For people whose dogs are family.

A Curated Dog-Friendly Guide to Ann Arbor & Nearby Areas

If you live with a dog, you already know how much the everyday moments matter…

The walks you take without thinking twice. The familiar places that start to feel like yours. The small outings that aren’t really about where you’re going — just that your dog is with you.

I put this guide together with those moments in mind.

These are dog-friendly spots around Ann Arbor and the surrounding areas that feel easy to return to. Places where you don’t have to plan ahead or explain anything — you just show up, together.

This isn’t about doing more or finding the “best” of everything. It’s simply a thoughtful starting point for time spent with your dog, as part of your everyday life.

What You’ll Find Inside

  • Dog bakeries & specialty treat shops worth the stop

  • Scenic walks and outdoor spaces that invite unhurried time

  • Dog-friendly patios and casual dining spots where dogs are welcome to linger

  • Locations across Ann Arbor, Plymouth, Novi, Northville, Dexter, and nearby areas

This isn’t an exhaustive list—and it’s not meant to be. It’s a curated one. Each place was chosen with intention, prioritizing comfort, atmosphere, and the kind of spaces where everyday moments quietly become meaningful.

Why I Created This Guide

As a local pet photographer, I spend a lot of time with people who structure their lives around their dogs—not as an afterthought, but as family. Again and again, I see how much the in-between moments matter: a walk before dinner, a slow coffee stop, a familiar park at golden hour.

This guide is my way of sharing the places that support those moments—whether you’re new to the area or simply looking for somewhere that feels right to return to.

About the Creator

Hi, I’m Sarah—photographer behind West Oak Pet Photography. I create artwork for people whose dogs are family, focusing on connection, presence, and the everyday moments that shape a life together.

This guide reflects the same philosophy as my work: thoughtful, unhurried, and rooted in the belief that time shared with your dog is worth honoring.