A year and three months ago, Drew and I adopted Charlie, a darling little dog from the Dartmouth SPCA via Cape Breton. Charlie quickly became our third local traveler, a happy tag-along on almost all of our adventures. And while a road trip just isn’t the same without him, it has inevitably changed the way that we travel, making some things like accommodations and shopping a little more difficult.
But back in September I found out that the Spring Garden Business Association was launching a new pet-friendly approach to shopping by encouraging members to open their doors to pets, and to display their pet friendly status. Some shops also have water bowls, treats, and toys! I kept meaning to write about it, and with the holidays upon us I thought it might be helpful for my fellow pet owners to know a few places they can shop with their dog (or cat).
There are currently 39 businesses that welcome pets in the Spring Garden Road area. Each display a blue paw-print and the Spring Garden Business Association logo to let shoppers know that pets are allowed. I’ve summarized 8 of my favourite “Charlie Approved” places below. Leave a comment and let me know your favourite dog friendly shops around the province!
P’Lovers:
These guys are already my go-to when it comes to green shopping and eco-friendly product advice. I have had more than a few twitter conversations with @BeEcoCo one of the amazing staff members at P’Lovers who has come to my rescue on more than one occasion when looking for earth friendly products for the home.
Find them at: 1443 South Park Street, Halifax
Splurge:
Another downtown favourite of mine is Splurge. I started shopping there a few years ago as my go-to spot for oversized hairpieces and cute, affordable dresses. They also have online shopping now, but since nothing beats browsing and trying on items in person, their pet-friendly status makes things a lot easier!
Find them at: 1480 Brenton Street, Halifax
Sweet Jane’s:
Charlie isn’t ready for the responsibility of being in a store full of candy and sweet treats yet, but if we ever get to that point we’ll be able to shop together at Sweet Jane’s.
Find them at: 5431 Doyle Street, Halifax
Project 9:
When I was in High School, my good friend and I would visit P9 and daydream about our perfectly furnished apartment. As fellow dog owners know, furniture choices have a whole new set of requirements once you have pets. What better way to pick then to bring your pet along?
Find them at: 5525 Artillery Place, Halifax
Atlantic News:
Atlantic News is the largest independent newsstand in Atlantic Canada. They carry more than 5000 magazine titles and are the print site for Newspaper Direct – they can print more than 2000 news papers on-site. Now you can shop for your reading essentials with your pet by your side!
Find them at: 5560 Morris Street, Halifax
Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia:
THE place for maritime made gifts. They have such a great selection of specialty food items, giftware, ornaments and other locally made goods.
Find them at: 5635 Spring Garden Road, Halifax
Dress In Time:
This shop sells cool vintage clothing, shoes and handbags, a fun place to pick out some party outfits. And, pet friendly!
Find them at: 5670 Spring Garden Road, Halifax
Duly Noted:
This is a great spot for custom stationary, notebooks and other paper goods, plus it is independently owned by two sisters with a passion for fashionable stationary. An essential stop this time of the year!
Find them at: 1459 Brenton Street, Halifax
You can see the full list of pet-friendly places in the Spring Garden Road area here: http://springgardenarea.com/2013/09/pet-friendly-in-the-spring-garden-area/
What are your favorite pet-friendly places around Nova Scotia? Let me know in the comments below!
Spring Garden Business Association is a sponsor of the 2013 Local Wishlist. All opinions in this article are my own.
And on that note… If you’re looking for locally made gifts, and gift ideas from independently owned stores check out the 2013 Local Wishlist: http://madeinns.com/localwishlist/
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