9 Drive-In Movie Theaters Where You Can Bring Your Dog

Finding a movie theater in the U.S. that you can bring your (non-service animal) pup to is pretty difficult. But what if you’re craving a movie night with your favorite pooch, or you just can’t stand to leave them alone for the three hours it’ll take to watch Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning? Don’t worry — there’s a solution: the drive-in.

Many drive-in theaters around the United States will allow you to bring pets, with just a few rules to keep in mind. Most ask that your pet is leashed when not inside a vehicle, and others restrict access to areas where food is sold. But those are easy compromises to make for the chance to snuggle up with your BFF while enjoying a new release or a classic on the big screen from the comfort of your car. 

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Coyote Drive-in

Fort Worth, Texas

With a name like Coyote Drive-In, we would hope that animals are welcome — and that they are. The website even features a prominent picture of two Pomeranians having a great time. (Though, hopefully, actual coyotes stay away when dogs are on the property.) “Here at Coyote Drive In we always welcome your furry family members,” their FAQ section reads. “Just make sure they stay on a leash for safety.”

Tibbs Drive-In 

Indianapolis, Indiana

I appreciate the way the Tibbs Drive-In in Indianapolis frames their pet policy: “We love puppies. They will need to bring their responsible humans, a leash, and supplies for any cleanup needs. Only medically necessary service dogs are allowed in the concession stand.” It’s the humans that have to be responsible, not the pups.

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Ford Drive-In 

Dearborn, Michigan

The Ford Drive-In still bills itself as the largest drive-in in the world, so if size matters to you, it’s got that going for it. It has five screens, and doggies are allowed, as long as you clean up any poop. 

Blue Fox Drive-In

Oak Harbor, Washington

The Blue Fox Drive-In in northern Washington state is open all year in any weather, which means you can catch a flick with your dog at any time. (The catch is: You can’t bring your four-legged buddy into the snack bar or the arcade.) 

They do require dog leashes to be under six feet long and not retractable and ask that your pet stays at home if they are a “barker or aggressive.”

Blue Starlite

Austin, Texas

The Blue Starlite — with two locations in Austin, Texas — aims to keep its home city “funky,” and that includes allowing dogs who are “leashed, not barking, and friendly.” Smack dab in the middle of downtown Austin, the drive-in, which shows films on the roof of a parking garage. The Blue Starlite is currently on an extended hiatus, but keep up with their website to find out when they’re back at it.

Hull’s Drive-In 

Lexington, Virginia

Hull’s Drive-In has been around since 1950 and now operates as a nonprofit run by a group of volunteers that calls themselves “Hull’s Angels.” Dogs are welcome at the theater.

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Joy-Lan and Silver Moon Drive-Ins

Multiple locations, Florida

Both Joy-Lan and Silver Moon Drive-Ins convert into swap shops on Sundays, which is fun, but they are also pro-pets. They even both advertise “grassy areas around the theater for pet walking.”

Four Brothers Drive-In

Amenia, New York

Four Brothers Drive-In is a funky one. It’s a drive-in, but also a camping site and a hotel, with activities including a mastodon exhibit and a mini golf course. And, yeah, it’s also pet-friendly.

According to their website: “All are welcome to take walks with their pets, sit and enjoy our music, and relax on the green lawn. Please always have your pet on a leash for the safety of them and others, and please remember to clean up after them!” The movies include first-run fare you’d find at any multiplex.

Electric Dusk Drive-In 

Glendale, California

Electric Dusk Drive-In, which bills itself as “LA’s Longest Running Pop Up Drive-In,” features a graphic of a Terrier in 3D glasses eating popcorn next to its logo. And indeed dogs are allowed at the venue, which largely screens classics and fan favorites. They’re currently closed for the season, but keep an eye on their website to await their return.