Urban Knoxville: It's National Dog Day! Is downtown Knoxville friendly to furry friends?

Ryan Wilusz, Knoxville News Sentinel
·2 min read

This week's Urban Knoxville newsletter comes to you from Ryan Wilusz, downtown reporter and urban explorer at knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis but are not subscribed to this newsletter? Sign up at knoxnews.com/newsletters.

Dogs: You either love them, or you're crazy.

It seems like every time a friend visits Knoxville, they are amazed by how many fluffy hounds are in our scruffy town. But is it an exceptional amount, or is it typical for a city like Knoxville?

It seems like I've noticed more dogs in the downtown area recently. And while correlation does not always equal causation, our city has seen an increase in downtown residents in recent years.

While downtown green spaces are these dogs' backyards, public sidewalks are the most suitable places for a dog walk. And don't forget about the PetSafe Downtown Dog Park at 200 S. Central St.

Bundled-up dog owners watch as dogs play at the PetSafe Downtown Dog Park in downtown Knoxville on Wednesday, January 3, 2018.
Bundled-up dog owners watch as dogs play at the PetSafe Downtown Dog Park in downtown Knoxville on Wednesday, January 3, 2018.

Fun fact: PetSafe is best known for its invisible fence product by Radio Systems Corporation, founded by Randy Boyd, who makes our newsletter yet again – surprisingly, not because of the recent downtown stadium news. 

Knoxville is considered the No. 15 city in the country for dog lovers, according to LawnStarter, but some of the most notable metrics don't apply to downtown. The city ranked third for average yard size and first for veterinarians per 100,000 residents.

When it comes to most dog-friendly restaurants per square mile, however, Knoxville ranks 37th.

By my metrics, Merchants of Beer in the Old City ranks No. 1 for most dog-friendly bar in downtown. In addition to its spacious turf patio, the bar is known for welcoming furry friends inside and has become a gathering place for puppy parents. Plus, it's just a few steps from the aforementioned dog park.

Then there's The Bark, located at 601 Lamar St. just north of downtown. The indoor dog park has play spaces for pups, beer for humans and "bark rangers" to ensure everyone has a good time.

If I had a bone to pick, it's the lack of more small green spaces and bags around downtown for dealing with waste. This criticism is for former downtown resident Patti Smith, who once gained notoriety as the "pooper trooper" during her battle for an ordinance requiring owners to pick up after their pets.

Patti Smith, left, and her dog Petie meet at a coffee shop with the new tenant of her Gay Street condo, Parks Broyles. This March 2022 meeting happened just hours before Smith, known as one of downtown Knoxville's longest living residents, hit the road for a move to Biloxi, Mississippi.
Patti Smith, left, and her dog Petie meet at a coffee shop with the new tenant of her Gay Street condo, Parks Broyles. This March 2022 meeting happened just hours before Smith, known as one of downtown Knoxville's longest living residents, hit the road for a move to Biloxi, Mississippi.

Smith, known simply as Miss P, was considered one of downtown's longest residents before she moved south in the spring with her own dog, Petie.

For those who have moved to Knoxville, what are your thoughts on how friendly downtown Knoxville is when it comes to dogs? And how are you celebrating National Dog Day today?

Join the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook to become part of this downtown discussion, and follow me on Instagram @KnoxScruff to send a message with your thoughts.

Signing off and staying scruffy, I'm Ryan Wilusz. You can read my latest work by clicking here. Cheers to the weekend! 

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Urban Knoxville: It's national dog day! Is downtown Knoxville friendly to furry friends?