From DIY to dresses, computers to crafting, the dog friendly vibe is building in Northern Ireland meaning it is now possible to take your dog on a shopping trip - and not just to a pet shop.
Clothing boutiques, book stores, hardware and furniture shops and even some chemists have joined the increasing numbers of businesses opening their doors to customers and their dogs.
And the areas ahead of the dog friendly approach are Belfast city, Co Antrim and Co Down, echoing the growing availability of dog friendly hospitality spots in the same neighbourhoods.
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Today we list 62 shops whose teams have taken a leap of faith that opening their doors to dogs and their people will enhance the shopping experience and help build customer numbers and spending power.
If you are planning a shopping trip with your pet, we recommend calling ahead to make sure your destination shop has not changed its dog policy and understand any potential restrictions about accessing those based inside shopping and garden centres.
If you know of other local shops who offer access to non-assistance and non-therapy dogs, just let us know so we can add them to the list. Email jilly.beattie@reachplc.com or click here to message our DogsLive Facebook page.
The Apple Store
Most Apple stores across the UK happily welcome well-behaved dogs inside. You can call ahead just in case.
- The Apple Store is at Ground Floor, Upper, 1 Victoria Square, Belfast. 028 9016 1900.
LUSH
They say: "As advocates for animals of all shapes and sizes we are always happy to welcome your pooches into our stores! Pop into your local lush for a pawsome pamper."
LUSH can be found at
- 27-29 Castle Lane, Belfast. 028 9033 3822
- 20 The Quays, Newry. 028 3025 0217
Pavers Shoes
Pavers Shoes are dog friendly but check before you visit if they are in a shopping centre or garden centre which may not be so welcoming.
- 18/19, Foyleside Centre, Orchard St, Derry. 028 7126 9507
- Unit 5, The Junction Retail and Leisure Park, 111 Ballymena Rd, Antrim. 028 9446 2905
- Colmans Garden Centre, 6 Old Ballyclare Rd, Templepatrick, Ballyclare. 028 9301 3022
- Abbey Centre, Longwood Road Newtownabbey, Antrim. 028 9086 3547
- Menary's, 110-130 Main St, Bangor.
- Rushmere Shopping Centre, Central Way, Craigavon. 028 3832 8318
- Unit 48, The Outlet Bridgewater Park, Cascum Rd, Banbridge. 0844 847 5614
- Unit 13 The Quays, Newry BT35 8QS. 028 3026 8287
Fatface
Dog friendly company, Fatface welcomes all dogs and even stocks dog beds, clothing and accessories for pets and their people.
- Fact Face, 12 Victoria Square, Belfast. 028 9031 1597
Waterstones
Whether you are on a mission or just browsing, your dog is welcome too thanks to Waterstones's dogs welcome policy that goes right across all the stores in the UK.
You will find Waterstones stores here:
- 44-46 Fountain St, Belfast. 028 9024 0159
- 20/21 Fairhill Shopping Centre, Fairhill Lane, Ballymena. 028 2563 8569
- 30 Bow St, Lisburn. 028 9263 4749
- 10 Church St, Coleraine. 028 7035 8877
- The Quays, Newry. 028 3083 5639
- Foyleside Centre Unit 7, Derry. 028 7192 1950
White Stuff
Specialising in fashion and lifestyle clothing, accessories, homeware and gifts, it's a chilled shop and dog friendly. In fact they love their dogs in store and printed on their goods.
- 1-3 Arthur St, Belfast. 028 9031 9718
Andrew Watson Menswear
A classy shop where well behaved dogs especially Golden Retrievers and their humans are ever so welcome.
- 11 Upper Queen St, Belfast. 028 9024 3412
Sofology
These guys welcome dogs and their people browsing and buying, and they even sell dog sofa's too.
They say: "We’re happy to welcome the whole family in our stores, including your dog. We want them to feel at home whilst you browse, so we don’t mind if they hop up onto the sofa with you. There are also water bowls and treats available to help them settle in."
And they have thought of the dogs too when it comes to their furnishing, saying: "The structure of the fabric is more resistant to scratching compared to traditional fabrics. The fabric is more resistant to snagging from pet claws but this fabric is not indestructible."
- Sofology, 49 Boucher Rd, Belfast. 0344 863 9031
Oliver Bonas
They sell homeware, fashion and jewellery and a great range of dog accessories and are very dog friendly.
- Oliver Bonas, 597-599 Lisburn Rd, Belfast. 028 9066 1038
Anthropologie
They sell boho-chic womenswear, shoes, accessories and home decor and a good range of dog bowls and accessories for pets and their people.
- Anthropologie Belfast, Erskine House, 20 - 32 Chichester Street. 028 2544 7762
Murphy and Bailey
They sell a great selection of accessories, gifts and treats for dogs, cats and people and very good coffee and treats.
- Murphy and Bailey, 65 Belmont Rd, Belfast. 028 9521 4029
Hobbycraft
Dogs are welcome in all Hobbycraft stores as long as they are on the lead and don't get their paws in the glue selection.
- Hobbycraft Belfast, Unit 17B, Boucher Shopping Park, Boucher Cres, Belfast. 0330 026 1142
- Hobbycraft Newtownabbey, Unit 5B, Longwood Retail Park, Newtownabbey. 0330 026 1130
Homebase Stores
They say: "We're dog friendly but ask you to check with your local store before travelling. We also ask that dogs are kept on a lead at all times."
