World Animal Day in Groningen 2024

Friday, October 4, 2024: World Animal Day

In 1929, animal rights activists declared a day to reflect on animal welfare, choosing October 4, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, as Animal Day. The first official celebration took place in 1930. How do you plan to pamper your pet on this day? Our office dog, Mr. Kai the Irish Setter, will enjoy a fresh bone and a long walk! Will you treat yourself to a lovely memory of your pet?

Dog Portraits in Groningen

Want a lasting memory of your beloved dog? Ask Jessica Araus to create one for you! She is a true artist! Check her website for more information!

Dog-Friendly Places in Groningen

Finding a pet-friendly spot in the city can be tricky. Not all accommodations, restaurants, cafes, or shops allow dogs. Plus, you want to discover beautiful nature walks near Groningen. For dog lovers, it’s simple: a happy dog means a happy owner. Know friends who always bring their dog along, from restaurants to hotels and parties? Share this post with them for free tips on dog-friendly places in Groningen!

Dog-Friendly Accommodations in Groningen

Hotel Prinsenhof

The first luxurious option is Hotel Prinsenhof. Yes, you can bring your dog to this luxury hotel! Of course, they need to be well-behaved and trained. What can you expect? Here’s a summary from them:

"Hospitality is one of Prinsenhof's main goals. Allowing dogs (and other pets) requires a nuanced policy. For some guests, a pet is part of the family, while others may find it disruptive. Our policy is: 'Generally yes, provided…'. Dogs are also welcome in the Brasserie Prinsenhof, as long as they behave."

Camping Stadspark

Another dog-friendly spot in Groningen is Camping Stadspark. During festivals and major concerts, this campsite must be booked months in advance. You can come with your camper, caravan, tent, and they also rent simple chalets. The big advantage of staying here with your dog is the lovely walks you can take in the Stadspark. Below are our suggestions for dog-walking areas.

Dog-Friendly Hotels and Holiday Homes in Groningen

The Suite 30 is dog-friendly and ground-level. Just around the corner is the Noorderplantsoen with a designated off-leash area. A dog treat is always waiting at Suite 30 if you bring your dog! You can also park for free in the garage. Besides Noorderplantsoen, you can also walk to Selwerderpark and further towards the van Starkenborghkanaal. It’s wonderfully quiet! The nearest pet store is Pet's Place in the Paddepoel shopping center, just a five-minute walk from the Suite.

Where to Walk Your Dog in Groningen?

Off-Leash Route Noorderplantsoen

Suite 30 is just around the corner from Noorderplantsoen, a perfect park for walking and playing with your dog. There are many off-leash areas, paths, and picnic spots. The park is popular year-round and is often used by students. You’ll find basketball courts, BBQ areas, a pond with resting spots, and coffee spots like Paviljoen Zondag. Watch out for fast cyclists and scooters, but you won’t encounter any cars.

Off-Leash Area Stadspark

In the Stadspark, you’ll find a large park with tall trees providing shade. With autumn here, it offers a colorful palette. The Stadspark is a place where you’ll only meet cyclists, walkers, and runners—it's car-free. For agile dogs, there’s a dog playground. It’s also a fun area for kids, with a playground and petting zoo.

Hoogkerk - Garden in the City and Tiny Houses

You can enjoy a nice walk at the Tiny Houses area in Hoogkerk, where your dog can also dive into clean water. Many people enjoy this area in the summer.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Groningen

Ukraine Food

We have a special connection with this dog-friendly restaurant. We shared our office/home with the chef, Irina. Sometimes while working, we could smell their delicious dishes! Near Noorderplantsoen, you can enjoy a great Ukrainian meal at Ukraine Food. In summer, you can sit outside on their lovely terrace. On October 5, they will celebrate their two-year anniversary—make sure to reserve your table in time!

Brasserie Harkema

Brasserie Harkema is the dog-friendly spot in the heart of the Helpman district. You can enjoy a nice lunch and tasty drinks here. The address is Verlengde Hereweg 86 in Groningen. Check the link for more information: Brasserie Harkema - The Eatery of Helpman in Groningen

Beachclub Kaap Hoorn

At Beachclub Kaap Hoorn, you can also bring your dog. You can walk your dog at the Hoornseplas (between October and March, dogs can be off-leash on weekdays and leashed on weekends). After your walk, you can have lunch, drinks, or dinner at the beach club, and your dog is welcome as long as it’s leashed.

Paviljoen Appelbergen

At Paviljoen Appelbergen, just outside Groningen, there’s a cozy pavilion where you can bring your dog. This area is perfect for off-leash walks, and afterwards, you can grab a bite at Appelbergen. There’s also a playground for children. In Groningen and its surroundings, there are many beautiful places to walk with your pet and enjoy a nice meal afterwards. Enjoy!

Off-Leash Areas in Groningen

Check the DoggyDating website to find off-leash areas, with or without nearby restaurants: Off-Leash Areas - Overview (doggydating.com).

Dog-Friendly Groningen

Overall, Groningen is quite dog-friendly! You can bring your dog to most places in the city center, and most cafes are positive about it. Often, if you call ahead, you can take your dog along. Of course, it's important that your dog behaves ;-) We hope to have inspired you, and don’t forget your pet on October 4!