The ulti-mutt guide to pet-friendly West Virginia.
written by Laney Eichelberger & Devin Lacy
Like all good mountaineers, West Virginia’s furry friends are built for adventure. From the pet-friendly atmosphere of Shepherdstown to the luxurious accommodations of The Blennerhassett to the winding trails of the New River Gorge, West Virginia is a veritable playground for you and your pet to explore. And explore you should!
All across the state, you’ll find pawsome boarding and day care facilities for those times when your four-legged friends can’t tag along. But missing out on the fun can be ruff! In these pages, you’ll find the tips, tricks, and advice you need to make sure everyone has a ball. So grab your leashes, pack a doggy bag, and let us lend you a paw in planning your next fur-tastic excursion.
Pup Palaces
Book a stay where everyone is treated like royalty.
The Blennerhassett Hotel & Spa is not just a stunning boutique hotel with an incredible history in Parkersburg—it is a major community partner, especially when it comes to our four-legged companions. The Blennerhassett has partnered with the Humane Society of Parkersburg to create the Forever Homes for Canines program at the hotel, helping local dogs find loving homes. Pet fees from booking a stay with your doggo go directly to supporting the Blennerhassett dogs—a win-win for every pooch.
Your pet needs a vacation, stat. Stonewall Resort is just the place they’re begging for—with those big puppy-dog eyes and everything. The resort’s Pawfect Package sweetens the deal, welcoming your pet with a special goody bag and you with a discounted rate! As a designated West Virginia state park, Stonewall and its great outdoors offers the entire family plenty to do and discover. Make use of the new dog park, too, a pawsome place to work off some extra energy.
The beautiful grounds of Oglebay are a haven for outdoor-loving pets, with plenty of trails and walking paths to explore. Wheeling Park in particular is a great option for guests looking to spend some quality time outside. For those who prefer an end-of-summer vacation, the resort holds an annual Paws in the Park event in September, inviting guests and their furry family members to enjoy guided hikes, meet and greets, and the chance to take a dip in the pool before it closes for the season.
Find luxurious woodland cabins in close proximity to the historical charm of Berkeley Springs when you book a stay through Homegrown Hospitality. Paradise for the whole family, three of its elevated rentals—Tree Top Breeze, Moose Lodge, and Apache Heights—welcome your pet along for the journey. It’s remote enough to offer plenty of room to roam, with two state parks nearby just waiting to be explored.
DO’S & DON’TS OF TRAVELING WITH ROVER
Tips to make your next trip a tail-wagger.
DO check the pet policies at your individual destinations. Hotels, restaurants, or outdoor recreation opportunities may have different requirements from one another, so planning ahead is key.
DON’T allow your dog to wander through public areas off-leash unless specifically posted. This can help protect the safety of you and your own pet as well as that of the people and pets around you.
DO bring your pet’s necessary supplies. Bowls, preferred food and treats, toys, leashes and harnesses, medications, or even their bed can help them feel more comfortable adjusting to new environments—and save you a trip to the store.
DON’T forget to pack enough water for Rover to have some, too. Staying hydrated is important during any activity for any creature, no matter the time of year, so be sure to drink up!
DO make sure your pet has updated identification tags and is up to date on vaccinations. Some places might require vaccination records prior to booking or arrival, so staying current can prevent any last-minute vet appointments.
DON’T let your pet interfere with local wildlife or cause damage to habitats. “Leave no trace” applies to our companions, too!
DO pack extra waste bags and keep some with you at all times. Not all locations have pet waste stations available, and the last thing you want is to be the reason someone’s day got a whole lot smellier.
DON’T leave your pet in the car alone while you explore. The internal temperature of a vehicle can change quickly, creating conditions that no one would want to be in.
POOCH PARKS with Room to Roam
Wurzburg Dog Park at Ambrose Park in Martinsburg is really two, split to create areas for large and small dogs and keep everyone on a level playing field. This particular park requires a membership for your pooch to play here, but it is well worth it. Memberships can be purchased for $20, with $5 required for every additional dog, up to a total of four. Ready for a treat? A membership to Wurzburg also grants you access to Goldie Gibbons Dog Park, just 15 minutes away. Linden Lane, Martinsburg
Located at Ritter Park, Huntington’s PetSafe Dog Park has been giving man’s best friend a place to frolic and play since 2012. To safely accommodate dogs of any size, the park is divided by size, with a double-gated entry system to prevent any sneaky escapes. Choose to sit back and relax on one of the benches—or really give yourself and your dog a workout by practicing with the provided agility equipment. 12th Street & Ritter Drive, Huntington
The Doc Hamilton Dog Park & K-9 Memorial was built around a love of dogs and the connection we share. Agility equipment throughout the park is free to use, and a covered seating area keeps you out of the elements while your pup has a ball. A statue and plaque on the property honors police K-9s, while tags along the fence memorialize the furry friends that left us too soon. 235 Central Avenue, Oak Hill
Ready to Em-bark?
