Find Your Dog’s Dream Home: 6 Dog-Friendly Arlington, VA Neighborhoods

When it comes to furry friends, pet owners want to spend as much time with them as they can. Moreover, settling down in an area with dog-friendly housing, events and amenities will make the time spent with your pup much more enjoyable. Arlington, Virginia, has consistently ranked among the most dog-friendly cities in the country. According to a 2022 study by SmartAsset, this Northern Virginia city has the eight-highest number of dog parks per capita. Arlington also claims the 14th-best Walk Score in the country. We’ve compiled a list of the top dog-friendly neighborhoods, along with an overview of their amenities, dog parks, services and dog-friendly places to help you find the best community for you and your pup.

Fairlington/Shirlington

Walk Score:  83/100| Median Home Price: $529,925   

Known as “Arlington’s Arts and Entertainment District,” Shirlington (and the larger Fairlington neighborhood) is filled primarily with townhouses and condos. It earned a spot on our list as it boasts more dog-friendly amenities than nearly any neighborhood in Arlington. Shirlington Dog Park is a 2-acre place for pups to play and was one of the region’s first off-leash dog areas to open, drawing 200,000 visitors annually. Located on the banks of the Four Mile Run tributary, which winds through the Potomac River, it’s always busy with residents and their four-legged friends. Many newcomers with pets specifically look for a townhouse within walking distance of this park and Utah Dog Park, which offers water fountains and dog bowls for thirsty pets on hot days. For dogs that need more long-distance exercise, pet owners can hop on the Washington & Old Dominion Trail (W&OD), a 45-mile trail running from Shirlington to Purcellville and winding through urban and rural areas. 

Dog-Friendly Amenities in Fairlington/Shirlington: 

• Dogma Bakery: Named to Washingtonian Magazine’s “Washington’s Top Pet Care” list, the bakery provides healthy snacks baked in-house with human-grade ingredients and premium dog food and grooming services. Dogma also hosts regular fundraisers and adoption events for local shelters. 
• Copperwood Tavern: Great pub food and pints for you, and water bowls, patio lounging and peanut butter-bacon dog treats for your pup. The tavern also hosts dog-of-the-month contests with regular prizes.
• Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastro Pub: A traditional Irish pub with a roped-in outdoor area for pets to hang with their humans. 
• New District Brewing: This dog-friendly pub is a short walk from Shirlington Dog Park. 
• Dog Daycare Options: Fur-Get-Me-Not Pet Care & Dogtopia of Arlington-Shirlington. At Dogtopia, playrooms are supervised by certified coaches, and dogs are placed based on size, temperament and play style. The facility also offers overnight and long-term boarding, spa services and webcams in every playroom so you can check in on your furry friend throughout the day from your phone. 
• The Muddy Mutt: Self-service dog wash and grooming salon that’s affordable and takes walk-ins.

Green Valley

Walk Score: 54/100 | Median Home Price: $645,000

A historically African American neighborhood in south Arlington with deep ties to the Civil Rights movement, Green Valley has a strong sense of community. It’s also a great place for pet owners who want homes with spacious yards near various amenities. Duplexes, bungalows that date back to the 1930s and single-family brick homes line the streets in Green Valley. Dogs can play off leash at the 5-acre Fort Barnard Park in its fenced-in dog runs. The expansive park offers benches and trees to keep cool on hot summer days. And while there’s no dog park at Green Valley’s 12-acre Jennie Dean Park, pet owners can bring leashed dogs to walk around the open grassy fields or along the stream. The W&OD Trail is also nearby for high-energy pups to go for a long run or walk. 

Dog-Friendly Amenities in Green Valley:

• Snouts and Stouts: Indoor dog park and bar where your dog can play off leash on a 6,000-square-foot turf while you enjoy a cold pint. Dogs are supervised by the Dog Patrol staff. 
• John Robinson Jr. Town Square: A dog-friendly pedestrian plaza with art sculptures, an outdoor stage to catch a summer show and plenty of open space to enjoy community festivals.
• Green Valley Day: An annual tradition put on by the Green Valley Civic Association for over 90 years in the town square. Residents can bring their dogs and enjoy music, entertainment, food trucks and games. 

Penrose

Walk Score: 70/100| Median Home Price: $741,500

A planned historic district developed in the 1880s, Penrose is known for its multicultural, diverse vibe and stately homes, ranging from late-19th century Italianate to Queen Anne and brick Colonial Revivals to duplexes and apartments. Only 3 miles from Washington, D.C., and close to the Pentagon and Fort Myer, this neighborhood is also great for military and government employees. Penrose has various dog-friendly parades, events and other community activities. It’s also very walkable, which earned it a spot on our list. It’s also home to the 4-acre Towers Park, which has a dog park with a large fenced-in area for big dogs to run and a separate spot for smaller dogs to enjoy. Cool off under the canopy of trees here with your pup during the hot summer. 

Dog-Friendly Amenities in Penrose:

• Penrose Park: Bring your pup on leash at this 2-acre green space while you enjoy a picnic or stroll the paved paths.
• Butler Holmes Park: While there’s no dog park here, pets can enjoy strolling around on leash along the paths or relaxing in the grassy areas. 
• Paws on the Pike: Annual pet fair in Penrose Square Outdoor Plaza where pet owners can peruse booths and chat with pet-sitters, dog walkers, groomers and other dog-centered small businesses. Those looking for a furry friend can also adopt a pet here. 
• Columbia Pike Blues Festival: An annual block party to check out blues, jazz and bluegrass music, and enjoy food and craft beer and wine. Arlington Animal Hospital and other dog-friendly vendors are always present. 
• Lost Dog Cafe – South Arlington: A pizza and sandwich shop on Columbia Pike whose profits benefit the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation. Enjoy a slice and a cold pint on the benches outside with your pup, and the two of you can sport matching Lost Dog Café gear. The restaurant hosts regular fundraisers to give back. 
• Penrose Pride Parade: A dog-friendly annual event in June at Butler Holmes Park to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. 

