You’re browsing through listings for Amish Country hotels that look perfect, and then it hits you:
No pets allowed.
What a shame! Luckily, that’s never a problem if you vacation in Ohio’s quaint Amish Country with Your Family’s Place. We’ve got you covered with family and pet-friendly homes in great locations that grace your entire family with comfort, peace, and tranquility on your weekend, week, or month-long getaway.
The unconditional love animals offer us reflects the magic of family, imitating the dedication and care you share with your spouse, children, and parents. Our take? Having your pet with you is just as essential as free Wi-Fi. Animals are a welcome part of the multi-generational experiences our Amish Country vacation homes offer.
We relish seeing clients thrive on family vacations, with children and doggies running freely on the property green space, frolicking new memories across your heart and mimicking the pastoral experience of an Amish farm.
So, how can you make the best of your Amish Country vacation with your pets in tow? We’ll walk you through plenty of activity ideas where your furry friends are always welcome.
Amish Country Pet-Friendly Destinations and Activities
We understand the stress people feel when traveling with pets. After all, you can’t just bring them inside your favorite bakeries and coffee shops. Plus, you’ll need to check with every establishment on their pet policy before waltzing in.
That’s why we made things easier with our roundup of pet-friendly excursions and destinations within Ohio’s Amish Country, from nature-filled hikes to restaurants with pet-friendly policies.
Dover City Park
Address: 2421 N Wooster Ave, Dover, OH
Swings, play ladders, slides, and climbable walls make kids go nutty for Dover City Park’s many play structures. But the large park offers many adult- and dog-friendly activities as well, whether you’re visiting in the summer or fall. While you shouldn’t bring your pooch up the play structure, why not indulge in a sun-soaked hike around the park or run around the track field with gentle paws echoing your every step?
You can even offer your pup an off-leash experience at the designated dog area. Come alone for a workout, or take the entire family with sandwiches in tow, as Dover City Park offers tons of green spaces and picnic tables for an outdoorsy lunch!
Norma Johnson Center
Address: 3645 Conservation Dr, Dover, OH
Can you think of anywhere back home where you could explore over 300 wooded acres of public land, brimming with towing trees, rustling creeks, and, of course, endless nature trails to galavant with your pet? That’s your reality if you visit the Norma Johnson Center, a nature sanctuary established over 20 years ago in Dover.
This admission-free nature preserve is a great way to escape your city worries and introduce your family to the tranquility and wonder that nature’s flora and fauna offer. Just remember to keep your pet on a leash at all times.
Schoenbrunn Village
Address: 1984 E High Ave, New Philadelphia, OH
A historical favorite in New Philadelphia, Ohio, Schoenbrunn Village takes you back to pioneer times with a reconstructed 18th-century Moravian settlement that showcases both archaeological sites and American history. Show your kids a simpler time in history, whether on the grounds’ 17 log cabins or historical church and gardens.
Opt for a guided tour for a more educational experience, or wander solo for a free-flowing afternoon. As for your furry friends? They’re welcome to explore the grounds with you as long as they’re leashed!
The Trailhead at Tuscarawas County
- Bolivar Trailhead: Fort Laurens State Memorial, 11067 Fort Laurens Road, Bolivar
- Zoar Trailhead: Canal Lands Park, 5 Dover-Zoar Road, Zoar
The southern portion of this infamous 85-mile hiking trail runs from the incredible Tuscarawas River Bridge all the way to Zoarville, just past Bolivar. The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is a great option!
Take your leashed pup on a family hike along the trail and relish sites of nature’s flora and bite-sized pieces of history, like the remains of a fish hatchery or canal lock.
Hog Heaven Open Air BBQ
- New Philadelphia Address: 1290 W High Ave, New Philadelphia, OH
- Dover Address: 6557 Columbia Rd NW, Dover, OH
BBQ lovers can relish a succulent rib feast or delectably slow-cooked brisket in either Dover or New Philadelphia — Hog Heaven Open Air BBQ has locations in each city. The joint’s outdoor patio leaves plenty of room for you to stretch out and enjoy the sun’s rays with your pet by your side.
Our advice? Try the mouthwatering pulled pork mac and cheese or the family feast with a full rack of ribs, a pound of pulled pork, garlic bread, and your choice of sides.
And for the pooch? Treat them to a filet mignon if you’re feeling generous — otherwise, bring a treat with you so they don’t get too jealous.
Dough Co. Doughnuts and Coffee
- Sugarcreek: 681 Dover Rd NE, Sugarcreek, OH 44681, United States
- Canton: 4742 Hills and Dales Rd NW, Canton, OH 44708, United States
- Dover: 801 Boulevard St B, Dover, OH 44622, United States
PB&J mini-filled doughnut, anyone? Perhaps a classic chocolate glaze for the traditionalists in the house. And if you’re really looking for a once-in-a-lifetime treat, you can’t miss the sophisticated custard of a Bavarian cream. Either way, Dough Co. has you covered with homemade doughnuts that tantalize everyone’s taste buds, especially if you have a sweet tooth!
The best part? You have access to Dough Co. all across Ohio’s Amish Country, with locations in Sugarcreek, Canton, and Dover, Ohio! Sit on their pet-friendly outdoor patio and sip freshly roasted coffee as you build energy for your day ahead.
Zoar Valley Trail
Address: Between Fort Laurens State Memorial (Bolivar) and University Dr. NE & E High Ave (New Philadelphia)
Looking to tire out an energetic dog? How about a hike through 20 miles of tree-lined trails? The Zoar Valley Trail is a gorgeous nature activity you can enjoy with the whole family. Indulge in stunning vistas of the Tuscarawas River and breathe in the fresh air generated by the plentiful trees in the meadows.
Pro tip? Make it a full-day trip by starting your adventure at Schoebrunn Village, which eventually leads into the Zoar Valley Trail!
Fort Laurens State Memorial
Address: 11067 Fort Laurens Rd NW, Bolivar, OH
Craving a taste of American Revolutionary history? A visit to Fort Laurens State Memorial is a must. Built in 1778, this fort was built to attack British troops in Detroit, albeit unsuccessfully. Now, it serves as a historical education center for visitors nationwide.
Try to call ahead so you can catch the American Revolution reenactments, complete with costumes. Just remember to keep your pets leashed while on the grounds.
Pet-Friendly Packing List
While your vacation rental has everything stocked for a cozy stay, you need to make sure your pets are just as cozy with a few packing essentials:
- Separate pet towel
- Pet food and treats
- Toys
- Medication
- Leash and identifiable collar
- Dog blanket and bed
- Portable water bowls
- Life jacket
Vacation with your Beloved Pets at Your Family’s Place!
Bottom line? Vacation doesn’t have to be synonymous with pet sitter any longer. As long as you offer us some notice and your pup is a good boy, our team will do our best to pre-approve your pet for any of our vacation rental stays for a reasonable additional fee.
Our philosophy doesn’t discriminate when it comes to family, and we reflect that in our pet-friendly policy and multi-generational homes for grandparents, parents, and children to enjoy.
Your Family’s Place offers spacious rentals with tons of room for every party member to spread out and entertain themselves, relieving the typical pressures of hosting. Unwind in the living room’s cozy sofas by the fireplace, or indulge in an afternoon of cooking with our on-site kitchen utensils.
Ready to explore Ohio’s Amish Country with man’s best friend? Bring your pup and book your vacation rental today!
