Washington D.C., from a dog-friendly perspective, is a mixed bag. On one hand, D.C. is a walkable city with waterfront access and an abundance of beautiful parks. On the other, dog-walkers have to contend with swampy summers and equally frigid winters. But D.C. isn’t immune to the rising tide in pet ownership, so knowing the right spots can make all the difference in your pups’ routine.

Here are the best neighborhoods in D.C. for owning a dog.

Columbia Heights

Columbia Heights neighborhood of D.C.

Columbia Heights might be the most well-equipped dog-friendly neighborhood in all of D.C. A more residential neighborhood, Columbia Heights offers a collection of smaller, quieter streets so you don’t have to deal with four lanes of traffic during your early morning walk. Not only that, but you won’t be far from either the Columbia Heights Dog Park or Meridian Hill Park. Both are some of D.C.’s larger parks—especially Meridian Hill, which offers 12 acres of stairs, paths, and trails that your dog will adore.

After getting pulled around Meridian Hill for half an hour, a beer starts sounding really nice. Take your pal along with you to Wonderland Ballroom, one of D.C.’s most dog-friendly bars. You won’t be far from the v-e-t, either, as Adams Morgan Animal Hospital is a stone’s throw away. There are plenty of great neighborhoods to find a home in D.C., but if you have a dog, you can’t beat Columbia Heights.

Dupont Circle

Dupont Circle neighborhood of D.C.

It helps that Dupont is connected directly to Columbia Heights, but as oppose to its neighboring community, Dupont is totally flat. Your walks will still be filled with that rowhouse charm but without the sweat and the burning in your legs. The S Street Dog Park is your best bet for non-walk exercise, although it can get a little crowded (and inevitably, aggressive) if you hit it during the usual before/after work hours. One nice thing about Dupont is its Kimpton Carlyle Hotel, which allows all dogs—there’s no weight limitations—to stay with their owners.

When it comes to dog-friendly restaurants, Dupont goes toe-to-toe with Columbia Heights. Walk past any number of patios on a nice night and you’ll see a fair share of good boys and girls lying under the table. If you want to treat them, Doggy Style bakery and boutique offers you enough treats and toys to overwhelm any pup. It’s also a doggy spa.

Shaw

Shaw neighborhood of D.C.

Shaw is where you live if you’re one of those impressive people that can manage both dog ownership and a social life. Here are just a few of the dog-friendly bars you’ll find in Shaw: Dacha Beer Garden, Wundergarten, Wet Dog Tavern, and Right Proper Brewery. If it’s in Shaw and outside, you can probably bring your pooch. Right Proper even hosts adoption clinics through the Humane Rescue Society. Shaw Dog Park is bigger than S Street Dog Park in Dupont, and they do a great job of organizing get-togethers, like their Halloween party. You won’t find too many groomers or vets in Shaw, but since the D.C. area is pretty small anyways, that’s not too much of an issue.

Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill neighborhood of D.C.

Capitol Hill is home to the most fun dog-friendly restaurant in the city: Art and Soul. The restaurant not only allows dogs on their patio, but they have their own menu catered distinctly to the pups. For just a few bucks more, you can get your dog one of a half-dozen great-sounding dog treats. Whether it’s the grilled and sliced sirloin that’s “good enough for a human,” or the frozen banana dipped in peanut butter, your dog will love it there. 

Capitol Hill is home to three dog parks: Kingsman Field Dog Park, Garfield Park, and Marion Park. Marion Park is more of a place where you can take your dog, but maybe keep a more watchful eye than usual. And lastly, I’d be remiss to mention Capitol Hill without reminding you that you’d be super close to Nationals Park, where the Nats host a pups-in-the-park day a half-dozen times a summer.