Hound Around Town in Oxford
Oxford, Ohio is a dog-loving town. From park areas to run around and play in, to doggy treats and cold water from local businesses, we’re a town that undoubtedly loves our four-legged friends.
Below are just a few ways to make sure your pup is enjoying their time in town as much as you are. Have other ideas about how you spoil your dog here in Oxford? Feel free to share it with us on Facebook or Instagram.
Additionally, we love to see photos of your dogs out and about town, so don’t forget to tag us and use the hashtag #DogsOfOxfordOH.
BONUS: Pick up a “Hound Around Town” guide at our office Uptown: 14 W. Park Pl. Suite C
Treat Your Dog to Something Sweet
Treat your dog’s sweet tooth with dessert! Try Spring Street Treats (321 W. Spring St.), and Graeter’s Ice Cream (Uptown) for dog-friendly treats that your pup will love.
At Spring Street Treats, a dog favorite are the “puppy cups,” a gluten-and lactose-free vanilla ice cream in a bowl topped, of course, with a mini bone. Spring Street Treats also has a nice outdoor area so you can treat your pup to a cup and some time in the sun all at the same time.
Go For a Drive
Have some errands to run? Bring your pup along for the ride because there are several businesses around town that would love to give your four-legged friend a free treat as you finish up your human business. Pull up to the Drive-Thru window at the Oxford Lane Library (441 S. Locust St.) and the employees will be more than happy to feed your dog a bone-shaped snack. Likewise, Chase Bank (20 W. High St.) is full of friendly employees eager to share the love in the form of tasty doggy treats. You may be surprised at how many businesses are stocked with snacks; all you have to do is ask!
Have Some Unleashed Fun
Managed by the City of Oxford, a community favorite is the Northside Bark Dog Park. Located at 5160 Morning Sun Rd., just right down the road from Best Western! This fenced-in dog park is a sweet place to take your dog for some off leash play. Here, your furry friends can enjoy a fenced-in area for play for small and large dogs, a fire hydrant, provided drinking water and plenty of shady areas.
Have you checked out the newest dog park in Oxford? Barkham Park opened in 2024, located off of Bonham Road and across from Leonard Howell Park. Take your pup to have fun running in large fenced play areas to drain their energy in these spacious areas (small and large dog sections).
You can also take a ten-minute drive outside of town to the Hueston Woods State Park which also has a Dog Park close to the marina. It’s another community favorite for those with dogs, with its water fountain and shaded areas. If you have trouble locating the dog park, call (513) 524-4250 and they can help point you in the right direction.
Walk on the Oxford Area Trails
Oxford is well known for its many nature trails throughout this big little town. The Miami University Natural Areas has over 17 miles of trails! Among the city’s many areas ideal for any outdoor-lover is the Oxford Area Trails. This trail system provides a wide, paved path perfect for walkers, joggers, bikers, wheelchairs, and your four-legged friends.
Access points for the OATS can be found at Leonard G. Howell Park, the Black Covered Bridge, DeWitt Log Cabin trailhead, and Peffer Park (check out the fox mural at the underpass).
Enjoy Uptown with Your Dog
Don’t let the warm weather stop you from bringing your dog Uptown while you enjoy the shops and restaurants!
Hydrate your dog outside local businesses such as Apple Tree, Graeter’s Ice Cream, and at the doggie water fountain in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park during the summer months.
Uptown is also has to two big grassy knolls perfect for your pup to play on! Just make sure to keep your pup leashed, and a dog bag on hand (they’re provided to the left of the pavilion stage) to clean up afterwards.
Pet-Friendly Events in Oxford
Enjoy Uptown Music concerts and themed summer fun at Red Brick Fridays, eco-friendly celebrations at Earth Fest, the Oxford Bee Festival, or wander the trails during the annual Hike-A-Thon! There’s always something fun for pups and their humans. Bring your dog along to while you sip and stroll at the Wine & Craft Beer Festival, or explore seasonal charm at OXtoberfest. You can even find pet-friendly fun at Hueston Woods festivals and many more events throughout the year—because in Oxford, dogs aren’t just welcome, they’re part of the community!
Events made especially for your pup: OnLabor Day, the Oxford Aquatic Center will host a Doggie-Dip at the pool before shutting down for the season. Apply for your dog to participate in a pool day!!
Another event to plan ahead with your dog is the Oxford Parks and Recreation’s Uptown Trick-or-Treat and pet costume contest. Get your pup ready to be judged by the three Oxford mascots (Parker the dog, Rox the Fox, and Miami’s Swoop) to win in three categories: Cutest, Most Original, and Judges’ Choice. Scoring is based on effort, theme, and creativity. Be on the look out for upcoming registration in the OPRD programs starting in September. After the contest line-up for a victory walk in the Lion’s Club annual Halloween Parade.
Weekly activities in Oxford? We gotcha covered! Visit the Pet Wants booth for some natural treats at the Oxford Farmers Market, every Saturday from 9:00 am – noon. Take a jog with the Tuesday night Pub Runners. When you’re done, enjoy a crispy cold one with the gang at a bar patio or grab a DORA drink while you cool-off Uptown.
