Dog-Friendly Baseball Parks

Posted by Scott Tunstall

Of all the professional sports leagues in the U.S., none embrace the pet-friendly lifestyle more than Major League Baseball. Every summer, America’s pastime hosts four-legged fans at many stadiums. Not only do teams allow dogs in the park, but they also dish out cool freebies like bandanas, bowls and, of course, yummy treats. Grab your pup’s favorite cap and get ready to play ball… or at least, watch ball. Here are the best baseball parks to catch a dog-friendly game this season.

Dogs attending pet-friendly MLB games must be up to date on vaccinations and pet owners must sign a waiver before gameday. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

1. San Diego Padres - The Barkyard

San Diego, CA
"Any swag for me?" Photo by @the_realrothstein

Considering they play their home games at Petco Park, if the Padres didn’t jump through hoops for four-legged fans they would probably be tossed from the league. In addition to their annual Bark at the Park events on April 3, May 16, June 6 and August 17, the team invites Fido and friends to try and snag a home run ball from the viewing area at The Barkyard. Located in left-center field, The Barkyard welcomes you and your pup to catch all the action from a semi-private box seat equipped with shade umbrellas and cooling artificial turf. A designated pet relief area and water stations are nearby, and a Padres’ pet concierge will be on hand to escort Very Important Pets to and from their seats. Feeling hungry? San Diego’s famous fish tacos, ice-cold drinks and delicious soft-serve ice cream can be delivered to you from Carnitas Snack Shack. Four-legged fans attending Bark at the Park will receive take-home swag like a waste bag dispenser, tug toy, Petco towel and treats. If you visit on a Saturday or Sunday you’ll likely spot The Paw Squad, Golden Retrievers, Diego, Sunny and Rookie.

Tickets for Bark at the Park games start at $22 and pricing for seats in The Barkyard begins at $114 for four people and two dogs.

Stay just across the street from the home plate entrance to Petco Park at Hilton San Diego Bayfront.

2. Pittsburgh Pirates - Pup Nights at PNC Park

Pittsburgh, PA
"Put us in, Coach!" Photo by @archiethecheesedoodle

Shiver me timbers! The Pittsburgh Pirates allow seadogs to captain the ship at every Tuesday home game throughout the season on Pup Nights at PNC Park. Seating is located in the left-field rooftop section of the ballpark, and a portion of every ticket sold benefits local animal shelters. Be aware that fireworks may be shot off at any game. If Fido is easily panicked by loud noises, we suggest you watch the game at home.

Ticket packages for one person and one dog are $40, and additional human tickets are $40 each.

If you have time before the game, head to the adjacent North Shore Riverfront Park. It's a great spot for leashed dogs to watch passing boats sail down the Allegheny River, enjoy an afternoon picnic on the Great Lawn, and take a dip in the Water Steps sandstone block waterfall. You’ll be within walking distance of your pet-friendly room at Residence Inn Pittsburgh North Shore.

3. Cincinnati Reds - Bark in the Park

Cincinnati, OH
Auditioning to be the next Mr. Red. Photo by Facebook.com/Reds

The Great American Ball Park welcomes four-legged spectators to Bark in the Park at four home games in 2023. Dress your pooch in their spiffiest Reds attire and attend the pregame pet expo in the First Star Fan Zone 40 minutes prior to first pitch. Fido can enjoy plenty of photo ops and samples and see pups available for adoption through SPCA Cincinnati. After the expo, you and Fido can proceed to the pet-friendly seating section (137-139) with access to the First Star Fan Zone. All dogs must enter the park through Gate I, which opens two hours before the game and stays open until the end of the third inning. Bark in the Park will take place on May 9, June 7, August 7, and September 6.

Single-game packages include one dog ticket and one human ticket for $50. Additional doggie tickets may be purchased for $20 each, and extra human tickets are $30 each.

After the game, walk Fido along the Ohio River at Smale Riverfront Park, then walk back to your room at 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati to rest up.

4. Seattle Mariners - Bark at the Park

Seattle, WA
Grand slam Golden Retriever. Photo by Facebook.com/Mariners

Follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City for the Mariners’ Bark at the Park games. Furry fans are allowed at T-Mobile Park for five home games in the 2023 season. Attending Totos receive tasty treats and a limited-edition Mariners-themed giveaway upon arrival, and all are welcome to don a jersey and hit the field for a post-game mutt strut around the bases. There are several comfort stations located throughout the designated pet seating area as well as an on-site waste disposal management team. Bark in the Park games are scheduled for April 3, May 25, July 17, August 9 and September 11.

Ticket packages are $35 for you and your pup and $15 for each additional person.

After running the bases, Fido will be ready to rest up at Renaissance Seattle where he’ll be welcomed with a plush pet bed.

5. Washington Nationals - Pups in the Park

Washington, DC
Making her Major League debut. Photo by Facebook.com/Nationals

Bring your George Washington of Westies or Abraham Lincoln of Labradoodles to Nationals Park on six select game days throughout the season for Pups in the Park. The pet-reserved outfield section offers a great vantage point to view the game, and the adjacent concourse is outfitted with turf relief areas and water stations. Dogs can even howl along to “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh-inning stretch. Pups in the Park games will take place on April 16, May 19, June 7, August 16, September 5 and September 23.

