with behavioral problems that yield to safe, happy homes for humans and pets alike.

Feline Fabulous

1045 Central Ave B, Charlotte, NC 28204

Groomer providing baths, nail trims, brush-outs and lion cuts, for cats of all breeds.


Pet Stores and Supplies in Charlotte, NC

PetWants

2324 B Distribution St, Charlotte, NC, US, 28203

At Pet Wants, our slow-cooked, small batch, nutritious, all-natural pet food is packed with nutrition and made fresh every single month, so you’ll know it hasn’t been sitting on a shelf losing the important nutrients your pet needs to live a happy and healthy life.

Pet Supplies Plus

7601 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, NC, US, 28226

America's Favorite Neighborhood Pet Store. Featuring a large selection of Natural Food and treats and Made in the USA products. Leashed pets are welcome.

Four Dogs Pet Supplies

2630 N. Davidson Street, Charlotte, NC, US, 28205

Four Dogs Pet Supplies focuses on premium and ultra-premium pet foods for dogs. We also carry everyday items for cats and even chickens for out fowl minded friends. In addition, to food, they carry a wide range of pet essentials such as collars, bowls, leashes, grooming products, beds, toys, ad pet-related art.

Cold Blooded and Bizarre

3000 Central Ave Ste 8 Charlotte, North Carolina 28205

A premier, family-owned exotic pet store and curiosity shop dedicated to reptiles, amphibians, and unusual creatures. Your One-Stop Shop for All Things Cold Blooded & Bizarre


Pet Related Groups in Charlotte, NC

Dogs in Charlotte

FB - This is a group for all the (greater) Charlotte Dog owners! Created March 2016 on instagram (@dogsinclt), Facebook page and group, and twitter (@dogsincharlotte).

IG - @dogsinclt   This is a group for all the (greater) Charlotte Dog owners! Created March 2016 on instagram (@dogsinclt), Facebook page and group, and twitter (@dogsincharlotte).

Lost and Found Pets-Charlotte

https://www.facebook.com/groups/CharlotePetsLostandFound

You MUST be affiliated with Charlotte, NC to join this group. Please the pinned post at the top before posting. The only mission of this group is to reunite lost pets with their families. Period.


Important Organizations in Charlotte or Pet Laws links

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control

8315 Byrum Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control (ACC) is dedicated to helping the people and pets of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County by providing a variety of medical and support services. ACC is also here to help educate the public about how to best care for animals and work to keep pets and people safe and together

Mecklenburg County Animal Ordinance

ACC Officers are charged with the responsibility of enforcing all City, County and State laws pertaining to the welfare of animals.


Our Favorite Businesses in Charlotte, NC

Rosie's Coffee & Wine Garden

940 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28206

Boutique coffee & wine bar located @ the beautiful & historic @mcgillrosegarden. Named after beloved shop cat, Rosie.

NoDa Brewing Company

150 W. 32nd St., Charlotte, NC 28206

GRAB A BEER AT OUR BREWERY, TAPROOM, AND BEER GARDEN WHERE THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AND ALL ARE WELCOME!

Optimist Hall

1115 North Brevard Street, Charlotte, NC 28206

Though ownership changed several times, the mill continued to operate on some level until 2015. White Point Paces Partners purchased the property in 2016 with the vision for an adaptive reuse project that would give Charlotte its first food hall and also provide distinct, modern office space to a business community hungry for change. The north side of the development became home to Duke Energy's Innovation Center in early 2019, while the food hall opened its doors later that same year.

Bloom and Bottle

1035 Harrill St, Charlotte, NC 28205

We've created a space where the simple pleasures of life – beautiful flowers, good drinks, and friendly company – come together. It's a place to celebrate life's moments, big and small. Need a stunning centerpiece for a dinner party? A thoughtful gift for a friend? Or just a refreshing drink after a long day? Bloom & Bottle has you covered. And with our upcoming event space rentals, we're excited to host even more neighborhood gatherings and celebrations.

Camp Northend

300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206

Camp North End is a 76-acre historic industrial site transformed into a vibrant, walkable mixed-use hub for art, food, work, and community just two miles north of Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina.