Dog-Friendly Establishments in the Triangle Area
October 8, 2021
According to estimates provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association, a city the size of Raleigh is likely to have 65,000 dog-owning households. Sometimes, you just don’t want to leave your best furry friend at home; here is a list of locations in and around Raleigh that invite your four-legged companions to join in on the fun!
Kristie Nystedt, the first woman to own a brewery in the state of North Carolina, recognized a void. Since opening in 2013, Raleigh Brewing has become Wake County’s third-largest production brewery and their taproom is open 7 days a week with both a great air conditioned and heated space. No matter the weather outside, the taproom is comfortable inside. The best part? The taproom is dog friendly! They also have board games, darts, cornhole, playing cards and more for you to enjoy while drinking a cold draft with your pup. The knowledgeable staff can help you choose which beer is right for you during your visit.
It’s no surprise that in a state as beautiful and full of outdoor activities like North Carolina is, that there would be a local outdoor supply company. Enter Great Outdoor Provision Co., which began as a humble 120 square foot store in the back of a bike shop almost 50 years ago. Now they have nine stores throughout North Carolina and Virginia providing the best gear for activities from rock climbing to kayaking, and all the adventures in between. When you come to peruse for your next journey, feel free to bring your leashed companion with you to shop – hopefully they will be able to join on your excursion you are outfitting for!
Established in 2004 at a private residence and farm, Molly Goldston sought to create a rescue experience specifically tailored to dogs that needed a second chance. Whether you’re a new pet parent or a veteran, Saving Grace Supply Company sells gifts for all the dogs or dog-lovers. Staffed by knowledgeable and experienced animal owners, this shop carries only high-quality, ethically raised pet food, locally baked treats/cookies, stylish pet sweaters, and many toys and gifts. Instead of guessing what Sparky would enjoy most, bring him with! All leashed dogs are welcome in the store, so bring them along and let their nose guide your way to the register.
Sanford’s version of “Cheers,” Smoke and Barrel is the feel-good neighborhood pub that you will be a regular in before you know it. They focus on offering outstanding slow-cooked smoked meats, North Carolina craft beer (12 taps!), and bourbon. The delicacies don’t stop at the meats though; you can choose from deli style sandwiches, house made sides, salads, and even tacos. Don’t miss the live local music on weekends!
Compass Rose Brewery
Founded in 2015, this brewery was the first one established in Northeast Raleigh. Their beer ingredients are influenced by the international travels of the owners, and they offer more than 15 different styles of beer. Compass Rose Brewery has a dog-friendly indoor space as well as a covered, outdoor space where you can sample one of their delicious and award-winning craft beers. There is usually one of a rotation of food trucks on site serving meals and snacks. Dogs are allowed inside and outside, and the bar has dog bowls for water, but no beer for Spot!
North Carolina Museum of Art – The Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park
This unique exhibit combines art, nature, and people, encouraging creative experiences and human interactions in a way you likely have never experienced. This Museum Park features temporary and permanent public art installations by international artists, environmentally sustainable landscapes, and miles of recreational trails near a pond. The park is completely free and open daily, including holidays, from dawn to dusk. Leash up Fluffy, grab some pick-up bags, and a water bottle and head out for an adventure in the artful outdoors with your four-legged buddy.
Each weekend the Raleigh Market opens to the public for shopping, snacking, and strolling. Located at the historic State Fairgrounds, this fun, family-friendly atmosphere draws thousands of shoppers – and some pups – every weekend. They showcase more than 500 vendors, offering everything from antiques and collectibles, to crafts, furniture, homemade goodies, clothing, jewelry – maybe even something for your lovable companion!
Welcome to Raleigh’s premiere dog spa and boutique! Grab Fido and head to Woofinwaggle, a full-service dog wash spa and boutique, where they offer a wide range of services including self-service dog washing stations, full-service dog washes, full-service grooming, mini-grooms, de-shed treatments, nail services, teeth-brushing, and more! This location features a one-of-a-kind hydraulic left to assist dogs of all sizes to be raised to a comfortable height – no more bending over! They use only human-grade, organic bath products, and are the only dog wash spa in Raleigh to do so. They also have a small boutique to score some of the cutest apparel, accessories, and dog toys.
This location is the first to combine a brewery, taproom, and bottle shop in Raleigh. Visitors are welcome to sample brews with their pets. Sip on some local suds while enjoying yard games, a large patio, and weekly live music. Don’t forget to check out their merch shop and pick up hates, koozies, and t-shirts before heading out.
Awarded the Best Bottle Shop by Raleigh Magazine in 2019, The Hop Yard includes a casual and comfortable atmosphere with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating for you to hang out with friends and family – even the ones with leashes. They are dog friendly, so you can bring your furry family along with you while you choose from the 28 frequently rotating taps of craft beer, wine, cider and kombucha by the glass.
You’re bound to find a few projects you want to tackle in your new house – why not grab Rufus and head down to Brigg’s Hardware? This hardware store has been Raleigh’s go-to since opening in 1865 and carries several local favorites like coffee from Oak City Roasters, Melissa Doug toys, Cloister honey, and Chapel Hill toffee. In addition to fun local finds, the store will do key cutting, handyman repairs, and whatever else you may need to tune up your new place. They even have a store dog greeter – so make sure you say hi to Ellie May the Labrador on your way in!