Outdoor seating areas at Austin restaurants have long been popular with the residents and their dogs. With the COVID-19 pandemic, those spots are in high demand as one of the few places people trust to leave their homes and bring their pets along. Kate, a hostess at Kerby Lane, has seen many people opting for outdoor seating with and without pets and stated that, “people are sitting inside as well, we just do not allow dogs if you decide to sit indoors.”
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park features 15 unique trails. It is great for hiking, biking, and skating. The main trail is paved, which is perfect for pets. Tougher trails are tucked behind the trees throughout the 290 acre park. Photo Credit: Ashley Sykes
Yard Bar is a great place to grab a bite to eat and a drink with your pup. There is an off leash area just beyond the fence and an on leash area that has a stage for live entertainment. Photo Credit: Ashley Sykes
This photo was taken near the Gus Fruh entrance of the Barton Creek Greenbelt. There are a lot of rock climbing points deeper in this section of the greenbelt. Photo Credit: Ashley Sykes
Photos was captured on the trail portion of the Barton Creek Greenbelt from the Spyglass entrance. This trail is a provides a lot of shade on a sunny day. Photo Credit: Ashley Sykes
This photo was taken near the Spyglass entrance to the Barton Creek Greenbelt. This portion of the creek is usually full of water. At the moment it is an empty creek bed, which makes for good exploring with your pet. Photo Credit: Ashley Sykes
This empty creek bed allows easy access to the other side of the creek. Photo Credit: Ashley Sykes
Walking on the of the rocky creek bed of the Barton Creek Greenbelt gives you a different view of the trail and trees around the area. This is a good area to sit and relax. Photo Credit: Ashley Sykes
Photo Credit: Ashley Sykes
Finding the right balance during the pandemic is key. The Barton Creek Greenbelt is a good place to visit in order to reset that balance. Photo Credit: Ashley Sykes
Going out for a walk is a good way to take your mind off the negative things going on. Getting fresh air and a change of scenery is not only important for your health, but it is important for our pets as well. Photo Credit: Ashley Sykes
Austin is tied for first place for most pet-friendly restaurants in the country, according to a report made by WalletHub. The city ranked second place for the over most pet-friendly city in the country just below Tampa, Florida who ranked number one on the list.
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Others Reflect on Their Thoughts About Their Pets
Valincia Johnson, a hair stylist, decided to become a pet owner near the beginning of the pandemic. Once the pandemic struck and she had to halt her hair services, she found the time she never thought she would have to own a dog. She is also a proud owner of a two-year-old bearded dragon. She had always thought her schedule was too busy to care for a “traditional” pet so she opted for a reptile a few years ago.
“I was given the opportunity to get a dog from my dad,” Johnson said. “Since my shop was closed and I was at home with my daughter helping her with school, I figured it would be a good time to get a dog. My dad’s dog had a litter of puppies right before the pandemic began so I figured why not. I had enough time on my hands and I always wanted a dog, but I could never find a way to fit one into my schedule.”
After adopting her dog during the pandemic, she started spending more days outdoors. There is plenty of green space and watering holes around Austin, so it was easy for her to find places to take her new pup to hike and swim. She and her pup recently visited Yard Bar, a bar and restaurant designed to accommodate dogs. She loved the idea of taking her pup to an outdoor facility where they both could have fun and safely socialize.
Jay Cersosimo has decreased the amount of times he dines at a restaurant, but has increased the amount of times he has requested outdoor seating when he does visit a restaurant. He has noticed unique changes in the amount of love his dog gives since the start of the pandemic.
“Ever since quarantine started, our dog has seemed a little bit more clingy, of course she was already clingy before this… I’m not sure if it is a sub-conscience stress that they can see that we can’t see but I’ve definitely seen a little more love and affection from our little pup.”
The pandemic has brought changes unthought of. Austin restaurants were ahead of the curve and many had few issues accommodating for an outdoor eating experience more safe dining experience. During these times Austin pet owners have seen more love and have spent more quality time with their pets and have enjoyed the comfort of safer dining experiences outdoors.
Map Out Your Next Pet-Venture!
