As a new dog mom to Miles I now want to take him with me everywhere I go because….well….he is the best thing ever. So, I have compiled a list of dog friendly places including stores and restaurants in the Grand Rapids area. Some of the stores are “big box” stores but I tried to keep all of the businesses local as possible.
Because I am a history nerd and rule follower I decided to look into when dog friendly spaces were allowed in Michigan. The Mitten State hasn’t always been as dog friendly as you may think. It was only back in September of 2016 that Michigan passed a law allowing dogs to be allowed on outdoor patios. Of course, there are rules to this law including that the patio must be free of dog hair as well as cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis, pups need to be leashed, and employees must wash their hands after petting any dogs. Pretty much what you would expect. However, any restaurant has the right to say no to our furry friends.
Restaurants
Just a reminder that Michigan only allows pet friendly seating to be outside. So, there is a seasonal restriction on our furry BFF’s tagging along. As long as the patio is open (and approved by the owner) you should be good to go!
Butchers Union
Harmony Brewing Co.
Elk Brewing Co. – East Grand Rapids location
Maru Sushi
Creston Brewing Co.
Mitten Brewing Co.
One Trick Pony
Ramona’s Table
Citizen GR – as long as your furry friend can be within your table space. Not sure if that applied to your pup? Send them a DM on Instagram and ask!
The Sovengard
Reserve Wine & Food
Coffee/Cafe
Get some work done at a coffee shop while your pup hangs out? Sounds like a productive day to me!
Outside Coffee Company
Madcap Coffee
Sweetlands Candies and Coffee
Rowster
Stores
Shop and bring your dog along? Could this combo get any better? Please keep note that you will totally need to keep an eye on your dog in shops and to be as courteous as possible.
Lee & Birch
Reservoir
Woosah Outfitters
Rebel Reclaimed
LA Miller Boutique
Slate Clothing
Fox Naturals
Marie La Mode
Duffield Lane
Pink Lemonade
Denym
Feather & Birch
Hobby Lobby
Lowes
Home Depot
Flowerland
TJ Maxx
HomeGoods
Other places!
Local farmers market
Movies on Monroe
Local walk up Ice Cream shop (more than likely they will have a pup cup)
Neighborhood Dog Parks (duh)
Couple Courtesy Notes…
This may sound harsh, but, don’t be the person who ruins it for everyone else. Be sure to keep your dog leashed and well behaved at all possible times. Another thing to keep in mind is to bring socialized dogs to public places where there are going to be other humans and the possibility of another dog. No one is going to enjoy their dinner or drink with a barking dog at literally everything and everyone. there is a big possibility , your dog doesn’t like children or other dogs and attacks someone. So, be courteous, respectful and knowledgable.
Also, if you aren’t sure if your dog can join you on your outing just ask! In the words of my wise and beautiful mom, the worst someone can say is no.
*Please note that I got the above message from almost every single one of these business *to an extent*. They expect you to have a respectful dog and for the dog to respect the place and people in it. *
And finally, a note from Miles-
Hey Guys! Thanks for reading about all of the places I can go and visit you at. Cant wait to meet you at all of mine and my mom’s favorite places. 🐾
If you are a local business who would like be added to this list please reach out to me via my contact page or social media and I will be happy to add you!
