Named DogTown USA 2010 by Dog Fancy magazine, Provincetown's canine lineage is nearly 400 years old, dating back to 1620 when at least two dogs sailed aboard the Mayflower. Although the Pilgrims paused only briefly in Provincetown before moving on to Plymouth, it's a sure bet the Mayflower's four-legged passengers were every bit as happy to see dry land as their human companions.
It wasn't until four years ago, however, that Provincetown began developing its dog-friendly image. Candace Nagle, president and co-founder of Provincetown's Pilgrim Bark Park, credits a change in the town's government with creating a more dog-friendly atmosphere. "The political winds really changed for dogs" when four dog owners assumed representative positions with the town, she explains. Now, Provincetown has dog-friendly lodging, restaurants and parks and hosts frequent fundraisers to benefit four-legged residents.
"It is remarkable to have an entire town where virtually every establishment opens its doors to dogs–even the bank," Dog Fancy editor Ernie Slone said in a release announcing Provincetown's ranking as tops for dogs. "Where else can you take your dog along for a whale-watching or sunset cruise, walk miles of off-leash scenic beaches year-round and enjoy one of the nation's finest dog parks?" he mused.
One of the Nation's Best Dog Parks
Pilgrim Bark Park, a no-leash dog park in the heart of Provincetown, was started by Nagle and an associate after a chance meeting at a coffee shop in spring 2007. Each had been to a dog park in Florida and been inspired, so they joined forces. Now, the non-profit park, which has drinking fountains for dogs and their owners and pet cleanup stations, hosts animal welfare events and attracts locals and visitors alike. Dog Fancy named Pilgrim Bark Park the second best dog park in the nation in its 2010 annual ratings.
Dog-Friendly Lodging
The Provincetown area has numerous dog-friendly places to stay, like The Painted Dog, a kid- and dog-friendly B&B in Eastham. The Painted Dog even has its own "Puppy Path" walking trail. The Provincetown Tourism Office provides a complete list of dog-friendly inns, hotels, motels, resorts and campgrounds in and near town.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
The Central House Bar and Grille serves healthy local fare and offers its canine customers a free Pilgrim Bark Park doggie bowl to dine from. A list of more dog-friendly restaurants and businesses in Provincetown can be found at the Pilgrim Bark Park Web site.
Dog Fancy magazine released its 2010 list of the Top 40 Dog-friendly U.S. Cities in its September issue. The criteria used to rate cities included plenty of dog-friendly open spaces and dog parks, events celebrating dogs and their owners, ample veterinary care, abundant pet supply and other services and municipal laws that support and protect all pets.
