Bellingham offers fantastic off-leash options for local dog owners, from secure fenced-in parks to adventurous woodland trails.

For a safe and social environment, Squalicum Creek Dog Park and the park at Lake Padden are popular fenced choices, both featuring separate areas for large and small dogs.

If your pup prefers more freedom, the trail systems at Arroyo Park, Little Squalicum Park, and the secondary trails at Sehome Hill Arboretum are all designated off-leash.

Even Whatcom Falls Park has an off-leash section on its Waterline Trail.

It's crucial to remember that outside these designated spots, city-wide leash laws are strictly enforced, with fines reaching up to $250.

These treasured spaces are supported by community groups like the Grateful Dogs Off-Leash Association, which help maintain the areas.

Responsible ownership—including voice control and always cleaning up—ensures these parks remain a wonderful resource for everyone.

Dog lovers in Bellingham have plenty of great options for enjoying a pint with their furry friends.

The local craft beer scene has warmly embraced the paws-and-pints culture across Whatcom County.

Many beloved breweries, including Aslan Brewing, Kulshan Brewing, and Wander Brewing, welcome leashed dogs in their outdoor beer gardens.

Thanks to heated and covered patios, you can often bring your pup along year-round.

For a truly special outing, Paws For a Beer in Fairhaven offers a unique off-leash experience where dogs can play freely while owners relax.

While a 2020 state law allows breweries to permit dogs inside their taprooms, the final rules are up to each business, so it’s always smart to check their policy before you go.

Finding a new pet in Whatcom County has been transformed by powerful online tools like Petfinders.

This digital platform serves as a crucial bridge, connecting hopeful adopters in Bellingham with local animals needing a second chance.

Organizations like the Whatcom Humane Society and the Alternative Humane Society list available dogs and cats, making it easy to browse from home.

Adopting from a shelter is a compassionate choice that saves a life and frees up space for another animal in need.

The process is straightforward: find a pet online, contact the organization to confirm availability, and then complete an application.

This careful vetting ensures a successful, long-term match for both the family and the pet.

Ultimately, it’s a community-wide effort from volunteers and residents to find a loving, forever home for every adoptable animal in our area.

In the world of animal welfare, some dogs are inevitably overlooked due to costly medical issues or deep behavioral scars.

For over a decade, one local Whatcom County rescue has made these forgotten animals its sole purpose.

Happy Tails Happy Homes, founded in 2011 by Vicki Niles and Nicki Larson, was created specifically for these underdogs.

Operating without a physical building or paid staff, the organization relies entirely on a passionate, foster-based network.

Their guiding promise is powerful: “Once a Happy Tails Happy Homes Dog, always a Happy Tails Happy Homes Dog,” providing lifelong support no matter the cost.

From surgeries to long-term behavioral care, every dollar goes directly to the animals.

This life-saving work is a testament to community spirit.

The organization’s ability to provide second chances is completely dependent on local generosity, making the need for foster homes and donations both constant and urgent.

In Western Washington, senior dogs often overlooked in shelters are finding a second chance at a loving home.

A local organization, Old Dog Haven, has pioneered a remarkable model to help these gray-muzzled residents who have nowhere else to turn.

They do not operate a traditional shelter.

Instead, a network of dedicated foster families provides permanent "Final Refuge" homes where a dog can live out its days.

While families provide daily love and comfort, Old Dog Haven covers all veterinary expenses, removing the financial barrier that often prevents adoption of animals with health issues.

The mission focuses on the oldest and sickest dogs, giving them an opportunity to experience peace and dignity in their final years.

It’s a final, powerful act of kindness, ensuring every dog knows it was cherished.

The Alternative Humane Society (AHS) is a dedicated nonprofit in Whatcom County, operating entirely through volunteers and foster-based care for local pets.

Without a traditional shelter, AHS relies on community members to foster dogs and cats, providing a safe and loving environment until adoption.

Their mission centers on creating a no-kill community, offering adoption opportunities, foster programs, and spay/neuter vouchers to reduce pet overpopulation.

AHS faces challenges common to animal welfare groups, such as funding and overcrowding, but meets these issues head-on through partnerships — including with Best Friends — and robust local engagement.

You can help by donating, volunteering, fostering, or adopting a pet, all detailed on their website and Facebook page.

This passionate organization continues to make a remarkable difference for Whatcom County’s most vulnerable animals.

Since 1902, the Whatcom Humane Society has stood as a pillar of compassion for animals across our community.

As the oldest nonprofit animal welfare group in Whatcom County, its mission extends far beyond just sheltering pets.

Led by Executive Director Laura Clark, the organization provides a critical safety net for thousands of domestic pets, farm animals, and local wildlife each year.

What truly sets them apart is their commitment to being an open-admission shelter.

This means they never turn an animal away, regardless of age, breed, or medical needs.

The society operates a domestic shelter on Division Street, a farm facility, and a wildlife rehabilitation center.

They also provide 24/7 animal control for cities like Bellingham, Ferndale, and Blaine, alongside a community pet food bank and low-cost spay/neuter services.