What dog doesn’t love to shop? Think we’re kidding? What every dog loves most is to be with their FurMom or FurDad. And if shopping is the order of the day, well, then they are ready to head off with you, with a woof and a wag.
Whether you’re just out for some window shopping and a leisurely lunch alfresco or you’re on a mission to buy, you’ll find plenty of stores around the Bay Area that are happy to include your pooch. We’re not just talking about pup-centric stores where all the merchandise and services are canine-oriented.
We’ve found a wide selection of businesses that cater to all types of shopping any pet owner might want to indulge in — from huge shopping malls to the local hardware store, bakeries, outdoor stores and whole-deal department stores. One thing they all have in common: a requirement that, though always welcome, your beloved Fido must be “on leash.”
SAN FRANCISCO
You’d expect the very cosmopolitan City by the Bay to welcome dogs, and you’re right. The City is replete with dog-friendly shopping opportunities.
Pet Food Express
Multiple Bay Area locations
This store continues to win the annual Beast of the Bay award for Best Pet Superstore. Beast of the Bay says “well-stocked stores, a commitment to healthy food and lead-free toys … the company sponsors mobile adoption fairs, vaccination clinics and all kinds of fundraisers and makes generous donations to animal causes, including regular shipments of food and supplies to local shelters.” No wonder they’re a perennial winner.
Runners-up for Best Pet Superstore in 2014:
- PetCo Unleashed, multiple Bay Area locations
- PetClub, multiple Bay Area locations
- PetSmart, multiple Bay Area locations
Sports Basement
San Francisco plus four additional locations around the Bay, but not all are dog-friendly.
The City store won Beast of the Bay’s 2001 award for Best Dog-Friendly General Retail store.
Castro Street Fair
Farmer’s market
Cheengoo – Nob Hill
Specialty pet boutique and grocery
Flora Grubb Gardens
Gardening store in the Bayshore district
Jeremy’s Department Store
Discounted men’s and women’s apparel
Le Beastro
Dog boutique
Lush
Handmade soaps and cosmetics
Macys Union Square
Michelle Franco
Rug, carpet and upholstery cleaner
Mission: Comics & Art
Comic book shop plus art gallery
Nordstrom
Spike’s Coffees & Teas
What more could you want? Reviewers say this coffee shop offers a wide selection of coffees, teas and chocolates as well as a treat to all the doggie neighborhood regulars. The resident bulldog says visiting dogs are always welcome, too.
PENINSULA & SOUTH BAY
Santana Row
San Jose
Lots of varied, dog-friendly outdoor dining options, along with numerous stores that welcome Fido inside to shop
Downtown Farmers’ Market
San Jose
Sports Basement
Sunnyvale
Anthropologie
Multiple Bay Area locations
Kepler’s Bookstore
Palo Alto
Restoration Hardware
Palo Alto (Walnut Creek and Berkeley, too)
Summer Winds Nursery
Palo Alto
Hahn’s Lighting Store
San Jose
The Tileshop
San Jose
Tile importer, distributor and design center
Willow Glen Ace Hardware
San Jose
Wilson Motor Sports
San Jose
Auto repair shop
EAST BAY
Left Coast Cyclery
Berkeley
Bike shop
Montano Velo
Oakland
Bike shop
Jack London Square
Oakland
Shopping center
Broadway Plaza Shopping Center
Walnut Creek
Avenue Books
Berkeley
Half Price Books, Records, Magazines
Multiple East Bay locations
Towne Center Books
Pleasanton
Is this list exhaustive? We think not. In fact, we’re sure there are even more canine-friendly places to shop around the Bay Area. Perhaps some of them are even your usual haunts. So, tell us. What is your dog’s favorite canine-friendly place to shop with you in the Bay Area?
Looking for more dog-friendly areas to take your pooch? Why not a trip to the beach? Learn more by following link.
