KEY TAKEAWAYS: When tailgating with dogs, make sure to pack their essentials, including dog treats, water, comfort items. Keep them on leash, and setup a zone where they can rest and retreat. Keep them away from the food, grills, heavy equipment, and large, noisy crowds. Lastly, be ready to leave if they show signs of stress.
It's the football season, which means packed parking lots, grills firing up, cheering fans, and plenty of game-day food.
And what better way to celebrate it than by tailgating with fellow fans? The question is: should you tailgate with your dog?
As a pet parent myself, I understand why more owners want to include their dogs in football-season activities.
Tailgating can be enjoyable for confident, social dogs when owners plan ahead. However, not every dog will enjoy a busy tailgate.
In this article, let's talk about 12 practical tips for tailgating with dogs safely.
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12 Tips for Tailgating with Dogs
1. Check the Stadium and Parking Lot Pet Policy
Not all stadium parking lots or other venues explicitly say whether they allow dogs, so the next best thing is to ask the organizer.
However, a dog being permitted in the parking lot doesn't automatically mean they're allowed inside the stadium.
Make sure you have a plan for your dog during the game, rather than discovering at kickoff that the dog can't enter.
2. Decide Whether Your Dog Is a Good Tailgating Companion
Being allowed to attend doesn't necessarily mean a dog should attend!
If your dog is:
- Comfortable around strangers
- Well-socialized
- Calm around other dogs
- Comfortable with loud noises
- Reliable basic obedience
- Able to settle down in busy environments…
Chances are, they'll enjoy being in the party, too!
However, if your dog is:
- Noise sensitive
- Highly reactive
- Fearful of strangers
- Anxious in crowds
- Not adequately vaccinated/socialized
- With health or mobility limitations
It may be best to leave them at home with a sitter or a trusted family member.
Assessing your dog's temperament is very important before planning to tailgate with them. The venue will be crowded and noisy, and these unpredictable activities may overwhelm some dogs.
3. Pack a Dog Tailgating Checklist
Keeping a dedicated dog game-day bag packed during football season can be useful and come in handy!
Make sure you have these essentials packed:
| Tailgating Essential | Why Bring It? |
|---|---|
| Leash and harness | Keeps your dog securely controlled |
| ID tags | Helps identify a lost dog |
| Fresh water | Prevents dehydration |
| Portable bowl | Easy drinking and feeding |
| Regular dog food | Prevents reliance on table scraps |
| Dog treats | Rewards good behavior |
| Waste bags | Essential tailgating etiquette |
| Mat or portable bed | Gives your dog a resting spot |
| Shade/canopy | Protection from direct sun |
| Favorite toy | Entertainment and comfort |
| Pet first-aid kit | Minor emergencies |
| Towel | Mud, spills, or wet weather |
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4. Exercise Your Dog Before the Tailgate
Take your dog for a walk or play session before leaving home. This helps burn off excess energy and makes settling down at the event a little easier.
Taking them outside also gives them a chance to relieve themselves and provides mental stimulation before entering a busy environment.
But be careful not to exhaust your dog, especially if the weather is still hot.
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5. Keep Your Dog Leashed and Supervised
Even a well-trained dog shouldn't roam freely through a crowded tailgate. Too many distractions can pull your dog away, including other dogs, children, food, cars, sudden cheering (loud noises), and strangers!
Use a standard leash and a properly fitted harness or collar, and keep them on at all times to prevent unwanted incidents.
Make sure your dog's identification and microchip are up to date in case they escape.
6. Create a Dog-Friendly Tailgating Zone
If you're going with other dog owners and their dog is familiar with your dog, that's the perfect opportunity to set up a small dog home base with them!
This may include shade, a portable bed or mat, water bowls, familiar blankets (preferably with the owners' smells), chews, and enrichment toys.
Keep this dog-friendly tailgating zone away from the grills and heavy foot traffic so the dogs have a place to retreat and relax.
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7. Protect Your Dog From Hot or Cold Weather
Depending on where you are, tailgates can be sweaty or chilly, so tailor your preparations to the weather!
For hot-weather tailgates, make sure your dog has constant access to fresh water and shade. Protect them from the hot asphalt by wearing shoes, and keep them cool with cooling vests to prevent heatstroke.
For cold-weather tailgates, watch out for shivering or any signs of discomfort in your dog. Let them wear dog coats or jackets when appropriate.
If the weather is too extreme, it may be better to leave your dog at home.
Whatever you decide on, never leave your dog unattended inside a parked vehicle, even if it's cold outside!
8. Keep Tailgate Food Away From Your Dog
The main attraction at tailgates is interacting with fellow football fans. Second is the food!
Unfortunately, most tailgate foods are unhealthy and could be dangerous to dogs.
That means you have to keep these common game-day foods away from your dog:
- Chicken wings and cooked bones
- Anything with onions and garlic (dips, chili, etc.)
