Living in Mandeville, Louisiana, means having access to the outdoors, walkable neighborhoods, and a welcoming Southern lifestyle—and that includes your pets. For dog owners especially, Mandeville and the surrounding Northshore communities offer countless ways to get outside, grab a bite, or meet fellow pet lovers. Whether you’re planning your move or already calling the area home, it’s easy to find experiences you can share with your four-legged companions.
The best part? You don’t have to choose between enjoying the town and including your pet. From trails and patios to parks and private dog runs, there’s a pet-friendly option for every kind of day.
1. Stroll the Scenic Mandeville Lakefront
Start with one of the town’s most iconic features: the Mandeville lakefront. Stretching along Lakeshore Drive, this paved waterfront path provides sweeping views of Lake Pontchartrain, shaded grassy areas, and plenty of space to walk, jog, or relax with your dog. Benches and wide sidewalks make it perfect for a slow-paced outing, while the cooling breeze off the lake offers relief on warmer days.
You’ll find dog owners out here every day, from early morning until sunset. Whether you're catching up with neighbors or enjoying quiet time with your pet, the lakefront is the unofficial dog walk of Mandeville.
You’ll find dog owners out here every day, from early morning until sunset. Whether you're catching up with neighbors or enjoying quiet time with your pet, the lakefront is the unofficial dog walk of Mandeville.
2. Explore the Tammany Trace Trail
The Tammany Trace, a 31-mile rails-to-trails path, connects Mandeville to Abita Springs, Covington, and beyond. It’s fully paved and welcomes leashed dogs, making it a top destination for those looking to get in some real exercise.
Sections of the trail offer shaded stretches, scenic bridges, and easy access to pet-friendly businesses along the way. Cyclists, joggers, and walkers all share the path respectfully, creating a peaceful and safe environment for pets to explore.
On the other hand, if your dog prefers shorter bursts of activity, you can choose a specific section near the Mandeville Trailhead, which also features open green space and occasional weekend markets.
Sections of the trail offer shaded stretches, scenic bridges, and easy access to pet-friendly businesses along the way. Cyclists, joggers, and walkers all share the path respectfully, creating a peaceful and safe environment for pets to explore.
On the other hand, if your dog prefers shorter bursts of activity, you can choose a specific section near the Mandeville Trailhead, which also features open green space and occasional weekend markets.
3. Visit Fontainebleau State Park
Just minutes from downtown Mandeville, Fontainebleau State Park offers more than 2,800 acres of nature, including wooded hiking trails, shaded picnic areas, and lake views. While pets must be leashed and aren’t permitted on the beach or in swimming areas, the trails and open grounds provide plenty of space for an enriching outing.
It’s a great weekend destination where dogs can explore new scents and sights, especially during cooler months when the weather is ideal for long walks.
It’s a great weekend destination where dogs can explore new scents and sights, especially during cooler months when the weather is ideal for long walks.
4. Let Loose at Local Dog Parks
Sometimes, nothing beats a safe space where your dog can run off-leash and socialize. Mandeville is home to a couple of designated dog parks that are well-maintained and conveniently located.
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Pelican Bark Park – Located within Pelican Park, this off-leash facility has two fenced areas: one for large dogs and one for small dogs. Shaded benches, dog water fountains, and open turf make it a favorite among local pet owners.
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Pretty Acres Dog Park (Covington) – Just a short drive from Mandeville, this spacious park offers a relaxed environment and ample room for dogs to roam.
Both parks offer social opportunities not just for dogs, but for owners too—making them great spots to connect with fellow pet lovers in the area.
5. Enjoy Pet-Friendly Patios
Mandeville’s restaurant scene includes several spots where your dog is welcome to dine with you, at least on the patio. These locations combine good food with a pet-friendly culture, so you never have to choose between relaxing and including your pup.
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The Barley Oak – This lakefront pub offers stunning views and an extensive beer list. Dogs are welcome on the downstairs patio, where you’ll often see water bowls and friendly tail wags during happy hour.
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Hambone – Known for its creative take on Southern fare, this casual spot near the lakefront has an outdoor patio that accommodates dogs.
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Beach House Bar & Grill – Just steps from the lake, this lively eatery provides pet-friendly patio seating and a laid-back atmosphere.
These businesses understand that pets are part of the family, and they create comfortable spaces that reflect that philosophy.
6. Reserve a Private Dog Run
If your dog prefers solo play or needs space away from crowded parks, Mandeville offers a lesser-known gem: a privately rented dog park experience. Jennifer’s Private Dog Park is a one-acre, fully fenced property available by the hour. It’s perfect for pets that need time to decompress or for owners who want a safe, distraction-free space.
Reservations can be made in advance, and amenities like seating, toys, and water access are typically provided. It’s a smart option for reactive dogs or anyone looking for a more personalized environment.
Reservations can be made in advance, and amenities like seating, toys, and water access are typically provided. It’s a smart option for reactive dogs or anyone looking for a more personalized environment.
7. Attend Pet-Friendly Events
Mandeville hosts several events throughout the year that welcome pets, from holiday markets to outdoor concerts and fundraising walks. Keep an eye on the community calendar, as many of these local gatherings are held in parks or open venues where dogs on leashes are invited to join the fun.
Pet-centric events also pop up throughout the year—like rescue adoption fairs, mobile vet clinics, and dog-friendly food truck rallies. These experiences help build community while also offering great enrichment for your pet.
Pet-centric events also pop up throughout the year—like rescue adoption fairs, mobile vet clinics, and dog-friendly food truck rallies. These experiences help build community while also offering great enrichment for your pet.
Contact Allison Vencil
If you're searching for a pet-friendly home in Mandeville or the surrounding Northshore area, turn to trusted real estate professional Allison Vencil. Allison understands the unique needs of pet owners, from finding homes with fenced yards to properties near trails, parks, and social spaces that include your furry companions.
With deep local knowledge and a client-first approach, Allison will help you navigate the buying or selling process with ease and confidence. Whether you're relocating, upgrading, or just beginning your search, reach out to Allison Vencil today and make your next move with your pet in mind.
With deep local knowledge and a client-first approach, Allison will help you navigate the buying or selling process with ease and confidence. Whether you're relocating, upgrading, or just beginning your search, reach out to Allison Vencil today and make your next move with your pet in mind.
