Can I Bring My Dog to Mackinac Island? A Complete Guide to Visiting With Your Pet

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We often get questions from members who are planning to visit Mackinac Island with their dog. Can dogs ride the ferry to Mackinac Island? Are there dog-friendly hotels on Mackinac Island? What restaurants and attractions allow dogs?

To help answer those questions, we’ve put together this guide with helpful tips and resources for traveling to Mackinac Island with a dog. From pet-friendly accommodations and ferry information to dog-friendly restaurants, attractions, and activities, here’s what you need to know before bringing your furry travel companion to the island.

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Dog-Friendly Hotels on Mackinac Island

If you’re planning to stay overnight, there are three Mackinac Island dog friendly accommodations that welcome dogs.

Mission Point Resort

One of the most popular pet-friendly options on Mackinac Island, Mission Point Resort is located on the quieter east end of the island, about a 15-minute walk from the downtown district. During our stay, our dog even received a little welcome bag at check-in.

Dogs are welcome in Mission Point’s Straits Lodge, making it a great choice for travelers who want to bring their furry family member along. With plenty of open green space on the Great Lawn and easy access to the island’s trails and shoreline, it’s a convenient home base for exploring Mackinac Island with your dog.

Park Place Suites

A pet-friendly lodging option located in the heart of downtown Mackinac Island. Keep in mind that they only have three dog-friendly rooms so book early!

Sunset Condos

Ideal for families looking for extra space while traveling with their dog. Located about 2 miles from downtown near The Inn at Stonecliffe, Sunset Condos provide a quieter setting and plenty of room for everyone.

Accommodation Tips: Dogs are not allowed to stay in the rooms unattended. Always contact the property directly before booking to verify current pet policies and fees.

Ferry Tips for Traveling to Mackinac Island With a Dog

Getting your dog to Mackinac Island is easy. Both ferry companies allow well-behaved dogs to ride free of charge. Dogs must remain on a leash throughout the trip and may either sit on your lap (if they’re small enough), stay on the floor at your feet, or ride in a pet carrier. For the comfort and safety of all passengers, dogs are not permitted to sit on the ferry seats.

Before boarding, consider giving your dog a chance to stretch their legs and take a potty break. The ferry ride is relatively short, but it can be busy during peak travel times, so it’s helpful if your dog is comfortable around crowds and unfamiliar noises.

Mackinac Island Dog-Friendly Restaurants

Many restaurants on the island offer outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. Before visiting, it’s always a good idea to confirm current policies directly with the restaurant.

Dog-Friendly Dining Options

Pedals at Harbour View Inn
Bistro on the Greens at Mission Point Resort
Boxwood Coffeeshop & Café at Mission Point Resort
Cannonball Oasis
Carriage House Patio
Dog House at Windermere Point
Feedbag at Surrey Hills
Mighty Mac Hamburgers (back patio)
Round Island Kitchen at Mission Point Resort
Tea Room at Fort Mackinac

Good to Know: Round Island Kitchen offers outdoor heaters, making it a comfortable option during cooler weather.

Dog-Friendly Attractions and Activities

As you’re exploring the island, keep an eye out for businesses displaying a “Dogs Are Welcome” sticker near their entrance. It’s a quick and easy way to identify shops and attractions that welcome four-legged visitors.

Some Dog-Friendly Activities:

Explore the Trails: Mackinac Island offers over 70 miles of trails, making it a great destination for active dogs who need to burn off some energy.

Visit Fort Mackinac: Dogs are welcome at Fort Mackinac, making it one of the island’s most unique pet-friendly attractions.

Take a Carriage Ride: The carriage tours allow dogs to ride along. Small dogs typically ride free, while larger dogs may require an additional fee.

Bike the Island Together: Rent a dog carrier tailer and bike the famous 8.2-mile perimeter road with your dog.

Planning a Trip to Mackinac Island?

If you’re still planning your visit, be sure to check out our YouTube channel! We regularly share videos to help visitors prepare for their trip, including ferry tips, what to pack, hotel tours, things to do, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Don’t forget to subscribe! Every subscriber helps us continue creating free Mackinac Island travel content and resources for visitors just like you.

