Atlanta Travel With A Dog: The Complete Pet-Friendly City Guide

Rosie Latey Travel Updated on 9/29/2025 at 3:28 am

Visiting Atlanta with a Dog? Your Guide to Pet-Friendly Activities

If you’re planning a getaway to Atlanta and want your pets to be part of the adventure, you’re in luck—this southern city is incredibly welcoming to furry companions. From pet-friendly flights and amenities at the airport, to sprawling gardens, family attractions, and money-saving ticket bundles, Atlanta makes it easy to explore without leaving four-legged loved ones behind. This guide covers everything from air travel tips, the best outdoor spaces, family fun that includes kids and pets, and insider savings hacks with Groupon and CityPASS so you can make the most of your trip.

Airplanes lined up on the runway and gates at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Introduction to Exploring Atlanta with Your Pets

Atlanta is a vibrant city full of green spaces, cultural gems, and family-friendly attractions that can easily be enjoyed with your pets in tow. Pet owners will appreciate that much of the city’s southern hospitality extends to dogs and even cats, with several outdoor venues and patios welcoming them. Beyond dog parks, you’ll discover unique gardens and walkable neighborhoods where your pet can join you in taking in the sights.

Bright departure board screens displaying flight times and destinations at ATL.

For first-time visitors, Atlanta may feel big and bustling, but it’s also surprisingly easy to navigate once you know where to go. Whether renting a car or using MARTA, pets can come along for the journey, making it simple to build a pet-inclusive itinerary. This is a city where pets are seen as part of the family rather than an afterthought, which makes it a real pleasure for animal-loving travelers.

A bright red Coca-Cola vending machine in the concourse at Atlanta Airport.

At the same time, it helps to plan ahead so you know which spots truly welcome pets versus those that only allow service animals. Given the weather in Georgia, visitors should also be mindful of keeping pets hydrated and comfortable during outdoor excursions. With some prep and insider tips, Atlanta can become your family’s favorite pet-friendly travel destination.

Easy Travel Tips for Flying into Atlanta with Animals

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, but it’s well-equipped to handle travelers with pets. If you’re flying in, check your airline’s pet policies ahead of time to confirm carrier size requirements, vaccination records, and in-cabin rules. Atlanta’s airport has designated pet relief areas both inside and outside of each terminal, which makes layovers and arrivals smoother for dogs especially.

The food court and restaurants inside Atlanta Airport, offering Southern and global cuisines.

If you’re traveling with a nervous animal, schedule flights with shorter layovers and avoid peak travel hours when things can get chaotic. Bringing along familiar toys or blankets can help keep your pet calm during the trip. Atlanta also offers local pet boarding services near the airport in case you need reliable care upon arrival or before your return flight.

A designated service animal relief area inside Atlanta Airport.

For road trippers, the city is easily accessible via major highways, and having your pet in the car leaves you more flexible in terms of stops. Regardless of how you travel, start early on your planning. Booking direct flights into Atlanta can minimize stress, ensuring both you and your pet arrive refreshed and ready to explore the city.

Pet-Friendly Attractions and Gardens to Visit Together

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a must for any nature lover, and while furry friends aren’t allowed during regular hours, the Garden hosts occasional pet-welcoming events where dogs can stroll the paths beside their owners, like the Reindog Parade in December. If you happen to be visiting during one of those events, it’s a rare and beautiful chance to share a scenic walk with your dog among flowers, sculptures, and water features.

Vibrant floral displays and winding garden paths surrounded by seasonal blooms and exotic plants.

Outside the garden, Atlanta has many spots that regularly welcome pets. The BeltLine, a popular multi-use trail circling around the city, offers wide paths for walking, running, or cycling with dogs. Several cafés and breweries along the BeltLine feature dog-friendly patios, making it a great way to spend the day outdoors without needing to separate from your four-legged companion.

Kids exploring the Lou Glenn Children’s Garden, surrounded by playful fountains and nature play areas.