- Guacamole (or anything with avocado)
- Chocolate
- Fatty/fried foods (potato skins, hot dogs, bacon, etc.)
- Salty snacks like chips and pretzels
These can be extremely toxic and dangerous for dogs. Instead, bring your own snacks!
Give them their normal treats or prepare a separate, dog-friendly game-day snack.
You can check out our recommended recipes here:
9. Keep Alcohol and Other Drinks Out of Reach
Unattended cups can become an easy target for curious dogs. Be extra wary of any nearby beers, liquors, cocktails, energy drinks, and even coffee or caffeinated sodas, and make sure dogs can't get to them.
Both alcohol and caffeine can cause serious problems for pets, so any spills or leftovers should be cleaned up immediately.
10. Keep Dogs Away From Grills and Tailgating Equipment
Beyond the food, make sure your dog can't get to grills and other equipment, such as:
- Hot grills
- Grease
- Open flames
- Charcoal
- Propane equipment
- Grilling utensils
- Hot pans
- Food skewers
- Electrical cords
- Coolers and heavy equipment
Keep your dog-safe zone as far away as possible from this hazardous equipment.
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11. Watch for Signs Your Dog Has Had Enough
Have fun socializing with friends, but don't forget to check your dog for any signs of stress.
Watch for:
- Excessive panting
- Trembling
- Pacing
- Whining
- Trying to hide
- Ears pinned back
- Tucked tail
- Excessive barking
- Refusing treats
- Repeated attempts to escape
Even if your dog appears comfortable earlier, the noise, crowds, and multiple things happening at once can stress them later in the day.
If you can, move them somewhere a little quieter, or be ready to leave the event when necessary.
12. Practice Good Dog Tailgating Etiquette
Lastly, be a responsible dog owner and tailgater by practicing good etiquette.
This includes picking up your dog's waste immediately and not letting your dog approach strangers or other dogs without permission.
Don't let your dog block walkways, too. Respect those who don't want to interact with your dog and understand that not everybody will be comfortable having a dog near their space.
Being a responsible owner can help keep tailgating areas dog-friendly for everyone!
RELATED: Etiquette in Public Places That Every Dog Owner Should Know
What If Your Dog Doesn't Like Tailgating?
Don't be pressured into bringing your dog to tailgates or any event, for that matter, just because other pet owners are doing the same. Your dog is different from theirs, and that's normal!
If showing your support for your favorite team AND having your dog join you in the fun is non-negotiable, try other activities instead!
Why not host a dog-friendly “homegate”? This way, you control your dog's environment, and it's already familiar to them.
Another option is to leave your dog at home for a couple of hours. Just make sure to exercise them or take them for a walk before you leave, and leave them with enrichment toys so they don't get too bored.
Otherwise, your best option is to hire a trusted pet sitter to watch over your dog while you tailgate and watch the game live.
Bonus: Fun Ways to Include Your Dog in Game Day
Whether you bring your dog along or you watch the games at home, you can still include your dog in game day.
Ideas include dressing your dog in a pet-safe team bandana or jersey, giving them football-shaped toys to chew on, and making them homemade treats.
Remember to take photos, or it didn't happen! (Bonus if you have props like fun glasses, headbands, or #1 hand signs).
Tailgating with Dogs FAQs
Can dogs go inside football stadiums?
Most football stadiums do not allow pet dogs inside, although trained service animals are generally permitted under applicable rules.
If you’re tailgating with dogs, check the stadium and parking lot policies before game day because rules vary by venue.
A dog may be allowed in designated tailgating areas but prohibited from entering the stadium itself, so make arrangements for your dog during the game rather than leaving them unattended in a vehicle.
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What should I do if my dog is scared of loud crowds?
If your dog becomes frightened by loud crowds, move them to a quieter area away from cheering, speakers, traffic, and other triggers.
When tailgating with dogs, provide a familiar mat or resting area where they can retreat and feel more secure. Avoid forcing your dog to interact with strangers or other animals as well when they show signs of fear.
If they remain distressed, taking them home is usually better than making them stay in an overwhelming environment.
How can I calm my dog around large groups of people?
Keep your dog close, reward calm behavior, and give them enough distance from people to remain comfortable.
When tailgating with dogs, bring familiar items such as their bed, blanket, favorite toy, and treats to create a more predictable environment.
Allow your dog to approach people at their own pace instead of encouraging strangers to crowd or pet them.
For dogs with significant fear or anxiety around people, consider working with a veterinarian or qualified behavior professional before taking them to crowded events.
Tailgating with Dogs? Make Your Dog the MVP of Game Day!
Successful tailgating with dogs comes down to preparation, preparation, preparation… not just bringing the dog along!
Ultimately, the three biggest and most important takeaways are:
- Know your dog's limits
- Pack the right supply
- Protect your dog from harm and hazards caused by food, weather, and crowds.
Hope you learn something new from this article! If you do, please check out our other related and recommended articles linked below.