Homebase has shops in:
- Antrim, One Retail Park, 140 Junction, Ballymena Rd, Antrim. 0345 640 7831
- Bangor, Balloo Link, Balloo Retail Park, Bangor. 0345 640 7185
- Belfast, Drumkeen Complex, Upper Galwally, Belfast. 0345 640 7674
- Belfast, Unit 1, Shane Park Shopping Centre, 105 Boucher Rd, Belfast. 0345 640 7250
- Craigavon, 31 Rushmere Shopping Centre, Craigavon. 0345 640 7675
- Cookstown, Orritor Rd, Cookstown. 0345 640 7838
- Derry, Crescent Link Retail Park, Crescent Link. 0345 640 7190
- Omagh, Retail Park, Unit 5 Great Northern Rd, Tamlaght Rd. 0345 640 719
St George’s Market, Belfast
A great place to check out with your dog if they can cope with all the heady food aromas. Water bowls are available, dogs must be kept on leads and any little accidents must be cleaned up - so best to come prepared.
- St George's Market, East Bridge St, Belfast. 028 9043 5704
GO Outdoors, Newtownabbey
They say they have everything you need for the outdoors under one roof including outdoor clothing, tents and camping and they welcome dogs. Find them at:
- Valley Retail Park, Units 1&2, Church Rd. 0344 387 6760
Mountain Warehouse
Specialist chain retailer selling clothing, shoes and equipment for outdoor and sporting activities. Last year they expanded their range of dog accessories to include dog stairs and paddling pools plus the Animalogy brand of shampoos and coat care. MW staff love to see dogs coming to the stores so don't be in a hurry to leave. They say: "At Mountain Warehouse, we love visits from furry friends and are proud to be dog friendly."
Mountain Warehouse has three shops in Northern Ireland:
- 47, Junction 1 Intl Outlet Centre, Ballymena Rd, Antrim, 028 9446 0269
- Unit 34, The Outlet Bridgewater Park, The Boulevard, Banbridge, 028 4062 5486
- Colemans Garden Centre, 6 Old Ballyclare Rd, Ballyclare, 028 9301 3021
The White Lighthouse, Dundonald
A gorgeous store selling New England styling at Northern Ireland prices. Dogs welcome.
- 18 Hanwood Business Park Dundonald. 02890 480200
Pets at the Port, Portrush
As you might expect, this great pet shop has lots to offer animal friendly folk and dogs are welcome to browse and enjoy some cuddles. Find them at:
- 6 Dunluce St, Portrush. 028 7082 3766
The White House, Portrush
This sprawling shop sells just about everything you might need for you home, pets and people and dogs are welcome under supervision.
- 45 Main St, Portrush. 028 7082 2244
Lena Rose Florist, Portrush
Pop in and take a breath. Fabulous, friendly and feel good.
- 14a Eglinton St, Portrush. 07936 780143
Starlight & Stone, Portrush
Eco friendly goods, clothes and accessories in a chilled atmosphere with welcoming staff.
- 58 Main St, Portrush. 028 7082 2424
Bumblebee, Portrush
A gorgeous little escape into art, crafts, cards, paintings, pottery, glassware and lots of vintage treasure. A real find.
- 84 Main St, Portrush. 07708 837659
Troggs Surf Shop, Portrush
If you and the dogs are surfer dudes, you can't go wrong in here. Find them at:
- 88 Main St, Antrim Gardens, Portrush. 028 7082 5476
Hoods Shoe Rack, Portrush
Well if you're going to walk the dog, you better get the right shoes. This place will welcome you both.
- 38 Causeway St, Portrush. 028 7082 5137
The Little Rock of Ireland
Gifts and pebble art made in-store where dogs are welcome. Find them at:
- The Promenades at Ballycastle and Portstewart. 07710 574000
Sheldon Galleries, Newtownards
42 Frances St, Newtownards. 028 9181 2526
Sheldon Galleries is run by dog-mad couple Heather and Jim Lavery and they welcome dogs into their art and framing shop where they frame people's treasures and supporting and sell the work of local artists. Never a quick visit when dogs are involved. A lovely experience.
Down to Earth, Bangor
They sell gorgeous plants and accessories and are very dog friendly. Find them at:
- 59 High St, Bangor. 07595 693569
Noctura Interiors, Bangor
Noctura is a long established, interior design company in Co Down and they love to see dogs through the doors. You can find them at:
- 17-19 Castle St, Bangor. 028 9145 6141
Wild Thing, Donaghadee
This little stunner sells plants, fine and fancy things including rugs and mugs. Also very good coffee and deadly treats. Find them at :
4a High St, Donaghadee. 07837 688729
Gordon's Chemists, Donaghadee
Gordon's staff welcome customers and their dogs. They can be found:
- 23 New St, Donaghadee. 028 9188 2546
- 31 High St, Donaghadee. 028 9188 2584
The Guitar Depot, Bangor
Now you can take your hound dog to a music shop and chill and at the Guitar Depot you will both be welcomed. Find them at :
- 2-4 Balloo Ave, Bangor. 028 9185 9800
Hillmount Garden Centres, Belfast and Co Down
Each of the three centre welcomes dogs but call ahead just to check. They can be found at:
- 56-58 Upper Braniel Rd, Belfast. 028 9044 8213
- 116 Belfast Rd, Bangor. 028 9127 2330
- 80 Ballyreagh Rd, Newtownards. 028 9124 5676
Creative Gardens, Co Down and Co Antrim
Even if you don't have a garden and just fancy a mooch, these four Creative Garden Centres are dog friendly and have plenty of accessories, fun, cards and blankies for pet and their people. Call ahead to make sure the policy remains in place.
- 34 Stockbridge Rd, Donaghadee. 02891 883 603
- 88 Ballyclough Rd, Bushmills. 02820 731 287
- 200 Galgorm Rd, Ballymena. 02825 689 290
- 8 Logwood Rd, Ballyclare. 02893580480
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