Ultimate Dog Friendly Guide to Milwaukee’s North Shore

With its mix of dedicated dog parks, scenic trails, and dog-friendly businesses, the North Shore is an inviting playground for families and their pets. Whether you’re a local exploring new spots or a visitor discovering the area with your canine companion, we hope this guide helps you plan an outing that gets tails wagging. Remember to always follow park rules (keep dogs leashed where required, pick up waste, and ensure your pet is well-behaved around others)​.

Most importantly, have fun and savor the adventure with your pup! After all, nothing beats seeing your dog bounding happily ahead on a trail or snoozing contentedly at your feet after a full day of fresh air. Enjoy Milwaukee’s North Shore, and give your four-legged friend an extra pat for us – happy exploring! 🐾

Dog-Friendly Cafés & Patios

Foxtown Brewing – Mequon (6411 W. Mequon Road, Mequon, WI 53092) is bringing back its popular Yappy Hour this summer, turning the patio into a lively paw-ty with live music, juicy burgers and Foxtown brews from 4 pm to 9 pm. Save the dates for June 11, July 9, August 13, and September 10. Plus, $2 from every drink sold will support local rescues and nonprofits, thanks to sponsorship from Fromm Family Pet Food. Leashed, friendly pups are welcome to join the fun!

Foxtown Brewery’s Yappy Hour takes place on June 11, July 9, August 13, and September 10

Estabrook Beer Garden (Shorewood)
Located in Estabrook Park, this beer garden has a huge outdoor patio where leashed dogs are welcome at the picnic tables​. Enjoy an imported German beer or a giant pretzel while your pup relaxes by your side. It’s a fun, family-friendly atmosphere (often with live music) and makes for a great post-walk rest stop.

Jack Pandl’s Whitefish Bay Inn (Whitefish Bay)
A historic restaurant with a charming dog-friendly patio. They serve American fare and brunch favorites. Your pup can join you at their outdoor tables, which are shaded and perfect for a summer lunch. Many locals love bringing their dogs here after a morning walk – the staff often dotes on furry guests!

Café Hollander (Mequon)
A popular European-style café/bistro at Mequon’s town center, featuring a spacious outdoor dining area. Dogs are allowed on the patio, and the waitstaff will happily bring out a water bowl​. Stop by for brunch or a midday meal – the menu has everything from Belgian waffles to burgers, and you can sip a craft beer or latte with your pup at your feet.

Riley's Sandwich Co. (Shorewood)
Located at 4473 N. Oakland Ave. in Shorewood, Riley's Sandwich Co. is a dog-friendly sandwich and retail shop serving gourmet sandwiches, premium treats, and beer & wine. Fido is welcome to peruse the selection of high-quality treats and pet products while you wait for your meal. The menu offers a variety of made-from-scratch sandwiches, salads, and sides prepared with local and regionally sourced ingredients, with vegetarian and vegan options available. Riley's also features a retail space where guests can browse dog-themed merchandise and treats. While there isn't a dine-in option, customers can enjoy their meals at the outdoor seating area with their furry companions.

The pet-friendly patio at Riley’s Sandwich Co in Shorewood

(Many other North Shore eateries with patios will allow dogs outside, so don’t hesitate to ask. In Shorewood and Glendale, for example, spots like Stone Creek Coffee have dog-friendly outdoor seating so you can enjoy a coffee with your pooch.)

Dog-Friendly North Shore Parks and Hikes

Estabrook Dog Exercise Area

Head to Estabrook Park Dog Exercise Area (just a few minutes away in Shorewood) to let your dog burn off some energy at the off-leash park. While Fido makes new friends, the kids can explore the adjacent playground or you can take a short walk on the Oak Leaf Trail. Spend about an hour here so your pup gets their zoomies out in the large fenced area​. Don’t forget to bring water and use the waste stations before you leave.

