Dog-Friendly Experiences in Cody Yellowstone

There are many reasons Cody, Wyoming, is known as America’s Best Western Small Town. It’s a place that offers immersive, one-of-a-kind opportunities to explore history, satisfying and diverse dining, traditional arts and culture that harken back to the days of the Old West, and unparalleled outdoor experiences. But did you know Cody Yellowstone is also a fantastic place to bring your four-legged friends? That’s right, your favorite furballs will also find a lot to love about our entertaining vacation destination. Cody Yellowstone is proudly pet-friendly.  

It’s probably no surprise to hear we love dogs around here. After all, think about the vibes you expect from a dog: they’re friendly and social, love to explore the outdoors and enjoy a good meal, and are always up for new adventures. That actually sounds a lot like Cody Yellowstone! Maybe it’s no coincidence “Cody” has been one of the top 50 dog names in the U.S. for over a decade. 

Where to Stay with Your Dogs in Cody Yellowstone

When you stay in Cody Yellowstone, you can choose from an incredible array of accommodation styles to create your ideal getaway. Where else can you go that offers hotels, bed and breakfasts, cabins, dude ranches, and campgrounds? Whether you’re looking for a rugged outdoor adventure or a pampered hotel stay with all the bells and whistles, we’ve got you covered. And when it comes to dog-friendly accommodations in Cody Yellowstone, there’s plenty to choose from, both within the town of Cody and in nearby Meeteetse, Powell, and the surrounding forests and valleys. 

Pet-Friendly Hotels in Cody Yellowstone

We’re fortunate to be home to many hotels from many of America’s most beloved chains, and many of them are pet-friendly, including Best Western Sunset Inn, Cody Super 8, and Hampton Inn & Suites Cody. Cody Yellowstone also offers classic local accommodations like The Cody Hotel, which welcomes four-legged guests, and Moose Creek Lodge & Suites. Any of these hotels will provide a fantastic stay for you and your furry companions.

Pet-Friendly B&Bs, Dude Ranches & More

For a classically welcoming stay, choose from one of Cody Yellowstone’s bed and breakfasts. K3 Guest Ranch Bed & Breakfast, Robin’s Nest Bed & Breakfast, and 4 Bears Bed and Breakfast are all great pet-friendly options. Dreaming of the outdoor life? Bring your dog along for a stay at our pet-friendly campgrounds and get out into nature to wander our wonderful wilderness. For the dog-friendly cowboy experience, take your pooch to a dude ranch. Options include Blackwater Creek Ranch, Creekside Lodge Yellowstone, Pahaska Tepee, and Shoshone Lodge & Guest Ranch. 

Dog-Friendly Restaurants & Bars in Cody Yellowstone

Once you’ve found the perfect pet-friendly place to stay in Cody Yellowstone, you may be wondering whether dogs are welcome to explore our dynamic dining scene. The answer is a resounding yes! A wide range of Cody Yellowstone’s restaurants and breweries offer outside seating perfect for folks traveling with pets. 

Within Cody, you can bring the dog along to eat outside and enjoy refreshments at Pat’s Brew House, Cody Craft Brewing and Millstone Pizza Company & Brewery. Dogs and their humans can also hang out on the Best Western Premier Ivy Inn & Suites patio, conveniently situated just a short walk from the heart of downtown Cody.

Where to Walk Your Dog in Cody Yellowstone

One of the very best parts of dog ownership is the opportunity to get out into the fresh air, explore, and enjoy outdoor recreational activities together. Walking your dog in Cody Yellowstone will get you out and about, both in town and in our surrounding wilderness. Cody Yellowstone also offers off-leash dog parks, so your dog can run around and meet some other local canines. Cody’s Beck Lake Bark Park and Powell’s Wiggly Field are great options. Many other city parks, such as Beartooth Park and Homesteader Park, feature covered patio areas for picnicking and trails for on-leash hiking.

Where to Board Your Dog in Cody Yellowstone

While Cody Yellowstone is an incredibly dog-friendly destination, some popular activities remain human-only. While the National Park Service allows dogs in Yellowstone National Park, dogs are prohibited from trails to protect the park’s famously free-roaming wildlife. As a result, many Cody Yellowstone vacationers choose to board their dogs when they head into the national park. Cody is home to two safe and friendly dog-boarding and kennel facilities: Cody Country Bed & Biscuit and Happy Tails Pet Boarding. So, if you find yourself needing somewhere comfy for your dog’s own special getaway, you have options!