Pentagon City

Walk Score: 48/100| Median Home Price: $300,000

Pentagon City is on our list for its many dog-friendly amenities and events. Homes here are primarily condos and ideal for young professionals with small dogs, and commuting is a breeze with the nearby Pentagon City Metro Station. The 20-acre Virginia Highlands Park is a dream for dogs. They can cool off at the sprayground in the summer or run off leash at its dog park, which is sponsored by Pentagon City Dogs. The park also has a walking trail where pet owners can run or walk with their dogs. At Bark Park, a private dog park for residents of The Point at Pentagon City apartment complex, residents can hang on its bright blue benches while their dogs play off leash and test their agility on the park’s seesaw and hoops. 

Dog-Friendly Amenities in Pentagon City:

• Westpost at National Landing: A 300,000-square-foot pet-friendly shopping plaza. 
• District Dogs National Landing: A dog daycare facility that also offers boarding, dog grooming, group classes, dog walking and training. 
• Maker’s Market: Monthly dog-friendly market with 20 local artisans and creators at Westpost at National Landing.
• Sip & Stroll: Walk around the Westpost Plaza with a cold pint in hand with your pup as you peruse hundreds of shops and take in the outdoor movie while there. 
• Howl-o-ween: Dress up and get portraits with your pup every Halloween at Westpost Plaza.
• Two-Way Dog Walking: The service offers short visits, overnights and daycare. 

Rosslyn 

Walk Score: 75/100 | Median Home Price: $450,000

Rosslyn is an urban metropolis known for its picturesque skyline views, skyscrapers, and chic condos. Historic Georgetown is also just across the river on the other side of the Key Bridge. In addition to high-rise condos, Rosslyn offers townhouses and apartments, all near the Metro, biking trails and green space. Designed to be super walkable, it’s a dream for pet owners and their furry companions. Over 100 events are held annually by the Rosslyn Business Improvement District, and most are dog-friendly. Gateway Park has a popular off-leash dog park with separate play areas for large and small dogs. It also features a 5-foot-tall visual screening fence and benches for pet owners to watch their pets. For a deeper escape into nature with your pup, head to the nearby Mount Vernon Trail for a scenic walk or jog, where you can check out Theodore Roosevelt Island. 

Dog-Friendly Amenities in Rosslyn: 

• Pet Gardens: Rosslyn has two pet gardens offering quaint open green spaces for pets to hang on leash and their humans to relax in chairs. 
• Rosslyn JazzFest: A free outdoor music fest held every September in Gateway Park. 
• Dog-friendly restaurants: Continental Beer Garden, Open Road, Barley Mac and Nando’s.
• Quinn’s on the Corner: A lively pub with board games that offers a regular “Dog Mom’s Brunch” and a dog-friendly patio.
• Playful Pack: A doggie daycare facility with turf-covered spacious rooms, brightly colored fire hydrants, turf-covered rooms and agility equipment. 

Ballston

Walk Score: 43/100 | Median Home Price: $496,000 

On the western end of the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor, this busy urban community tops many lists for Arlington’s most dog-friendly neighborhoods, including Northern Virginia Magazine. Ballston has multiple dog parks within walking distance, a variety of animal hospitals and dog-friendly housing and events. Newcomers will find mostly high-rise apartments and condo complexes in this neighborhood with easy access to all sorts of amenities. Ballston Quarter is arguably the biggest highlight, an outdoor shopping and dining area where pet owners can bring their pups. It hosts events, some specifically for pets, and the restaurants along Wilson Boulevard feature dog-friendly patios. At the nearby $1.8 million James Hunter Dog Park, pets can play on the plaza terrace, open lawn on leash, or run around its off-leash dog park. It’s best known for its big, colorful, solar-powered stone waterfall pool where dogs can cool off during the dog days of summer. Pups can also stretch their legs on leash and stroll in Ballston’s Quincy Park. 

Dog-Friendly Amenities in Ballston:

• Yappy Hour: An annual festival in the Ballston Quarter held each September. The event features dog non-profits and treats for your pup. 
• Dog Days of Summer: Also held in the Ballston Quarter in August, pups and pet owners can have their photos taken; pups can create their “pawcasso,” with painted paws and get dog treats. The festival supports local Arlington rescues. 
• Taco Bamba: A taqueria with a dog-friendly patio where pups can sport free bandanas with cheeky names taken from popular bands and artists. 
• WOOFS! Dog Training: A service providing science-based training, private classes, doggie daycare, and boarding. 
• South Block: A healthy smoothie and bowls joint that offers peanut butter and banana bowls for pups.

More Dog-friendly Neighborhoods in Arlington, VA

Arlington is a top city for dog owners, and there are a variety of other neighborhoods that welcome furry friends, provided they have a bit of a larger budget. Lyon Village, Old Glebe, Glencarlyn and East Falls Church are great picks for upscale dog-friendly amenities, dog parks and lots of green space.