Tickets are $10 per pooch and $35 per person, and proceeds from all sales will be donated to the Humane Rescue Alliance.

Celebrate a Nationals win with a beer at Atlas Brew Works, just outside of Nationals Park, then let Fido put his paws up at Hampton Inn & Suites Washington DC Navy Yard.

6. Kansas City Royals - Bark at the Park

Kansas City, MO
“Ready to catch a home run!” Photo by @zuchon.bailey

Treat your furry royalty to a day at Kauffman Stadium for Bark at the Park. In conjunction with Bar K Dog Bar, the Royals will welcome four-legged fans to turn the Hall of Fame Pavilion into a paw-some off-leash “tail”gate for four 2023 season games. Pups in attendance for the April 18, May 9, September 5 and September 19 games will receive special canine promotional items like a collapsible pet travel bowl and a Royals PupLid Dog Cap. Proceeds from a portion of ticket sales for each event will benefit different local charities.

Ticket packages for each game are $60 and include one human and one dog admittance. Additional human tickets are $31.

After the game, retire to this Charming Kansas City Retreat just four minutes away and let Fido explore the fenced backyard while you relax in the hot tub or around the fire pit.

7. Houston Astros – Dog Day

Houston, TX
Here come the MVPs. Photo by Facebook.com/Astros

On Sunday, August 20, you and your baseball buddy are cordially invited to attend Dog Day at Minute Maid Park for a noon game vs. the Seattle Mariners. The first 500 dogs to enter the gate will receive a free Astros-themed dog item, so be sure to arrive early. Furry fans can also “pawticipate” in special dog day activities and are granted access to the exclusive “Barking Room Only” area in Hall of Fame Alley and the Dog Zone on the Plaza.

Field Box Seating ticket packages permit one dog up to 80 lbs, and Standing Room Only packages allow for one dog over 80 lbs. Tickets will go on sale on June 27. In addition to proof of vaccination, a City of Houston registration is required to gain entry to the park. Out-of-town pups will need a letter from their vet affirming that city registration isn’t needed.

Spend the night at Hampton Inn Houston Downtown and walk to the ballpark, and while you’re visiting take a stroll to nearby Discovery Green Dog Run.

8. Arizona Diamondbacks - Bark at the Park

Phoenix, AZ
"Who's a good fan? You're a good fan!" Photo by Facebook.com/Dbacks

Bring your four-legged All-Star to Phoenix’s Chase Field for Bark at the Park. The 2023 event will be held on May 7 as the Diamondbacks host the Washington Nationals in a 1:10 p.m. game. Visiting pups will receive a s“wag” bag upon entering, and those arriving at 11:30 a.m. will have the opportunity to join in the puppy parade. Chase Field’s retractable roof will ensure canine comfort from the Arizona heat, but water bowls will be available to keep Fido hydrated and there is a pet relief area on site. A portion of all ticket sales will be donated to an animal rescue.

Baseline tickets are $47 per person and $47 per dog, and bleacher seats are $35 per person and $35 per dog.

Walk to the game when you stay at Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix Cityscape, just a few blocks from Chase Field.

9. San Francisco Giants - Dog Days

San Francisco, CA
“That’s not a baseball!” Photo by Facebook.com/OracleParkSF

Spend a weekend exploring dog-friendly San Francisco and make plans to attend Dog Days at Oracle Park. The 2023 dog-friendly Giants game against the Chicago Cubs will take place on Sunday, June 11. Be sure to arrive early so you can parade with Fido around the warning track, and dress him in his best baseball attire for a chance to win the costume contest. Your pooch will also receive a Giants Dog Days bandana to show off his team spirit. A portion of the proceeds from Dog Days ticket sales will be donated to the San Francisco SPCA.

A special event ticket is required to bring your pup along and the cost is $48. One dog is permitted per human.

Stay within Walking Distance of Oracle Park at Hotel Nikko and Fido can enjoy the rooftop dog park and meet hotel mascots and fellow Giants fans, Buster and Beau.

10. Tampa Bay Rays - Dog Day at the Rays

Tampa, FL
Can't beat Dog Days at the Rays! Photo by @remyvibez

Cheer on the home team with Fido from the Party Deck at Tropicana Field during the Dog Day at the Rays on April 23. The Rays host the Chicago White Sox for an afternoon game and all pups in attendance will receive a Rays Dog Day-themed item to take home. Order a hot dog for your hungry hound during the game, or take a short walk after the game to grab dinner at Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill and let your pup play in the attached off-leash dog park.

Tickets to Dog Day at the Rays are $30 and include admission for one human and one dog.

After dinner, walk back to this studio apartment, also within walking distance to the ballpark Once you’ve rested up, spend the next day exploring more of pet-friendly Tampa Bay.

Are you planning to bring Fido to the ballpark this summer? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!