If you’re traveling around Tennessee with your pet and considering a stop-off in Chattanooga, do it! We were pleasantly surprised to see how pet-friendly Chattanooga is.
Chattanooga is an excellent place to stay with your pets when traveling through Tennessee. The city has incredible nature spots to explore with your kitty or pup, such as Lookout Mountain and Rock City Gardens.
You’ll also find many pet-friendly hotels in Chattanooga and plenty of restaurants and cafes that welcome four-legged friends.
What’s more, Chattanooga boasts furry-friendly parks and excellent walking trails with waterfalls and small streams, such as Fall Creek Falls and South Cumberland State Park.
And, of course, you’ll find plenty of restaurants that are happy to welcome your pup or kitty on the patio!
Read more below to discover Chattanooga’s top pet-friendly hotels, activities, parks, and restaurants!
Top Pet-Friendly Hotels in Chattanooga, TN
The fees and policies of each pet-friendly accommodation in Chattanooga vary. So to save you from hours of searching online, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 hotels that allow cats and dogs in the city.
1. Moxy Chattanooga Downtown
Moxy Chattanooga Downtown is an excellent furry-friendly hotel in Chattanooga if you want to stay in the middle of the action. Here, you’ll be a short walk away from many of the top attractions, such as Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery and the Creative Discovery Museum.
The sleek hotel boasts a stylish, modern design. Inside, there is a small onsite cafe serving coffee, bagels, and donuts, and outdoors there is a hip patio and food truck where you can chill with your kitty. The terrace also has heaters and blankets to keep you and your pet toasty during the winter.
Moxy has a higher pet fee than most other hotels, at $50 a night per stay. However, this covers up to two pets, so it doesn’t work out too expensive if you have double trouble. You will also have to give a $50 refundable deposit upon check-in.
We love that the friendly staff will supply you with some treats and bowls for your furry child! Find out more and book here.
2. The Westin Chattanooga
The Westin Chattanooga is one of the most well-known pet-friendly hotels downtown. The trendy 4-star hotel allows you to bring up to two pets and charges a fee of $50 per pet per stay.
The fee is higher than other hotels in the area, but you’ll understand why once you see how incredible the suites are. For this reason, the hotel does not allow you to leave your animals in the room unattended, either.
You’ll enjoy a gorgeous heated outdoor pool with cabanas and an expansive fitness center at The Weston. In the suite, you’ll find floor-to-ceiling windows, stylish decor, and a huge lounge area. Select rooms also have impressive views of the Appalachian Mountains. See for yourself and book your stay here.
3. La Quinta by Wyndham Chattanooga – East Ridge
We find La Quinta in East Ridge one of the best pet-friendly hotels in Chattanooga. This is one of the few places that let you keep your furry friend unattended while you go out. You can bring up to 2 pets, and there’s no weight limit. They have a pet fee of $20 per night per pet. However, this is capped at $40 per stay, which is fab if you’re in town for a while.
This La Quinta hotel is located 15 minutes from Central Chattanooga, but many eateries and other amenities are nearby. The hotel is close to a freeway intersection, but there’s a lovely creek a 10-minute walk away. Here you can go for a morning stroll with your kitty or pup.
We particularly like the One-Bedroom King Suite here. It features a separate lounge room with a large sofa (for your fur children to sprawl out on) and a fridge and microwave for extra convenience. Check for availability here.
4. Red Roof Inn Chattanooga – Lookout Mountain
Red Roof Inn at Lookout Mountain is one of our favorite pet-friendly places to stay in Chattanooga, as they don’t charge any additional fees.
This pet-friendly hotel lets one pet up to 80 pounds stay for free, so it’s a good option if you have a solo fur child. However, note that Red Roof Inn does not allow pets to stay in the room unattended.
This Red Roof Inn is in a peaceful nature spot and has a swimming pool and laundrette. Rooms feature either a small dining table or an armchair, a desk, and an ensuite with a bathtub and shower. Find out more and book here.
5. Days Inn Chattanooga Lookout Mountain West
Days Inn at Lookout Mountain West is another excellent Chattanooga for traveling with pets. There is a small $10 fee per pet per night, both cats and dogs are allowed, and you can keep them in the room while you go out. We found Days Inn makes traveling with animals both relaxed and effortless.
One or two fur children can stay with you in the king or family room here. There’s an armchair, desk, and flatscreen TV, fridge, and safe in the room for your convenience. The hotel provides a ‘grab-and-go’ style breakfast, so you don’t have to waste time in the morning, and there’s an indoor pool that you can use at your leisure. Check availability here.
6. Travelodge by Wyndham Chattanooga/Hamilton Place
The Travelodge at Hamilton Place is one of the best cat-friendly hotels in Chattanooga for a budget stay. They let you bring a maximum of two cats or dogs for a $20 fee per pet per night.
We particularly like this Travelodge because it’s a block away from the freeway, so it is pretty quiet. What’s more, right in front of the hotel is a small selection of fab restaurants, one of which Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has pet-friendly outdoor seating.
Various non-smoking rooms are available, including the King Suite with an in-room hot tub. The suite also has a cozy couch for your pet. Check availability and book here.
