Exclusive | Pet-friendly San Francisco

Where to Hang Your Leash
The Mandarin Oriental (222 Sansome St; 415-276-9888; $295+) delivers the expected luxurious appointments and top-notch service, plus the most spectacular views in town. Book an executive room for a bath with a panoramic window view. Dogs under 25lbs are permitted for $25 a night.

The Prescott (545 Post St; 415-563-0303; $165+) is the crown jewel of the Kimpton Group, offering four-star quality, room service from Postrio, and a spectacular suite with baby grand piano and a private terrace hot tub. Pets are welcome at no additional charge and are provided with food/water bowls, bottled water, faux sheepskin pet bed, treats, leash, and pick-up bags.

The Triton (342 Grant Ave; 415-394-0500 or 800-800-1299; $145+) is on the edge of Chinatown and on the cutting edge of design; beware the wide range of room sizes in this Kimpton property. Take a walk on the wild side by reserving the spacious Wyland Room, dedicated to and decorated by the famed painter of whales and other undersea tableaux. Pets are welcome except for in the Eco Rooms or in Suites (to allow an allergy-free zone for guests who may request it and in the case of the Celebrity Suites, to protect the paraphernalia). There are no fees or deposits charged, and food bowls, pet beds, and treats are all provided free of charge.

Hotel Monaco (501 Geary St; 415-292-0100 or 866-622-5284; $209+) is just two blocks from Union Square. All pets are welcome at no additional cost, but, as with all pet-friendly hotels, notify the hotel ahead of time. This 201-room property will stock your room with pet goodies including a copy of the book "A Dog Lover?s Guide to the Bay Area," a luxury pet bed, designer bowls, pick-up bags, and a souvenir dog/cat toy. The hotel even has a ?Director of Pet Relations,? a chocolate lab called Monaco Maverick.

Pets are welcome at no additional cost at the whimsical Serrano Hotel (405 Taylor St; 415-885-2500 or 866-289-6561, $189+). The lobby's restored decorative style, complete with Moroccan flourishes, is worth a peek even if you don't stay here. Themed around games of the world, the Serrano is the only hotel we know of where you can order Monopoly or Mah Jongg with your room service. Like many boutique hotels, standard rooms -- though well appointed and very comfortable -- can feel small. Their Pet Palace package includes designer mineral water, treats, pick-up bags, and pet necessities such as food, leashes, and toys.

Chow? dog-friendly spots to grab some kibble
Cole Valley?s French bistro Zazie Caf? (941 Cole St; 415-564-5332; $12-19) hosts Doggy Nights on Mondays on the heated outside patio, with a $10 discount on Ruff Red Zinfandel plus doggy treats.

Arguably the best caf? in San Francisco, and certainly the best people watching spot, is Dolores Park Caf? (501 Dolores St; 415-621-2936; $4-7). Perched on the corner of Dolores Park, this lesbian-owned caf? draws a mixed crowd of locals (many with dogs). The park-side location and density of canines ensure a lively afternoon of people (and pet) watching.

Ti Couz (3108 16th St; 415-252-7373; $7-15) is an authentic Breton cr?perie, serving savory and sweet cr?pes. Try the powerful and tasty hard cider, served in shallow earthenware bowls. No reservations, so expect to wait on weekends for their inexpensive fare. Dogs are welcome at the outside patio.

Run Dog, Run
Corona Heights (16th and Roosevelt; 415-831-2084) offers unique views of the city and is a favorite among local dog parents. Just be prepared for a steep climb.

Buena Vista Off Lead Dog Park (Buena Vista West at Central Avenue; 415-831-2084), the city's oldest park, offers breathtaking views. A popular destination because of its size, the off-leash area is located in a lower area, along the Western side of the park near Central Avenue.

Jefferson Square Off Lead Dog Park?s (Eddy and Laguna Streets; 415-831-2084) legal off-leash area is located at the corner of Eddy and Laguna.

PHS/SPCA (San Mateo; $5 per session) offers all sorts of events for you and your pet, including Mutt Strutts, golf tournaments and Dog Day Mornings?two supervised off-leash play sessions every Saturday morning. Dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Small dogs have the run of the place from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. All dogs must be up to date with vaccinations, have attended a basic obedience class, and all dogs six months and older must be fixed.

For more dog-friendly information on San Francisco, check www.sfdog.org/do/city_se.htm

Introduction & Resources
Boston
Chicago
Dallas
Miami
New York City
San Diego
Seattle
Vancouver, Canada
Washington, D.C.