Take a Dog Walk Along the Sippin’ Trail

Here’s an idea for a one-of-a-kind experience that’ll be fun for both you and your dog. Pack some water, download the free Cody Sippin’ Trail app, and enjoy some of the town’s top bars and breweries. The more you order, the more points you earn. And the more points you earn, the more prizes you can win! The Sippin’ Trail is the perfect way for you to discover our vibrant bar and restaurant scene and make some new friends — human and canine — along the way.

Trail Etiquette for Pets & Their People 

Whether hiking around Cody or exploring national forest trails, please observe these best practices:

• Keep your dog on a leash no longer than six feet.
• Always clean up after your pup and store waste appropriately.
• Maintain distance from wildlife and other visitors.
• Local trails (outside Yellowstone) offer freedom within respect.

Traveling with Pets to Yellowstone National Park

Speaking of trails, no trip to Cody Yellowstone is complete without a visit to Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park. However, bringing a pet to Yellowstone may limit your activities in the park. To protect your pet, park wildlife, and the experience of others, please follow these National Park Service regulations:

• Pets are only allowed in developed areas and must stay within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of roads, parking areas, and campgrounds.
• Pets must be physically controlled at all times: they must be in a car, in a crate, or on a leash no longer than six feet.
• Pets may not be left unattended or tied to objects.
• Pets are not allowed on boardwalks, hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in thermal areas. Carried pets (in arms, strollers, backpacks, carriers, etc.) are also not allowed in these areas.
• Pets may not be left in a situation where food, water, shade, ventilation, and other basic needs are inadequate. Pets may remain in vehicles for short periods of time, but we recommend that someone stay behind to personally ensure their well-being.
• Owners must bag and dispose of pet waste.

“These policies exist to protect pets from being killed by predators like bears and coyotes, to protect them from being burned or killed in hot springs, to prevent the exchange of diseases between domestic animals and park wildlife, and to allow others to enjoy the park without the disruption of pets.”— National Park Service

Great Pet-Friendly Stops in Yellowstone National Park

While dogs are limited in most areas of Yellowstone National Park, these spots are perfect for making canine memories:

• Fishing Bridge Picnic Area: shaded by aspens, near the lake for quiet lakeside rest.
• Pull-outs in Hayden Valley: scenic, safe areas to pause; ideal for your pup to gaze on wildlife from a distance.
• These pull-outs offer wildlife views from your car or nearby grassy patches; respecting park rules keeps you and your dog safe.

Overnight Stays in Yellowstone National Park

If you plan to venture further into the Park and require overnight accommodations, there are a variety of designated pet-friendly cabins available through Yellowstone National Park Lodges. Additionally, pets are allowed in all Yellowstone National Park Lodges’ campgrounds. 

Alternatively, you may want to consider trusted boarding options in Cody — such as Cody Country Bed & Biscuit or Happy Tails Pet Boarding — so your pet can enjoy steady care while you explore. 

Some Final Pet-Friendly Tips Before You Hit the Road

From early-morning wildlife watching in the Park to the Cody Nite Rodeo, our 4.4 million-acre playground has endless things to see and do for the entire family. So, it’s best to plan ahead, especially when you’re traveling with fur babies. 

• When booking accommodations, double-check the property’s pet policies. Most allow two dogs per room, while some charge modest fees.
• Reserve early, especially for summer when it’s rodeo season in Cody.
• Download maps of Cody and Yellowstone National Park before setting out. 
• Plan stops outside Yellowstone where trails and landscapes are dog-friendly, such as the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway into the Wapiti Valley. 
• Be mindful of Yellowstone altitudes and temperatures, and pack out all waste meticulously.
• Provide plenty of shade, water, and snacks (for people and pets alike).

Start Planning Your Dog-Friendly Vacation

Ulti-mutt-ly, the best thing you can do for any visit to Cody Yellowstone is get our helpful Cody Yellowstone Vacation Guide. It’s full of great ideas and itineraries to ensure your trip to Cody Yellowstone is one to remember for both you and your pet!