I have a soft spot for dogs — and not just my own dogs. Over the last few years, my husband and I have successfully grown a pet boarding business in our home, where we have boarded over 100 different dogs at various times. We know the love animals bring to families through their friendship, companionship and loyalty — and based on the number of pet boarding requests we receive, Kansas City locals do too.
According to the many pet parents I’ve surveyed over the years, these are KC’s best pet-friendly spots. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, craving cat cuddles in a cafe setting or are in the market for gourmet treats and specialty items, Kansas City offers a variety of pet-friendly spots where you and your pet can enjoy quality time together.
Pups and Patios
Kansas City is full of pet-friendly restaurants, breweries and cafes where your pup can relax right alongside you.
- Casual Animal Brewing Co. | Kansas City, Mo.
- A hip local brewery offering a pet-friendly outdoor patio. Dogs are welcome indoors but must stay leashed and off the furniture. They’ll love relaxing on the cool concrete floors while you enjoy a laid-back craft beer experience.
- Char Bar | Westport, Parkville
- This casual diner spot is a favorite among pet parents for its large, enclosed patio and beer garden. It’s great for even big dogs. Pets are welcome in their outdoor seating area, which features cornhole, ping-pong, fire pits and more. Both locations offer waste bag stations and keep some dog treats and water bowls available.
- Rock & Brews | Overland Park
- A local favorite among dog owners, this spot is known not only for its delicious human food, but also for its dedicated canine menu. Specialty pet dishes include Addie’s Feast, Barkin’ Bacon, Bird Dog Chicken and the Bow-Wow Burger. Water bowls are always provided, and with a heated and shaded patio, it’s a year-round destination for dog lovers.
- Summersalt Ice Cream Co. | Prairie Village, Leawood, Overland Park
- This ice cream shop offers a special pup menu just for dogs, featuring “pupsicles” and “woof cream.” Pupsicles are a refreshing blend of yogurt, coconut milk and pumpkin puree topped with a dog biscuit, while woof cream is a small scoop of vanilla ice cream made just for pups. The Prairie Village location includes a convenient walk-up window, making it easy to treat your four-legged friend.
- The Westside Local | Kansas City, Mo.
- Dogs are welcome on the covered beer garden patio, where the dog-friendly staff is always ready to offer water bowls and plenty of attention. Pups can even enjoy treats from Three Dog Bakery while you relax with a drink.
- Transport Brewery | Shawnee, Gardner
- Transport Brewery has a reputation among locals for being downright obsessed with pups. The welcoming staff keeps treats and water bowls on hand, and both locations have a doggie relief station out back with doggie bags, making it an easy go-to spot for enjoying a brew. They host events throughout the year like Dog Bingo, and they release an annual dog calendar, the proceeds of which go to assisting local shelters.
- YaYa’s Euro Bistro | Overland Park
- This chic spot serves a blend of American, Italian, French and Greek-inspired dishes, but the real standout is the patio. On chilly days, propane heaters keep the space warm and inviting, and on sunny days, ample shade ensures your pup stays comfortable. Pet-friendly and stylish, it’s an ideal choice for your next upscale outdoor dining experience.
- 30hop | Lee’s Summit, Merriam
- 30hop serves a mix of classic and bold flavors alongside an impressive selection of local craft beers. Pets are welcome on the patio, where water bowls are always available. The Merriam location, set within a mixed-use development, offers a grassy area for leashed pups and convenient baggie stations. The Lee’s Summit location features a covered patio that reopens for dining each spring.
Cat Cafes
If you need a pick-me-up, one of these cat cafes might just be the place. Just be sure to call in advance to make a reservation and confirm child-friendly hours.
- Sugar Kittens Cafe and Cattery | Liberty, Lee’s Summit
- Sugar Kittens is home to 60 of the cutest, cuddliest cats — all under one roof — along with a menu of unique beverages and sodas. During your scheduled visit, you can sip a drink, enjoy a Fat and Weird Cookie and cuddle with the resident cats, with the option to adopt one if you fall in love. The space also hosts birthday parties and special events throughout the year, making it a fun destination for all ages.
- Second Cup Cat Cafe | Shawnee
- Second Cup Cat Cafe is a nonprofit cat lounge dedicated to elevating the adoption experience. Since opening, they’ve helped more than 800 homeless cats find their forever homes through their rescue partner, Melissa’s Second Chances. Be sure to make a reservation to ensure a full hour of uninterrupted cat snuggles — plus a complimentary hot or cold beverage with every visit.
Specialty Shops
Kansas City is home to several specialty shops where pets can indulge in unique treats and toys you won’t find just anywhere.
- PawsAbilities | Olathe
- Delicious treats, adorable bandanas, toys galore and hand-painted pet notecards and housewares await at this fully stocked pet boutique in Olathe. PawsAbilities offers high-quality supplies for pets and their owners, all made locally by adults with special needs in Kansas City. Every purchase supports the participants in building job skills, confidence and greater independence while creating beautifully handcrafted products.
- Three Dog Bakery | Multiple locations
- These dog treats look so delicious, even humans might mistake them for people food. Churros, personalized cakes and even quiches are crafted for your pup using real ingredients and no artificial flavors. Three Dog Bakery, founded in Kansas City in 1989, now has multiple locations across the metro, but its flagship store in Power & Light offers extra perks—including treat delivery straight to your door, full-service grooming and a self-serve dog wash.
- Callie Mae’s Barkery & Bath | Kansas City, Mo.
- Has your dog ever sampled a s’more, cider donut or bacon cheddar cupcake? You’ll find these treats and more at Callie Mae’s Barkery and Bath in Waldo. Owner and pet pastry chef Sarah discovered her passion for creating high-quality, safe dog treats after rescuing her own pup, Callie Mae, and seeing firsthand how better nutrition transformed her dog’s health. Stop in to try their self-wash dog spa or order a custom cake for your four-legged friend!
- Land of Paws | Overland Park
- Land of Paws is Kansas City’s original pet boutique. They offer a stylish selection of coats, sweaters, collars, bow ties and hair bows to keep your pet looking stylish all year long. They even carry Chiefs- and Royals-themed gear so your pet can suit up with the players. The seasonally themed pet treats are homemade, nutritious and cute as can be, with an extensive selection of prepackaged treats for dogs of any size.
Kansas City is a wonderful place to explore with your pets, offering plenty of pet-friendly restaurants and specialty pet shops. Whether you’re looking for a place to grab a bite, relax with cats or pamper your pet with a special treat, the city has something for every animal lover.