Exclusive | Pet-friendly Washington, D.C.

Where to Hang Your Leash
The ultramod Hotel Helix (1430 Rhode Island Ave; 202-462-9001 or 800-706-1202; $129+) brings WeHo panache to uptight Washington, D.C. with 208 funky color-splashed rooms and suites, creating a haven for style-conscious pets (all types of pet are welcome with no deposit or waiver required) and their human companions just a short walk from Logan Circle. After prancing through the pink-and-blue lobby, pooches, tabbies, or tortoises are greeted with their own water bowl, mat, and treats. Book the "doggie style" pet package (from $199, available weekends and daily during the summer and holidays), which includes a canine mani-pedi and a pet-size robe with the hotel logo. Dog walk packages include a map, pick-up bags, treats, a toy, and pet room service. Socialize with Fido on the outside patio, site of the festive "Dog Days of Summer Happy Hour" (June to September), or let poochie relax in the room while you unleash your inhibitions with champagne at the daily Bubbly Hour. Then show off that prized pedigree on a stroll through the nearby pet-friendly gayborhoods of Logan Circle and Dupont Circle.

The Hotel Rouge (1315 16th St, NW; 202-232-8000; $125+), a boutique hotel in the Embassy Row area, is light years away from your father's old Holiday Inn. Where else can you find a hotel whose last call occurs at 7:30 a.m. with a complimentary Bloody Mary and cold pizza bar in the lobby on weekends? Pets are welcome?even at the daily complimentary wine hour. There?s no deposit required and pet guests receive serving bowls, treats, a pet guide/magazine, and pick-up bags.

The Four Seasons (2800 Pennsylvania Ave, NW; 202-342-0444; $425+) is across the C&O Canal in Georgetown, and rates highest for personalized service, decorum, and discretion, making it a celebrity haunt. Pets up to 15lbs are welcome with no fee or deposit.

The Park Hyatt (24th St. at M St, NW; 202-789-1234; $285+) is slick, sophisticated, and discreet, and within walking distance of Dupont Circle and Georgetown. Amenities include a decent fitness room and indoor pool. All pets are permitted. A non-refundable clean-up fee of $150 will be charged to your room.

Chow? dog-friendly spots to grab some kibble
Adams Mill Bar & Grill (1814 Adams Mill Road NW; 202-332-9577) and hip hound company Doggie Style Bakery present happy hours on the fenced in patio, Fridays 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Treat your pet to free cookies, ginger snaps, and raspberry doggie brownies, while owners get to down discounted brews alongside a youthful, mostly straight, crowd.

Another social event for Schnauzers and others of their ilk, Monday evening doggie happy hours at the Milk Bone Bar are on the itinerary at Cantina Marina (600 Water St SW; 202-554-8396; $10-22), a jovial, laid back Tex-Mex-Southwestern beach bar on the Southwest waterfront.

The patio is open year-round at the Cheers-esque Union Pub (201 Massachusetts Ave; 202-546-7200; $10-11) on Capitol Hill. On Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m., head to the bar for Pooches on the Patio; treats and water are on the house. Owners get to tuck into discounted canine-inspired cuisine, such as buckets of mini corn dogs and Dog Tail wine and Flying Dog Tire Bite.

Run, Dog Run
Take your leashed dog for a walk along the two-mile-long National Mall (Independence Avenue and 14th Street). Dogs are not allowed on Vietnam or Korean War Memorial walkways.

Leashed dogs are allowed on the paved trails and in the picnic areas of Rock Creek Park (5200 Glover Rd NW; 202-426-6828).

The 184-mile C & O Canal Towpath (M Street; 301-739-4200) leads from Georgetown all the way to Cumberland, Maryland. Leashed dogs are allowed on the historic towpath.

Leashed pets are allowed on miles of walking trails in the National Arboretum (3501 New York Avenue NE; 202-245-2726).

Check dog-tastic events on PAL?s calendar, from picnics to walks to Yappy Hours.

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