Mequon Nature Preserve

Give both you and your pup a dose of nature at Mequon Nature Preserve. Once there, pick one of the six miles of trails to explore – all are leashed-dog friendly​. You might climb the observation tower for a panoramic view or wander the pond trail to let your dog watch frogs and ducks. This leisurely hike is a great way to walk off lunch. The kids can engage in a nature scavenger hunt while the dog sniffs around. On a nice day, the preserve is absolutely beautiful and typically uncrowded. (If it’s a hot day, stick to the shaded woodland trails or visit in the late afternoon when it’s cooler.)

Katherine Kearney Carpenter Dog Park

Katherine Kearney Carpenter spans 35 wooded acres where dogs can roam leash‑free along soft‑chip paths and meadow loops.​You’ll find shaded picnic tables sprinkled along the trails and an informal agility course built by volunteers—perfect for dogs that love extra mental exercise. Two gravel lots serve the park: one off Zedler Lane on the east side and a slightly smaller lot on Katherine Drive to the west, giving you options depending on traffic. In 1967 local philanthropist Katherine Kearney Carpenter gave this land to the City of Mequon on two conditions: it must remain a public park, and both children and pets should always feel welcome.​

Doctors Park

Cap off your day with a trip back toward the lakefront for some evening scenery. Drive to Doctors Park in Fox Point/Bayside for a sunset stroll on the bluff and beach. The park’s trails will lead you down to the Lake Michigan shore where you can watch the sky change colors over the water – a perfect peaceful end to the day​. Your pup will love the new scents on the beach (just keep that leash on and avoid the swimming area if posted). The family can skip stones, take photos, or simply relax on the sand while your dog trots alongside the gentle waves.

Here are top trail etiquette tips for dog owners from Off-Leash MKE.

Pet Supply Stores & Groomers

By the end of this North Shore adventure, you’ll have a happily tired dog and a family full of wonderful memories. From splashing in rivers and hiking through woods to enjoying local food with your furry best friend at your feet, Milwaukee’s North Shore truly has it all. Need to stock up or clean up on your way home? Here’s where you can stop.

Hounds Around Town
401 E Silver Spring Dr, Whitefish Bay, WI
A family-owned pet boutique serving the North Shore since 2007​. They carry premium pet foods, healthy treats, toys, and stylish pet accessories. It’s a one-stop shop for spoiling your pup – and dogs are, of course, allowed inside to sniff out their own goodies! The knowledgeable owners can help you find anything from a new leash to the perfect chew toy.

Pet Supplies Plus
11125 N Port Washington Rd, Mequon, WI
5300 N Port Washington Rd, Glendale, WI
A convenient chain pet store with a wide selection of food, treats, toys, and grooming products​. It’s a larger store known for competitive prices and a broad inventory – great for picking up kibble or a new bed while you’re out. They also have self-service pet wash stations and full grooming services if your dog needs a cleanup after a muddy park adventure.

The Feed Bag
11118 N Port Washington Rd, Mequon, WI
A local pet supply store in Mequon that prides itself on offering holistic, high-quality pet foods and supplies. They stock many nutritious and natural food brands and have a knowledgeable staff to guide you in choosing the best for your pet​. The Feed Bag also offers grooming and dog training classes. Dogs are welcome inside (on leash) – and they might even get a treat at checkout.

Community Bark
8739 N Port Washington Rd, Bayside, WI
Part grooming salon, part self-wash facility, Community Bark is the go-to place to pamper your pup. They offer professional grooming services as well as DIY wash stations if you want to bathe your dog yourself without the mess at home​. The facility provides all the tubs, shampoos, and towels you’ll need​. Community Bark’s staff is super friendly; plus, they often host doggy playdates and small events. Your dog will leave looking (and smelling) fabulous!

North Shore Pet Care Campus
1980 W. Florist Ave, Glendale, WI
The North Shore Pet Care Campus is a comprehensive facility offering a range of services for pets of all ages and needs. This state-of-the-art campus houses two sister businesses: North Shore Doggy Daycare (NSDD) and North Shore Pet Connection (NSPC). Services Offered include daycare and overnight boarding, special needs care, grooming services and veterinary support.