by Julie Wenger Watson
It’s holiday season, and who better to share it with than our animal family? If you’re looking for a pet-friendly or pet-centered activity for the holidays, you have a variety to choose from.
Before heading out with your pet, however, take a few minutes to consider the well-being of your own furry friend and the humans you might encounter. Not every activity is suitable for every animal. Animals, like their Homo sapiens counterparts, come with different temperaments.
During the holidays, public spaces can be particularly loud and crowded. Family-friendly activities are often full of younger children who have not yet learned how to safely socialize with other people’s pets. If your animal is sensitive to sound or anxious around strangers, be selective in your choice of engagement. Your pet — and the public — will thank you.
Taps and Tails
Most of Tulsa’s breweries are pet friendly and welcome canine companions in their taprooms, asking only that you keep your pets leashed and make sure to pick up after them. Unlike bars, taprooms are usually relaxed, family-friendly spaces that offer a variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, which makes them an easy place to venture with your pet any time of year.
If your pet is new to public areas, consider taking an early-afternoon trek, when taprooms are less likely to be crowded. Check out their websites and social media too.
Several of these businesses host pet adoption events throughout the year. Here is a partial list:
Marshall Brewing Company
www.marshallbrewing.com
1742 East Sixth Street
Eric Marshall, brewmaster and founder, and his staff are all about community, and that extends to families and their pets. In addition to a spacious indoor area, the taproom features a fenced Biergarten with a good-sized lawn and complimentary pet waste bags.
NEFF Brewing
www.neffbrewing.com
321 South Frankfort Avenue, Suite #2
The entire menu at NEFF features gluten-free food. Pets are welcome in the outdoor patio area. If you’re hesitant to leave your pet alone while ordering, call the brewery to order, and the staff will deliver to the patio.
Cabin Boys Brewery
www.cabinboysbrewery.com
1717 East Seventh Street
(Seventh Street and Utica Avenue)
With a staff friendly to humans and pets, Cabin Boys offers a tasty array of beers. The brewery also features an outdoor area.
Tails & Ales
www.tailsandalestulsa.com
1903 South Boston Avenue
Tails & Ales is a dog park with plenty of amenities for humans, including a full-service coffee shop and bar. Proof of current vaccinations is required for your animal. Entry is by membership, although day passes are available. Enjoy holiday lights and decorations while you celebrate with your pup.
Get Outdoors
If you prefer to roam with your pet in the great outdoors, you have plenty of locations to choose from. Here are a few:
Keystone Ancient Forest
www.sandspringsok.org
160 Ancient Forest Drive, Sand Springs
Although not specifically decorated for the holidays, Keystone Ancient Forest has miles and miles of trails to enjoy year-round. Leashed dogs are welcome on the first and third weekends of every month.
Gathering Place
www.gatheringplace.org
2650 South John Williams Way
Enjoy holiday décor on Dog Play Sundays and Wednesdays at the Gathering Place. Leashed dogs are allowed on all walkways and grassy areas.
Guthrie Green
www.guthriegreen.com
111 Reconciliation Way
This urban park welcomes well-behaved, leashed pets year-round and even provides waste stations to help with cleanup. Holiday lights and decorations make this a wonderful spot to celebrate the season — specifically December 6 for “Glow on the Green,” with its holiday market, food trucks, and music.
Photos with Santa
Catch that memorable moment when your pet meets Santa. Here are some places for photo ops:
Rose District Farmers Market Claus and Paws www.cbrokenarrow.gov
418 South Main Street, Broken Arrow
Bring your pet to Broken Arrow’s Rose District Farmers Market from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. December 10 to enjoy Claus and Paws. Enjoy a market full of pet-friendly vendors and free photo opportunities with Santa for you and your pet.
“Any pet is welcome,” says Leann Leiker of Broken Arrow tourism and economic development. “Last year we had dogs, cats, and a guinea pig!”
Woodland Hills Mall
facebook.com/WoodlandHillsMall
7021 South Memorial Drive
Santa will pose with pets at Woodland Hills Mall from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. December 1. Although not required, reservations are recommended.
Grace Animal Rehabilitation Center
garcok.org
Grace Animal Rehabilitation Center will host pet photos with Santa at the Ninety-first Street and Riverside Petco location from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. December 7, 8, and 14. This is a fund-raiser for the animal shelter.
