It’s true that Northern Virginians love doting on their pets. And the pet-craze intensifies once you head to Alexandria. From endless pet-friendly drinking and dining options to luxurious spa treatments, this city has gone to the dogs.
Alexandria seriously dotes on its dogs. It was recently certified a “Better City for Pets” by Mars Petcare, one of a few dozen metropolitan areas across the country (and the only one in Virginia) to win that designation. Why? The city of 160,000 humans and an estimated 80,000 pets has tons of amenities, like 18 dog parks and exercise areas, both fenced and open; waste stations thoughtfully planted throughout; and tons of animal-friendly businesses. Not many cities boast a spa where your dog can get a blueberry facial.
The award came with money, too. Along with the certification, Mars awarded the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria a grant to study and expand the availability of pet-friendly housing across the city.
The first annual ALX Dog Walk is April 2. Pooches from all over the DMV are gathering this month in Oronoco Bay Park, ready for a 2-mile jaunt. Their owners will pay $35 each for the privilege of walking them around Old Town and entering them in contests like Funniest Personality and Fluffiest Tail. All proceeds go toward beautifying the city—to plant 20 trees, refurbish King Street Gardens Park, and establish a waterfront clean-up fund to address the debris and trash along the Potomac River. Register in advance at ALXDogWalk.com.
You can now paint a portrait of your pet at the DC area’s first “dog bar.” Barkhaus, launched by a couple of Virginia Tech grads, has been welcoming hounds and their humans since fall 2020. The latest buzz is about Paint Your Pet, a four-hour class with an artist, Sherry Kendall, who’s been featured on Oprah!. Kendall sketches your pet ahead of time from a photo, and then you show up to daub away at the canvas. Classes are held monthly (and sell out fast); the next one is April 9.
A 6,000-square-foot indoor dog park is on the way. A weather-proof place for your pet to play, Snouts & Stouts, opens in early summer near South Pickett Street. You can help yourself from the self-serve beer wall, where 10 to 15 brews will be on tap, or opt for a glass of wine or a seltzer. To avoid the reek factor, Snouts & Stouts has a pretty cool flushing system: When a dog urinates, it goes straight through the turf, and the top is then sanitized with antibacterial cleaner. The Dog Patrol picks up bigger messes, and then the turf gets spot-treated.
There is such a thing as a canine massage therapist. You can find those services, and much more, at VIP Pet Salon, home of the aforementioned blueberry facial. At the Old Town spa, the premier groomer is not just a groomer, but a “dog stylist” who can straighten your hound’s hair with a keratin treatment, complete with flat-iron finish.
Dogs are welcome at Mount Vernon. They can sniff the flower gardens, stroll past the Potomac, and visit the animals in the farm and livestock areas, as long as they don’t scare them.
At Torpedo Factory, too. The art center opens its doors to dogs. With its spot right on the waterfront, it’s the ideal indoor break from a lengthier walk.
And now, a word about cats. Dogs may grab most of the attention, but cats are hardly forgotten around these parts. To wit: the new Happy Cat Hotel & Spa, which houses its guests in themed rooms up to 752 square feet and offers “enrichment activities” via its Kitty Concierge. The city’s first cat café, Mount Purrnon Cat Café + Wine Bar, opened in 2020. Kick back with a seltzer or glass of mead, or cozy up to a coffee drink. You’re guaranteed serious feline therapy.
This story originally appeared in our April issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to the magazine.