Tips for Visiting Mackinac Island With Your Dog

While Mackinac Island can be a fun destination for dogs, it’s important to remember that not every dog will enjoy the experience. Unlike many vacation destinations, Mackinac Island has no cars. Instead, you’ll encounter horses, bicycles, carriages, large crowds of people, and cannon blasts throughout the day. If your dog is easily startled by noise, unfamiliar animals, or busy environments, you may want to consider whether the island is a good fit for them.

Here are some Mackinac Island dog rules and suggestions to help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit:

Keep your dog on a leash at all times.
Always clean up after your pet.
Give horses and bicycles plenty of space.
Bring water and a collapsible bowl, especially during the warmer months.
Consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening if your dog is uncomfortable around crowds.
Be mindful of hot pavement and busy downtown sidewalks during peak summer afternoons.
Be mindful of how your dog reacts to horses. Horses are the island’s primary form of transportation, and dogs that repeatedly bark at or spook the horses can create safety concerns. If a dog becomes disruptive or causes issues with the horses, owners may be asked to remove their dog from the island.

If you’re planning to spend a lot of time exploring, you’ll be happy to know that Mackinac Island has more than 70 miles of trails. Many visitors find that hiking some of the interior trails is a great way to enjoy quieter areas of the island while giving their dog plenty of exercise.

Dog Boarding Near Mackinac Island

If you’d like to spend part of your trip enjoying activities that aren’t pet-friendly, there is a boarding facility in Mackinaw City called Trails End Kennel. Reservations are recommended, especially during the busy summer season, as they can fill up quickly.

While we have not personally used TrailsEnd Kennel, it is a boarding option that many visitors mention in our Mackinac Island Travel Tips & Suggestions Facebook Group when traveling to the area. We always recommend researching any boarding facility beforehand and speaking directly with the staff to make sure it meets your needs and your dog’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bringing Your Dog to Mackinac Island

Are There Dog Sitters on Mackinac Island?

Yes, some seasonal employees and residents on Mackinac Island offer dog-sitting services during the summer season. Availability can vary, so we recommend checking Rover.com to search for dog sitters and pet care providers on the island before your trip.

If you plan to use a dog sitter during peak season, it’s a good idea to make arrangements in advance, as availability may be limited.

Is There a Dog Park on Mackinac Island?

Yes! There is a small dog park located at the Mackinac Island State Harbor. It’s a convenient spot to let your dog stretch their legs and burn off a little energy while visiting the island.

While it’s not a large dog park, many visitors appreciate having a designated area where their dogs can get a break from the busy sidewalks and downtown crowds. Just be sure to follow any posted rules and clean up after your pet.

What Happens If My Dog Has an Emergency on Mackinac Island?

Because Mackinac Island is a small, car-free community, veterinary and animal emergency resources are limited compared to what you might find on the mainland. If your pet experiences an emergency while on the island, contact the Mackinac Island Police Department for assistance and guidance.

Keep in mind that transportation and emergency response on Mackinac Island can take longer than you may be accustomed to. While help is being arranged, do your best to keep your pet calm, comfortable, and as stable as possible.

If your pet has a medical condition or special needs, it’s a good idea to bring any necessary medications and emergency contact information with you before your trip.

Looking for Even More Mackinac Island Tips?

If you’re in full trip-planning mode, be sure to check out our Mackinac Island Travel Guide. It’s packed with helpful information on where to stay, things to do, restaurant recommendations, transportation tips, itineraries, and answers to many of the questions we see asked most often.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or your tenth, our guides are designed to help you spend less time researching and more time enjoying your trip.

Have You Visited Mackinac Island with Your Dog?

What was your pup’s favorite part of the trip? Let us know in the comments below—we’d love to hear your recommendations and tips for fellow dog lovers planning their visit!

Make sure to check out some of these other Mackinac Island posts to help you plan your ideal vacation:

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Can I Bring My Dog to Mackinac Island? A Complete Guide to Visiting With Your Pet