The holiday season means we are all busier than ever! Running around town looking for the perfect gifts, visiting friends and family and getting ready for festive parties. With so much to do, it’s easy to run out of time to spend with your dog. That’s why I like to take Lucy shopping with me! (I like taking her to parties, too!) It’s great training for her to heal and sit in the stores, and she always finds treats along the way. To help you shop local with your dog this holiday season I asked some of my friends around the country for their favorite dog friendly small businesses.
I have quite a few favorites here in Pittsburgh and have also managed to get recommendations in Boston, Alexandria, Portland, St. Louis and Columbus. All of the places listed here have great gifts for dog lovers and regular dog-less people on your shopping list!
Pittsburgh, PA
You can find 50+ dog friendly businesses in the Shadyside neighborhood through Bark Shadyside. Some of my favorite places around town to shop for gifts and bring Lucy are Four Winds Gallery, Juju and Ragged Row.
Grist House Brewing is a Hitchhiker Brewing are two local dog friendly breweries… who doesn’t love a growler for Christmas! -Submitted by several friends!
Rollier Hardware is a classic family owned hardware store. Personally I think you could find a gift for just about anyone at the hardware store, and if you can take your dog, even better! -Submitted by Jennifer
Portland, OR
Basecamp Brewing in Portland is the perfect stop to refuel after a day in the mountains with your pup. The large outdoor patio (with heat lamps in winter) is dog friendly and a growler of Ripstop Rye Pils or Ultra Gnar Gnar IPA make the perfect gifts! -Submitted by Long Haul Trekkers
Columbus, OH
Three Dog Bakery (+other locations around the country!)
Emi Pet Salon & Boutique offers the finest products for pets and their people. -Both submitted by mrbojanglesthedog
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria’s main businesses district is full of local businesses and generally super dog friendly! One of my favorite dog friendly shops with tons of great gifts is Bishop Boutique.
Boston, MA
There are so many local beer cellars and independent bookstores in the Boston area, and so many of them are dog friendly! -Submitted by bertramthefrenchie
The Fish & Bone, modern Pet Essentials, for a well-designed life with dogs & cats. On Newbury Street. They also carry a wide selection of Up Country Inc collars. -Submitted by knoxandbear
St. Louis, MO
Treats Unleashed has 10 locations! They host bulldog meet ups and they have tons of fresh baked goodies! -Submitted by meetmeatball
What is your favorite dog friendly local business in your town?
Comment below to tell me about it! I can update this post if I get enough new recommendations.
If you and your pup are in Columbus, OH and need a drink after dealing with those holiday crowds here are some pup-friendly breweries and restaurants I’d recommend:
-Lineage Brewery @lineagebrew
-Pigskin Brewery @pigskinbrewco
-Kindred Artisan Ales @kindredales
-Bodega @columbusbodega
-Northstar Cafe @northstarcafe
-Mikey’s Late Night Slice @latenightslice
Thanks for the extra recommendations Bo! I think I need to work on a city guide of dog friendly breweries! That seems to be the place that everyone recommends first when I ask for dog friendly businesses.
Yay! I can’t wait to visit some of these with Murph!
Happy shopping!