It can be hard to leave your pup at home when you’re out running errands, and sometimes, you just want to take your dog out on the town and let them join in the fun!
We spoke to Nicole Ellis, Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Pet Lifestyle Expert with Rover, to learn about the places, stores, events, and activities where dogs are allowed to be taken—and that most people might not know about.
Keep in mind that rules are always subject to change and that management at a particular place or event in your area may choose not to allow pets. When in doubt, you can always call ahead to double-check that dogs are welcome!
Without further ado, here are 25 dog-friendly hidden gems you didn’t know you could bring your canine buddy to.
Social events and activities to bring your dog to
Buckle up your pup! These unexpected dog-friendly activities are perfect for both chilling out and getting out.
1. Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking rentals
Did you know you can take your dog out on the water for some boarding and kayaking? “Many places allow dogs on board!” says Ellis. “We’ve done a kayak rental with our dog in Malibu (don’t forget to bring a doggie lifejacket).”
2. Winery tasting rooms
Dog-friendly wine tasting gives your pup a taste of the fancy life. “Sonoma, Napa, and other regions often allow dogs on patios or even inside,” Ellis says, “and many offer lunch menus, making this a longer enjoyable experience. One Paso Robles winery even offers a yearly dog wine walk around the vineyard where the money goes towards an animal shelter.”
3. Brewery taprooms
“Tons of craft breweries allow dogs inside or in beer gardens,” she suggests. If you enjoy karaoke or trivia nights at the pub, your dog may be able to show off their skills with you rather than staying all alone, warming up the sofa!
4. Drive-in movie theaters
Drive-in theaters are “a great way to have a night out with your dog,” says Ellis, as you don’t even need to leave your vehicle. Just bring some snacks and some blankets—both for you and your buddy (and maybe for your date too)—and you’re all set for a memorable night.
5. Dog-friendly ghost tours and walking tours
Take a walk on the wild side with a dog-friendly walking tour. “In historic towns, these can be dog-welcoming,” states Ellis, and you can find tours and hikes closer to home too. BringFido is a great way to check out dog-friendly tours and other activities in your area, and in cities around the world.
Retail stores you can bring your dog to
Pet stores aren’t the only places you can shop with your pup. Continue your day out with your doggy at these dog-welcoming retailers.
6. Home Depot/Lowe’s
“Big home improvement stores often allow well-behaved, leashed dogs,” Ellis offers, including popular chains like Home Depot and Lowe’s. These locations are “great for practicing loose-leash walking in distracting environments,” she adds.
7. Tractor Supply Co.
This large rural lifestyle store is “known for welcoming dogs, and they even sell dog supplies (and sometimes have in-store vet clinics!).”
8. Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s
Outdoor gear stores like Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s also tend to allow leashed, friendly pets inside. In addition, “many have huge indoor fish tanks or taxidermy displays that can be great socialization experiences,” Ellis suggests.
9. Nordstrom
Surprisingly, this luxury retailer does, in fact, allow dogs. “They’re one of the more high-end, unexpected dog-friendly retailers,” says Ellis. Just call ahead to make sure your local Nordstrom is on the same page.
10. Anthropologie
Anthropologie, trendy store that it is, is ahead of the curve when it comes to allowing pups. “Many locations welcome small, well-mannered dogs (and staff are often excited to see them),” as Ellis states.
11. Apple Store
Need to drop in to the Apple Store for some new tech? “Most locations allow dogs,” Ellis says, “but it’s best for confident dogs because they can be very busy, high-energy environments.”
12. Michaels
Arts and crafts stores like Michaels and Joann Fabrics (RIP, Joann!) “generally welcome dogs on leash or in a carrier (and the wide aisles are good practice spots),” according to Ellis.
13. Barnes & Noble
“Policies vary by location, but many allow calm, leashed dogs (especially if they don’t serve food),” states Ellis. It’s probably best to stick to the book aisles rather than venturing into the in-store cafes, just to be safe.
14. Old Navy/Gap/Banana Republic
Fun fact: Gap Inc. not only owns Gap but also Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta. “These often-overlooked mall retailers sometimes allow leashed dogs (varies by location).”
15. Ace Hardware
The always convenient Ace Hardware is “independently owned, but many locations are very dog-friendly,” she says. Policies will vary, so check your local store first to make sure.
16. LUSH Cosmetics
“Known for being animal-friendly in their ethos, many stores welcome dogs,” Ellis states. LUSH is cruelty-free, so both you and your dog can feel good about visiting.
17. HomeGoods/TJ MAXX
“Most HomeGoods (and TJ MAXX) are pet-friendly, but always double-check, of course,” suggests Ellis. “My dogs love checking out the toy aisle here, and I love the discounted pricing.”
18. Camping World
“Outdoor and RV gear stores are often happy to see dogs,” she states. Camping World, in particular, is aware that many people travel with their pups and is glad to welcome them inside.
19. Harbor Freight
DIY and tool store Harbor Freight allows dogs in all locations. “Handy to know if you’re running errands and don’t want to leave your dog behind.”
Other places you can take your dog around town
Looking for more canine-friendly ideas? Check out these other little-known areas where dogs are often allowed.
20. Car Dealerships
It’s a good idea to check your local dealership’s guidelines first, but many are now dog-welcoming. “Especially when shopping for a new car—you can even test how your dog fits!” says Ellis. “My dog has been with us to buy cars on four occasions now.”
21. Banks
The bank is a common spot for errand-running, and instead of leaving Sparky alone, you might be able to bring him along to make some deposits. “Local branches often allow dogs and even keep treats behind the counter,” Ellis states.
Keep in mind that while most banks don’t have explicit pet policies, meaning you should be fine in most cases, some branch managers may still ask that your dog wait outside.
22. Nurseries and Garden Centers
Nurseries and gardening stores, “like Armstrong Garden Centers or local plant shops,” not only make for lovely outings but are also great places to get your dog socialized. They often have large outdoor spaces with lots of people walking by who would love to say hello to your dog among the flowers.
23. Independent Bookstores
Your local Barnes & Noble may unfortunately be a bust, but that small independent bookstore around the corner is worth a shot too. “Many welcome dogs, even if chain stores vary,” as Ellis says, especially so if you live in a generally dog-friendly city or town.
24. Ice Cream Shops
Keep in mind that most places that serve food will limit access to outside patios if you have a dog with you, and this is done to comply with health codes. But if it’s a nice day outside and you’re in the mood for some ice cream in the sun, many ice cream shops “offer dog-friendly ‘pup cups,’ like Dairy Queen or local creameries,” suggests Ellis.
25. Coffee Roasteries
Because coffee shops also serve food and drinks, your options will be limited here, but “outdoor patios and even some indoor counters will welcome dogs.” If you’ve had a busy day full of fun dog-friendly outings, go to the Starbucks drive-through and ask for a “puppuccino” (a small cup of whipped cream) for your dog as a celebratory treat.