Anyone who has experienced car sickness on a road trip or disagreed with their dinner on the first night of vacation knows how quickly it can put a damper on your plans. Pets are no different. Before setting off with your furry friends, heed the advice of Debby Shondrick, a licensed veterinarian of more than 30 years and owner of Animal Urgent Care Center in Wheeling. Here are her top tips for traveling with pets:
How should pet owners prepare for traveling with their companions?
Pets should be up-to-date on vaccinations, especially against parvovirus, rabies, Bordetella, and Lyme disease. Bring their typical food and water—you might want to feed your pets what you’re eating, but sometimes that does not agree with them, especially little dogs.
What are potential safety concerns for pets while traveling?
The biggest problem we see are tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis. Those are problems around here because ticks are everywhere, and they’re so tiny. West Virginia also has copperheads and rattlesnakes.
What should be stocked in a pet first aid kit?
Over-the-counter human medications can create more problems. Pack something for bandaging cuts and, if your pet has a history of gastrointestinal problems, ask your vet for anti-nausea and anti-diarrheal medications. If something is ingested while hiking, take a picture of the plant or whatever it is, because most animal poison control lines have identification databases.
Any final tips for keeping pets happy and healthy while traveling?
When dogs and cats are in a new environment, they might get into things that they wouldn’t typically get into at home. You just always have to be prepared.
TAILS FOR TRAILS
Blackwater Falls State Park
Great views for you and 20 miles of trails for your hiking buddy—leash up your canine or feline companion and explore a land of hemlock, spruce, and cascading waters. Visit in September for Paws at the Falls, a pet-friendly hike to Blackwater Falls. Tucker County
Elk River Trail
Snaking 48 miles along the Elk River, this mostly flat trail suits pups who love sniffing or sprinting. Take Fido for a quick break at Pizzas & Cream in Nebo, then hit the trail again for more adventures. Elkview
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Cozy up at ACE Adventure Resort’s pet-friendly lodging before exploring the national park. If your sidekick exemplifies trail etiquette—or needs a refresher—stop by a visitors center to take the B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge. Fayette County
Rosemary’s Pumpkins and Pines
Got a fashion-forward pooch? Dress them in a pumpkin costume for this farm’s annual PUP-kin Contest in October. If Lassie is feeling too gourd-y, bring her along au naturel for a tour of the pumpkin patch. Asbury, “Rosemary’s Pumpkins and Pines” on FB
Wardensville Garden Market
If your canine confidante appreciates the finer things in life, stroll through Wardensville’s pet-friendly market for artisan goods, fresh produce, and, yes, dog treats. During its annual 5K, pups dash or dawdle around the historic property alongside their owners. Wardensville, @wardensvillegardenmarket on FB
GIVE A DOG A BONE
The best meals are shared with family, and in West Virginia, that includes family members of the four-legged variety. Whether it be pet-friendly seating or separate menus for patrons with paws, restaurants in the Mountain State have got you and your whiskered companions covered.
Cornhole, dartboards, and picnic tables means Pinheads of New River Gorge’s patio has plenty of room for you and your pet to play. Named for the owners’ energetic furbaby, Milo’s Cafe and Restaurant in Davis saves seats for you and your pooch for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Freefolk Brewery in Hico isn’t just for the dogs—feline friends have been known to make an appearance with their well-behaved owners, too. Say “hello” to brew-dog Andie while you’re there.
Ever wanted to kick back and share a cold one with your pup? Stop by Berkeley Springs Brewing Co. for indoor and outdoor pet-friendly seating and treat your pooch to a pup patty or pup-sicle. Fife Street Brewing invites you and your pet to holiday photoshoots and paint paw-ties in downtown Charleston. Morgantown’s Apothecary Ale House welcomes pup patrons and held its first Pints for Pooches fundraiser last year. For the camera hams: High Ground Brewing doesn’t just welcome canine customers to Terra Alta—it’s the creator of an annual fundraising dog calendar.
Even with paws-itive policies, patrons should practice their best manners and respect fellow diners—and pets should be wellbehaved, too.
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S SPRING 2025 ISSUE
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