This guide will lead you through the Melbourne suburbs of Carlton, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Abbotsford, and Richmond. Visiting only dog-friendly parks, cafes, bars, pubs, and more. If you are looking for something to do with your dog in Melbourne, this is a sure way for you and your little M8 to make some new friends.

The Carlton Gardens is a perfect spot for a picnic because of it’s rolling green grass, bbq’s, playgrounds, fountains, ponds, skate spots, basketball/tennis courts and it’s unparalleled architecture within the city. In the middle of the gardens is the Royal Exhibition Building, inspired by the duomo in Florence, Italy, juxtaposed with the post-modernist design of the Melbourne Museum, which boasts the world’s largest IMAX Theatre screen. The Royal Exhibition Building was built for the 1880 World Expo and then in 1889 the Expo helped to build the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Be sure to check the weather first because if it’s sunny you could easily spend half a day in the gardens and if it’s not you could see something at IMAX or Melbourne Museum | Carlton St, Carlton

Hard to find, easy to love is the Standard's motto and it is true. The Standard Hotel has been pouring beer since 1865 and the front bar still holds that authentic Fitzroy feel. Out the back, you will find the large leafy dog-friendly beer garden suited to all weather conditions which is one of the best places to spend your time. Enjoy the tasty pub food and the beer and wine lists are well worth working your way through. Book a table | Menu | Instagram | 293 Fitzroy St, Fitzroy

Very tasty beer here is half-price during happy hours but get in early to get a table/sit during happy hours because the Marquis of Lorne fills up fast with spots in the sun out the front or on the rooftop being the super hot spots. This classic Fitzroy pub has been standing for over 150 years and still serves ice-cold beers, wine, and food over all three levels. Happy Hours: Monday to Friday / 4 - 6PM / Half-price beer cans. Website | Instagram | Phone | 411 George St, Fitzroy

Hope St Radio was frequently broadcasted from bars and restaurants before they landed their own spot at Collingwood Yards and what a spot it is, with space for everyone inside or out the front in the courtyard. Now with a focus on wine and food, Hope St has become a spot to take a break from inner-city life and celebrate the good times with your mates. Book a table | Listen | Website | Instagram | 35 Johnston St, Collingwood

This saloon-style bar plays great music and the vibe is always positive. The free pool table moves well so if you are keen stand around and wait for your turn. The burgers are pretty good too. Happy hours: Monday to Friday 4 - 6PM / Weekends 12 - 4PM. $12 Margs all day Sunday. Wednesday nights jugs are $15 and burgers are $12. Website | Instagram | 225 Johnston St, Abbotsford

Tucked under the Victoria Park train station you will find Dr. Morse - a cafe, restaurant, bar, and sometimes even a club that is why we love Dr. Morse. Get Coffee in the AM from Jr. Morse and try an Asian-inspired food menu and a long list of cocktails to get you feeling right for a good old party night in the open-air courtyard. Happy Hours: Monday to Friday / 4 - 6PM / $8 pints. Website | Instagram | 274 Johnston St, Abbotsford

This Australian Rules Football ground was first used for sport in 1879 and it was home to the Collingwood Football Club for 107 years. The ground has a record attendance of 47,000 fans set in April 1948. Nowadays, if the ground isn’t been used for organised sport you can though a frisbee with the dogos or kick the footy and imagine the grandstand is full of the black and white army screaming for Gordon Coventry to kick another goal. Abbot St & Lulie St, Abbotsford

This is one of the best happy hours going around in Melbourne because of the quality of beer on all the taps. The food is great with something for everyone. Grab a sit by the fire or in the doggo-friendly beer garden. Plenty of screen for the footy too if that's what you’re into. Happy Hours: Monday to Friday / 3 - 6PM / $4 Pots, $8 Pints of every beer / Tuesdays Parma’s are $20 and Wednesdays 250g Porterhouse are $22. Website | Instagram | Phone | 191 Nicholson St, Abbotsford

The Vic Bar is one of the best spots for a drink on Victoria Street, even if it’s not the happy hour the drinks are cheap. You could easier spend a few hours here any night of the week drinking cocktails, beers, wine, or sprints, and you can order food from neighbouring restaurants at the bar. Happy Hours: Friday & Saturday / 6 - 9PM / $8 Pints, $12 Cocktails. Website | Instagram | 281 Victoria St, Abbotsford