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Denver’s Dog Rules: Can You Bring Your Pup to the Zoo, Botanic Gardens, and REI?
- Christina Frapasella
- Oct 11
- 6 min read
Denver is known for being one of the most dog-friendly cities in the United States. With its abundance of parks, mountain trails, and pet-welcoming restaurants, it’s a paradise for dog owners. However, when it comes to some of the city’s most popular attractions like the Denver Zoo, Denver Botanic Gardens, and REI’s flagship store, the rules for bringing your furry companion vary. This guide explains exactly where dogs are allowed, what exceptions apply, and where you can go instead if an attraction has restrictions.
Are Dogs Allowed at the Denver Zoo?
The Denver Zoo has a strict animal access policy that aligns with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Only trained service animals are allowed inside the zoo grounds. These service animals must perform specific tasks directly related to a person’s disability.
Emotional support, therapy, or comfort animals are not permitted. This rule exists to ensure the safety of both the zoo’s resident animals and visitors. The zoo is home to over 3,000 animals, including endangered species such as African wild dogs, and maintaining a stress-free environment is a top priority.
It’s important to note that the Denver Zoo’s “Dog Days” events, which you might see referenced online, actually take place at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs. That zoo occasionally hosts special days when leashed dogs are welcome under certain guidelines, but this does not apply to the Denver Zoo.
If you are visiting the Denver Zoo with a service animal, staff may ask a few limited questions to confirm that your animal qualifies as a service dog under ADA standards. The zoo also advises guests to remain cautious in areas housing large carnivores or prey animals, as they may react to the presence of dogs.
Summary:
Dogs and other pets: Not allowed
Service animals: Allowed under ADA definition only
Emotional support animals: Not allowed
Dog Days: Held at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, not Denver Zoo
Can You Bring Dogs to the Denver Botanic Gardens?
Dogs are not allowed at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The gardens have a no-pet policy to protect plant collections, wildlife habitats, and the overall visitor experience. The only exception is for ADA-defined service animals.
The Botanic Gardens frequently remind visitors that emotional support animals and therapy pets do not qualify as service animals. If you plan to visit, you may be asked whether your dog is trained to perform specific disability-related tasks.
However, Denver offers several dog-friendly alternatives for plant lovers. You can explore places like the Hudson Gardens in Littleton, which hosts occasional dog-friendly events, or visit Cheesman Park, located right next to the main Botanic Gardens campus, where dogs are welcome on-leash.
Summary:
Dogs and pets: Not allowed
Service animals: Permitted
Alternatives: Cheesman Park, Hudson Gardens (special events)
REI Denver Dog Policy: Is REI Dog-Friendly?
The REI Denver Flagship Store in Confluence Park is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and yes, REI is generally dog-friendly. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are typically welcome inside the store.
The policy may vary by location, but REI’s Denver store has long been known for its welcoming approach to pets, reflecting the outdoor culture of the city. Still, management reserves the right to ask owners to remove a dog if it becomes disruptive or poses a risk to other customers.
A few important points to remember:
During large in-store events, sales, or gear demonstrations, dogs might not be allowed for safety reasons.
Dogs are not permitted in any in-store cafés or designated food preparation areas, in compliance with health codes.
Always keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them.
The REI Denver store sits near Confluence Park, where you can take your dog for a walk along the South Platte River Trail after your visit.
Summary:
Leashed dogs: Allowed (most of the time)
Exceptions: Special events or café areas
Recommended nearby area: Confluence Park Trail
Other Pet-Friendly Denver Attractions
If you’re planning a day out with your dog, there are plenty of other pet-friendly spots around the city.
1. Union Station:
Dogs are welcome in the main terminal area of Union Station and in many of its outdoor restaurant patios. Some retailers and coffee shops even provide water bowls for pets.
2. Denver’s Dog Parks:
The city features dozens of off-leash parks, such as Railyard Dog Park, Berkeley Dog Park, and Stapleton’s Greenway Dog Park. These are great options for socializing and exercising your pet.
3. Outdoor Dining and Breweries:
Many Denver breweries, including Denver Beer Co. and Ratio Beerworks, are known for being dog-friendly. Check individual websites for patio policies.
4. Hiking Trails and Open Spaces:
If your dog loves the outdoors, try nearby trails like Red Rocks Park, Mount Falcon, or Cherry Creek State Park, which all have pet-friendly hiking paths.
5. Seasonal Dog Events:
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo hosts Dog Days, a special event allowing leashed dogs to enter with their owners. Denver’s parks department also hosts “Yappy Hours” and other local pet gatherings during summer.
FAQs About Visiting Denver with Dogs
Can dogs go to the Denver Aquarium?
No. The Denver Downtown Aquarium does not allow pets. Only ADA-compliant service animals are permitted.
Does the Denver Zoo have Dog Days?
No. Dog Days events are held at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, not the Denver Zoo.
What zoo in Colorado is dog friendly?
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the only major zoo in Colorado that hosts dog-friendly events.
Is Denver dog friendly?
Yes. Denver ranks among the top dog-friendly cities in the U.S., with abundant outdoor spaces, dog parks, pet-friendly restaurants, and shops.
Where can I take my dog in Denver?
Popular options include Confluence Park, Cherry Creek State Park, Berkeley Dog Park, and pet-welcoming patios at local cafés and breweries.
How much does it cost to enter the Denver Zoo?
Tickets vary by season, but pets are not included as guests. Current prices and admission details are available at denverzoo.org.
Can dogs go to Denver Botanic Gardens?
No, pets are not allowed except for ADA service animals.
Final Thoughts
Denver’s public spaces and outdoor culture make it a haven for dog owners, but rules differ depending on where you go. The Denver Zoo and Denver Botanic Gardens restrict pets to protect animals and plant life, while REI’s Denver store and nearby parks welcome leashed dogs. For an unforgettable outing, plan your visit with both your dog’s safety and local regulations in mind, and take advantage of the city’s countless pet-friendly options nearby.
By understanding these policies and exploring Denver’s many dog-friendly alternatives, you can enjoy everything the Mile High City has to offer with your pup by your side.
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