If it were up to us, every space would be a dog-friendly one. That said, more and more businesses across Canada are opening their doors to welcome canine visitors, and that is excellent news for dog parents.
Not only do these shops allow us to spend more time with our pets, but they’re also destinations where we can hang out with our BFFs when the weather outside is less than ideal.
Here are some of our favourite spaces that welcome dogs in Canada:
The obvious first stop on a day out with your doggo is at a pet store. Stop in to any of our locations where our Animal Care Experts are always happy to help support you with tips and products to help pass the time at home.
Once you’re done at Pet Valu, there are several other stores you can visit to make it a full day out.
If spring cleaning and DIY is your vibe, home improvement stores like Lowes are stores that welcome dogs as members of the family. The same goes for Canadian Tire, Winners and Homesense, which all allow canine shopping companions.
While many of these locations invite pets, you should call your local store to ensure they follow this policy.
Toronto’s Sheridan Nurseries are dog-friendly and a great indoor place with outdoor vibes that your pet might enjoy. It’s likely your local nursery allows dogs no matter where you live, but give them a call to confirm.
For some serious retail therapy, head to outdoor shopping malls like Shops At Don Mills and the Outlet Collection in Niagara, which allow dogs to accompany you into stores. Or, pick up supplies for a post-shopping day cuddle session on the couch from Indigo bookstores, which are also dog-friendly (except for their cafe spaces).
The most important thing to consider is whether or not your dog will feel comfortable in these spaces. If crowds or unfamiliar territory spark fear in your furry friend, an alternative option like a small pet-dedicated bakery or boutique may be a better bet.
Even if your dog can’t count, you can still play hide and seek with them. Start by using that all-important “stay” command, while you hide treats around the room (let your dog watch you hide them the first few times).
Then, using the command “find the treats!” let your pup seek out each hidden treasure.
Once they become a pro, make the game a little more difficult by hiding treats when they’re in another room. While we may call this game “hide and seek for dogs,” trainers call it nosework and not only does it stimulate dog brains, it also helps them to relax.
Dining with dogs can be the most difficult public endeavour because of bylaws that restrict animals in areas where food is being prepared. To accommodate this, some dog-friendly restaurants have set up indoor/outdoor hybrid spaces where your pet can sit by your side while you eat. While this isn’t always an option in Canada in January, dining semi-al fresco in March and April is manageable with some extra layers and heat lamps.
Black Kettle Brewing Company in North Vancouver welcomes dogs both indoors and out, thanks to its separated food truck kitchen setup. In Banff, hit up the Bear Street Tavern where dogs are treated like royalty on the quiet back patio, and staff serve up items from a special doggie menu such as energy bites, and fresh raw meat with oats and egg.
As the home to Munchies Coffee House and BARKery, Hamilton is in the running to be the country’s most dog-friendly city. The leash-free cafe welcomes dogs with toys, treats, and playtime, while owners eat lunch and sip cappuccinos.
Montreal boasts top-notch canine hospitality at the Burgundy Lion, where its heated patio and welcoming staff create a doggy haven. This British pub mixes traditional English cuisine with a more laid back “quintessentially Montreal feel.” The pub offers a variety of spaces, which some patrons say helps with dogs who have anxiety when being out in busy places.
Ah, those magical spots where well-behaved dogs are actually allowed indoors to spend time with their human pals.
For a few years now, craft brewers have been leading the way in creating dog-friendly venues where humans and dogs alike can meet up with friends for an after work or weekend hang.
In terms of numbers, BC and Ontario lead the pack. Both provinces have at least a dozen craft breweries where dogs are honoured guests.
Check out Field House Brewing’s two locations in Chilliwack and Abbotsford and Black Lab Brewing in Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood (named for and inspired by the owner’s own four-legged friend).
In Hamilton, there’s Collective Arts brewery (which also has a Toronto outpost).
In Regina, Pile O’ Bones Brewing Company offers dogs a seat on their heated patio.
In Calgary, doggos are welcome both inside and out at the uber dog-friendly Cold Garden Brewery, and the same goes for Halifax’s Garrison Brewing Co.
Finally, in Kingston, Barcadia welcomes dogs and humans — so long as both are fans of classic arcade games and pinball machines!.
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