Wilmington, North Carolina is a pet’s paradise. We have great adoption groups, amazing pet services, and of course, great beaches and outdoor spaces! All of our staff members are loving owners to a furry friend, so we’ve rounded up our favorite places and pet resources below!
Pet Stores
Unleashed
Unleashed is a great local store with knowledgeable staff and a good selection of leashes, collars, and toys! The store also hosts adoption events fairly regularly!
Visit their website here.
Pet Supermarket
This pet store has great reward options for members, like Buy 10, Get 1 Free on dog food! While the store is smaller, there is a great selection of toys and treats. They also regularly host adoption events on the weekends.
Visit their website here.
Aunt Kerry’s Pet Stop
Doggie by Nature in the Cotton Exchange is a cute pet boutique with treats, toys, and home goods for dog aficionados.
Visit their Facebook page here.
Pet Day Care Centers
Pet’s Pal Inn
The Pet Pal Inn was so accommodating when I needed to find a doggy daycare at the last minute. They have a “small dog” and “big dog” room which is great for owners who are unsure about how well their pup will play with others. Dogs are taken out five times a day and you can also add on walks and special treats. The staff is fantastic and my furbaby had a great time!
Visit their website here.
Paw Beach Pet Resort
This is truly a fun resort for pets! Paw Beach Pet Resort offers day care, overnight stays (complete with room service!), and grooming services for your furry friends. They also have webcams so you can check in on your pet throughout the day!
Visit their website here.
Pet Grooming Services & Spas
Head to Tail Bath and Boarding
This salon offers bath, trim, and nail services for small and big dogs alike in a cute and intimate space!
Visit their Facebook page here.
Peachy Keen Pet Resort and Spa
This spa comes recommended to us for being timely and very loving to each furry client! There are locations in Wilmington and Leland!
Visit their website here.
Dog Parks & Great Trails
Empie Dog Park
We’ve been to several dog parks in the area but like the one at Empie Park best, there seems to be more shady trees, the water spouts are on a concrete pad and they have a nice gazebo with benches for owners.
View more information here.
Hugh McRae Park
While I haven’t been to the dog park here, we enjoy taking our dog for walks here as it is scenic and spacious!
View more information here.
Cross-City Trail of Wilmington
The Gary Shell Cross-City Trail is great for a quick or long walk and offers diverse views of Wilmington.
View a map and more information here.
Abbey Nature Preserve at Poplar Grove
Just next to the Poplar Grove Plantation is their Nature Walk, an easy loop trail that includes a small lake.
Visit their website here.
Dog-Friendly Beaches: In Season
Topsail Beach
One end of Topsail Beach does leash free for dogs. On Topsail Beach, dogs must be on a leash 20 ft or less from May 15th through September 30th. At other times the dog must be under voice command of a responsible person, but does not have to be on a leash.
View more information here.
Oak Island Beach
Dogs are allowed on the Oak Island Beaches but must be leashed at all times.
For more information, view the beach rules and regulations.
Dog-Friendly Beaches: Off Season
Wrightsville Beach
Dog are not allowed on the beach strand from April 1 to September 30. However, From October 1 to March 30, dogs are allowed on the beach with a leash. For more information, visit the town website here.
Carolina Beach
All dogs are required to be on a leash at all times. Dogs are allowed on the beach town limits from October 1st to March 31st.
For more information, view the beach regulations.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants & Bars
Satellite Bar & Lounge
This downtown watering hole is pet-friendly and seems to always have great live music and events!
Visit their website here.
Goat & Compass
This pub in the Brooklyn Arts Distric is dog friendly with a fun atmosphere and great music.
Visit their website here.
Blue Surf Cafe
This bright cafe serves up delicious and fresh food and has a great outdoor area where pups are allowed!
Visit their website here.
Java Dog
There is Java Dog on Front Street, for caffeine addicts who need to have their furry companions with them!
Visit their Facebook page here.
Veterinarians
Hanover Regional Animal Hospital
Our whole office uses this veterinarian! Dr. Manolukas is always attentive to our pets. The entire staff is helpful and friendly!
Visit their website here.
Adoption Groups
Looking for a companion? There are several great adoption groups in Wilmington and the surrounding areas.
New Hanover Animal Services Unit
Adopt an Angel
Animal Avengers
Did we miss any of your favorite places? Share them with us in the comments or on Facebook or Twitter!