For more green spaces, Piedmont Park offers plenty of room for pets to stretch their legs. It’s one of Atlanta’s most iconic parks and has a designated off-leash dog park where locals and visitors gather with their pups. These attractions give you the right balance of sightseeing and pet inclusion, turning sightseeing into an adventure for every family member.

Small waterfall in the park on a sunny day.

Family Fun with Kids and Pets at Top Atlanta Spots

Traveling with kids and pets means finding activities where everyone can be entertained, and Atlanta offers a surprising number of these. At The Lou Glenn Children’s Garden inside the Atlanta Botanical Garden, kids can climb, splash, and explore interactive exhibits designed for hands-on play. While pets can’t enter this part of the garden regularly, scheduling a family day paired with a pet-friendly event ensures both kids and pets have their moment to shine.

A playful outdoor space with colorful garden areas for kids.

For those with LEGO-obsessed children, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center at Phipps Plaza is a hit. Although pets can’t join inside, it’s easy to schedule a few hours for kids’ adventure while another family member takes a walk with the dog nearby in Buckhead’s scenic neighborhood. Pairing attractions in this way keeps both pets and kids happy without anyone feeling left out.

Bright Lego models and hands-on play zones where children build and explore themed attractions.

Colony Square, located in Midtown, is another excellent family-friendly destination that includes outdoor dining options, movies on the lawn, and events where pets are welcome. The combination of kid-friendly activities and pet-friendly spaces makes it easy to spend an entire day here, hopping between unique experiences while keeping everyone together.

A lively mixed-use destination with modern architecture, outdoor dining, and bustling urban energy.

How to Save on Tickets with Groupon and CityPASS Deals

Travel doesn’t need to break the bank, especially when Atlanta offers several ways to save on tickets. Groupon regularly features deals for popular attractions, including up to 22% off admission to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta. For families with kids, this deal adds up quickly, especially when combined with other local discounts.

Bright Lego sculptures at the Legoland Discovery Center with children building creations.

For a bigger bundle of attractions, the Atlanta CityPASS is hard to beat. This pass can help you save up to 49% on admission to five of the city’s top attractions, which typically include the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, and more. While pets won’t be able to enter these indoor attractions, using CityPASS strategically allows families to maximize sightseeing while also setting aside outdoor time for pets at parks and gardens.

The LEGO Atlanta skyline model featuring iconic city landmarks.

Planning your trip with a combination of Groupon deals for individual kid-focused activities and a CityPASS for major attractions gives you the flexibility to enjoy Atlanta affordably. Keep in mind that savings also free up extra funds for pet-friendly add-ons—like dog bakeries, souvenirs, or even a cozy pet-friendly Airbnb in one of Atlanta’s charming neighborhoods.

Rolling green fields, filled with families enjoying a sunny afternoon.

Final Thoughts for a Stress-Free Pet-Friendly Adventure

When traveling to Atlanta with pets, the key is balance—finding activities that both humans and animals can enjoy while making smart use of downtime. With proper planning, pets can seamlessly join in on much of the adventure, whether that means strolling the BeltLine, relaxing in parks, or attending the occasional pet-friendly event at a major attraction.

Lush green bushes at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

Families visiting with kids and pets should plan days around variety—between interactive gardens, indoor play for children, and outdoor dining or exploring for dogs, everyone gets a chance to enjoy. Add in convenient airport amenities and easy navigation around the city, and traveling with pets becomes far less stressful.

The signage for the pet relief zone at ATL, showing paw prints and directions.

Atlanta is a city of charm, culture, and southern hospitality—and that extends warmly to pets and families alike. With a mix of practical travel tips, pet-friendly activities, and smart savings tools like Groupon and CityPASS, planning a trip here is achievable without unnecessary stress or overspending. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a repeat traveler, Atlanta makes for an adventure the whole family, pets included, will cherish.