7. Staybridge Suites Chattanooga Hamilton Place
Staybridge Suites at Hamilton Place offers excellent facilities for humans and pets alike. For example, you’ll enjoy the complimentary hot breakfast buffet, the indoor pool, and the fitness center. Then, your pet will enjoy the spacious suites, cozy couch, and free treats upon arrival.
Staybridge Suites charges different pet fees, depending on how long you stay. It’s $35 per pet for 1 to 3 nights, $75 for 4 to 7 nights, and $150 for 8 or more nights. So if you’re staying for 3 nights, it works out great value for money, as does if you’re staying 7 or 10 nights.
You can bring up to two pets, and you can leave them in the room, providing they stay in a crate. Find out more and book here.
8. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Chattanooga Lookout Mountain
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is less than 15 minutes from the downtown attractions and in a quiet spot in Lookout Valley. They have spacious pet-friendly rooms for cats and dogs weighing no more than 50 lbs. There is no nightly fee but a set $25 fee per stay for one or two furry friends.
Country Inn offers a splendid continental breakfast buffet. You’ll have a microwave, refrigerator, and tea and coffee-making facilities in the room. There’s also an indoor heated pool on site.
We recommend booking the king suite with a separate living room. However, the standard rooms are still pretty spacious, with an armchair and desk. Check the available pet-friendly options here.
9. TownePlace Suites Chattanooga
TownePlace Suites at Hamilton Place is paw-fect for vacationers on an extended stay. Rather than a fee per night, they charge a set rate of $75 per stay (for up to two pets). So while it may be pricey if you’re staying one night, TownePlace is an excellent option for a one-week vacation.
TownePlace Suites also let you leave your fur children in the room while you go out as long as you put them in a crate or carrier. The hotel is a short 7-minute drive to Enterprise South Nature Park, which welcomes pets on their pleasant walking trails through the woods.
The hotel has excellent facilities, such as an indoor pool, heated outdoor BBQ area, and complimentary breakfast. Out of all the room choices, we recommend the king studio if you’re staying a while. It has a sofa bed, desk, and small kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, and dishwasher. Learn more and reserve your room here.
10. Sonesta Select Chattanooga Hamilton Place
Sonesta Select at Hamilton Place is one of the best dog-friendly hotels in Chattanooga, especially for extended stays. They charge a $75 fee per stay for up to two pets and provide many unique pet amenities, like pet beds and bowls. As they mainly see canines checking in, they offer waterproof mats and a dog treat, but the hotel welcomes cats equally.
As you go about your business, you can leave your pet in the room in a crate or carrier. Onsite, you can enjoy the gorgeous outdoor seating area with fire pits and the outdoor pool with sun loungers. The rooms are modern, clean, and comfortable, and the Deluxe King Room has a lounge area that your pet will adore! Check for availability here.
Our Top 3 Picks: Best Pet-Friendly Places to Stay in Chattanooga
We didn’t have any trouble finding a dog or cat-friendly hotel in Chattanooga. Most budget and mid-range lodgings charge a small pet fee, but if you want to stay in a swanky hotel, you’ll understandably need to pay a bit more to bring your pet into the room.
Some hotels will allow you to leave your pet unattended in the room, whereas others will not. Whether this is a problem will depend on your specific itinerary.
Either way, all three of these best pet-friendly Chattanooga hotels offer that flexibility.
- La Quinta by Wyndham, East Ridge — This is a top choice for those staying in the East Ridge area. La Quinta charges a pet fee of $20 per night per pet, capped at $40 per stay. You can bring up to two furry friends with no weight limit, and they can stay in the room unattended. The suites are stylish and spacious, and some have separate living rooms with large, comfy sofas.
- Country Inn & Suites, Lookout Mountain — If you’re planning to spend most of your time exploring the Lookout Mountain area, Country Inn might be your best option. This hotel doesn’t charge nightly fees for pets, but a fixed fee of $25 for up to two pets. The rooms are spacious, there’s an excellent breakfast buffet (for humans only!), and the location is super tranquil.
- Moxy Chattanooga Downtown — The staff at Moxy are always happy to see a four-legged being at check-in and will greet them with a treat. They charge a pet fee of $50 per pet per night, so we recommend this hotel if you’re staying a short time. Aside from being in the middle of the action, the hotel has superb facilities, including a hip patio with a food truck and heaters.
While there is a wide range of pet-friendly accommodation in Chattanooga, our favorites are La Quinta in East Ridge and Country Inn at Lookout Mountain simply because the pet fees are low at these hotels, and the rooms are spacious and comfortable.
Pet-Friendly Activities in Chattanooga
Now you know where to stay, it’s time to start planning your epic itinerary. Below are some of the best pet-friendly things to do in Chattanooga.
🐾 Parks & Walking Trails
South Cumberland State Park is a vast pet-friendly state park less than an hour’s drive from the city center.
Here, you can explore nine separate areas spanning 30,845 acres and four Tennessee counties.
