Press Releases

Media Contact:   Anne K Barney, Durango Area Tourism Office, 970-749-0991

Durango is a doggone friendly town!

Durango, Colorado--This town is truly one for the dogs! Durango, Colorado and the surrounding area boast miles of trails to hike, rivers to swim and an outdoorsy, dog-friendly atmosphere. When you’re ready to escape the dog-eat-dog world of the big city, Durango is the choice for you and your four-legged friend. According to the Durango Humane Society, close to 1,000 dogs are registered in the City of Durango, likely a conservative estimate of how many dogs actually call this town home.

Durango confirmed its four-pawed fetish by opening the Durango Dog Park in December 2003. Located at the base of Smelter Mountain on the banks of the Animas River, this 5-acre park allows dogs to run, roam and swim off the leash. The Dog Park hosts the Durango Dog Days of Summer — a day of canine-theme events including an auction, fun-run, vendor booths, demonstrations, canine carnival games and activities that benefit the Dog Park.

When you’re dog-tired and looking for a place to spend the night, many local hotels, motels and inns will extend a warm welcome to both you and your pet:

At Vallecito Lake, the “Lake in the Little Valley” surrounded by millions of acres of the San Juan National  Forest and just 22 miles northeast of Durango, pets are welcomed at:

Campgrounds are usually very accommodating to pet owners. Lightner Creek Campground and Cabins has taken the welcome further by creating a “Pet Park”, a fenced in play area complete with obstacle course. “There’s no better dog-loving town,” says Patrick Meiering, president and founder of Zuke’s. “In Durango, dogs are an important part of everything people do.” Zuke’s Performance Pet Nutrition found Durango dog-friendly and relocated its sales and marketing offices from Albuquerque to Durango in 2001. The company’s line of healthy, natural dog and cat treats is sold in natural foods grocery stores, specialty pet shops and outdoor stores around the United States and in five countries.

Still not convinced?  Well-behaved dogs (and their owners) can visit a number of different Durango business to get a treat including: Jitters’ Java drive-thru coffee kiosk on the corner of 8th St. and Main Ave, Maria’s Bookshop and Southwest Sound. When strolling downtown, your pooch will appreciate the numerous water bowls outside retail shops. Health code doesn’t allow dogs inside restaurants; however outdoor cafes and picnic areas often have tables where your well-behaved dog is welcome.

Any local dog will tell you that the Horse Gulch trail system, Vallecito Lake, the Colorado Trail and the other 2,000 miles of trails in the area are great places to hike and run. When it’s time for a cleanup before heading for home, Durango has a self-service dog wash and numerous spas and salons.

For more dog-related services including doggie day care, veterinary hospitals, kennels, groomers, and pet supply stores contact the Durango Area Tourism Office at 1-800-463-8726 or visit www.durango.org

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The Durango Area Tourism Office is a not-for-profit organization operating with the mission to promote Durango and La Plata County’s multitude of tourism attractions, events and services.  For more information, visit www.durango.org or call (970) 247-3500.

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