March 29, 2024

Doggie daytrips to Des Moines

Des Moines is a surprisingly dog-friendly town, so pet owners wanting a day away from home won’t have to worry about boarding when visiting the capital.

Forty-five minutes north on Interstate 35, Des Moines is a familiar site for residents of Osceola. It’s just a short drive to expansive opportunities for shopping, dining and taking in the arts or fun family activities. Des Moines is also Fido-friendly, and visitors won’t be limited to the great outdoors.

Granted, many of the ways the Metro caters to canines are better suited to warmer months. Miles of trails wind through the city, and parks allow for a variety of outdoor adventures.

Saylorville Lake, Jester Park, and the pet-accessible rental equipment at Big Creek State Park make a big impression on active pet owners. The area has several safe beaches to keep walks interesting, and a number of pools — like the Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center — offer swim days for tail-waggers as well.

Even the I-Cubs get in on the action, with their Dog Days of Summer events. The dates in spring and summer welcome pooches into Principal Park by the dozens.

That isn’t to say the winter months leave traveling visitng pet owners wanting. A number of stores, from Bass Pro Shops and Tractor Supply Co., to boutique pet stores, such as Bone-A-Patreatand Jett and Monkey’s Dog Shoppe, provide special attention to their puppy patrons.

Dog-friendly lodging in Des Moines

For travelers who want to spend the night, there’s one hotel that really caters to the canine crowd. La Quinta Inn & Suites Des Moines West Clive, 1390 NW 118th St., offers all the amenities pets and people need.

Guests can ook online for the best rates, and then settle in to enjoy the heated indoor pool and hot tub, free ultra-high-speed internet, expanded cable services and incredibly comfortable pillow-top mattresses.

Pampered pups will appreciate the generous amounts of grassy area near the hotel, and everyone is grateful for gratis doggie bags and expert-level soundproofing.

There’s a reason this hotel is the lodging of choice for many dog show exhibitors. Travelers who stay during an American Kennel Club event weekend are sure to get an eyeful of the most beautiful examples of any breed.

Taking pets on vacation has grown in popularity over the past decade, and there’s no doubt quality of life has risen for companion animals across the country. For those looking to get away while keeping their best friends close at hand, Des Moines presents a pleasantly pet-friendly option in the Midwest.