Pets are allowed on all the trails but must be leashed. We recommend the 4.2-mile Savage Day Loop Trail in the Savage Gulf canyon area. Or, take the short 1-mile South Rim Trail that leads to a gorgeous waterfall. There are many other waterfalls here, such as Sycamore Falls and Bluehole Falls.
Harrison Bay State Park is an incredibly scenic nature area just a 30-minute drive from downtown Chattanooga. The forested park has 40 miles of lakefront to stroll with your furry child. We recommend the gentle 1-mile Lakeshore Nature Trail. If you need to tire out your pup or kitty, try the 4.5-mile Bay Point Loop Trail. Dogs have to be leashed here so cats can walk the trails safely.
Little Cedar Mountain is a splendid pet-friendly mountain hiking destination with incredible vistas, just a 21-mile drive from Chattanooga. You can follow four short trails here, including a 1-mile route that leads to a wetland pond and overlooks Nickajack Dam and the Tennessee River Gorge.
🎡 Activities & Attractions
Rock City Gardens is one of the most popular attractions in Lookout Mountain, so you’ll be pleased to know that your pet can join you here. So, leash up your fur child and admire the incredible art installations as you walk the Enchanted Trail. Then, head to the pet section at Café 7 that a pet-friendly menu, so everyone can enjoy a treat!
Reflection Riding Arboretum is a gorgeous nature center and botanical garden that lets you walk around with your dog or cat. There are over 300 acres and 15 miles of trails to explore here. Your pet will be in awe watching the wildlife and sniffing the plants. Plus, there’s also a treehouse that your kitty will love to climb!
Walnut Street Bridge is one of the best pet-friendly attractions downtown. This wooden bridge is an iconic Chattanooga landmark and one of the world’s largest pedestrian bridges! We suggest strolling over from the north. Then, once you reach the south side, you’ll be greeted by the next dog-friendly Chattanooga attraction.
The Ice Cream Show is a pet-friendly ice cream shop by the south entrance of Walnut Street Bridge. Along with many outdoor tables to sit with your pet, they also have a selection of dog-safe ice cream treats. If you’re coming with your feline, ask the staff if these treats are cat-safe too.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Chattanooga
Most restaurants and breweries in Chattanooga that have outdoor seating will have no problem with you bringing a dog or cat. Here are a few places we found the most welcoming.
- Tupelo Honey Cafe is a top downtown eatery for brunch and lunch with a large outdoor seating area to dine with your dog or cat. You’ll find all your brunch favorites, like Avocado Toast and Southern-style Shakshuka.
- You’ll find the two Mean Mug Coffeehouses on the northside and southside of Walnut Street Bridge. Both locations have a patio out the back to sit with your furry friend. The locally-owned coffee shop roasts its own coffee and makes mouth-watering pastries in-house.
- Acropolis Grill on Hamilton Place is a Mediterranean eatery with a large alfresco area that’s pet friendly. The menu is full of tasty Greek-inspired delights, which you can with one of the top-class wines from their expensive drinks list, making it the perfect spot for a long, leisurely lunch.
- Feed Table and Tavern is an Industrial-style eatery specializing in fresh farm cuisine. They have a huge outdoor eating area, so you’ll find a pet-friendly table no problem. It’s a fab place to go in the evening as they have nightly specials, a fully-stocked bar, and live music.
- The Terminal Brewhouse is a local-owned brewpub on Market Street. Sit out on the second-floor back patio with your pet and enjoy a casual dinner and drinks. Taste some of the creative appetizers, tuck into a pizza pie or stuffed sandwich, and wash it down with a local brew.
- Chattanooga Brewing Company, nestled amongst the historic Southside streets, has a range of core beers and seasonal brews. The brewpub thoughtfully creates dishes that pair perfectly with each beer and you can sit with your pet inside and outside.
More Chattanooga Pet-Friendly Resources
- Slobberbone’s Bakery & Market is a must-visit if you’re traveling with a dog. They have a wide selection of fresh cookies, bones, and treats for canines and a smaller choice for felines.
- Nooga Paws is the most highly-rated pet store in Chattanooga. Whether you want to buy some high-quality food, a new toy for your fur child, or just check out their treats, we recommend stopping by with your pet in tow. Plus, they have self-serve wash stations, so you can clean up your pup if they got filthy in the park earlier.
- Naughty Cat Cafe is a feline-only cat lounge and adoption service and an excellent establishment to visit in town. At this cat lounge, you can cuddle and play with the adorable cats while enjoying a coffee and pastry.
- If you want to treat your dog (or cat) to a special grooming session, head to Chattagroomer in Hixson Pike, a family-run pet salon with 15 years of experience. Along with dog grooming services, the team are experts at giving felines gentle and stress-free treatments. Cat services include nail trim, brush-out, full haircut, and de-shedding, and all are performed in an area far away from dogs.
If you’re planning a trip to pet-friendly Chattanooga, we’re sure you will find it as warm and welcoming as we did! With so many dog and cat-friendly attractions and establishments, you and your four-legged friend will have an incredible time.
So, what do you think? Does Chattanooga seem like a good destination to vacation with your pet? Let us know in the comments below!