Taking your dog out in public can be a really rewarding experience for the both of you. Finding dog friendly places in Lancaster can be tricky which is why I compiled this list. Before you head out, make sure that your dog is ready and can handle these stimulating and exciting environments. I love practicing in hardware stores first, as the aisles are quite large which gives you and your dog plenty of space from the myriad of distractions. A good rule of thumb is to avoid allowing your dog to interact with strangers and other dogs to encourage your to dog to stay focused on you as you're exploring new places. If you think your dog is having a difficult time, you can always leave and try again! Practice in the parking lot first, and then head inside as your dog adjusts. Bring plenty of treats to reward good behavior.
If you spot a service dog and their handler while out (even one in training), please respect their space and have control of your dog. Disrupting a service dog team and distracting their dog could put the handler at risk and the consequences could be severe. Do not approach a service dog or interact with one in any way. This is why it is imperative that we respect the rules of non-pet friendly stores (including stores like Walmart and Target which only allow Service Dogs) and do not bring our pets inside, regardless of how well trained they are.
Here are some pet friendly stores in our area;
Hardware and Feed Stores:
Lowes
Home Depot
Tractor Supply Co
Ace Hardware
Auto Zone
Locally Owned Pet Stores:
That Fish Place- the aisles here are wide and the store is quite large which makes it a great place to train your dog. I like coming here to train dogs who may be quite anxious, but it does get quite busy on the weekends.
Basset and Lab- Their homemade bakery cannot be beat. The quality of goods they carry is top notch.
Drakes Pet Place - Drake's also offers some fun training courses including Barn Hunt (a personal favorite to watch)
Garden Centers:
(Many of these garden centers have cats on the premises. Please be respectful of their space and don't allow your dogs to interact with them, this is their home!)
Stauffers Garden Centers - both the Lititz and Roherstown Road Garden Centers allow dogs
Miscellaneous Stores:
Home Goods
Michaels
Dicks Sporting Goods
Hobby Lobby
Kitchen Kettle Village - dogs are welcome to walk around outside but not permitted inside the shops
Asics at Tanger Outlet - Please ask before entering with your dog (some employees are allergic)
Joanne Fabrics
The Candy Factory - a local coworking space
PNC Bank - The North Pointe branch has been confirmed to be dog friendly, but please confirm before bringing your dog into your local branch
Places to Eat/Drink:
(Per PA health department law, pets are not permitted inside any establishment that makes or serves any food. If you see any dogs that are inside any of these establishments they are likely a service animal, please respect their space and leave them alone. Please keep your dogs on the designated patios and bring an extra person along to help you pick up your food/drink if there is not a specific window/employee for patrons with pets!)
Spring House Brewing Company (Hazel Street) - has a designated dog patio to the right of the building with a window where you can order drinks and food so you can stay with your dog the entire time!
Moon Dancer Winery (Wrightsville)
Panera Bread
Stubby's Bar and Grille - Frederick St Location only
Cabalar - West Lemon St Location only
Please note that any of these locations may ask you and your dog to leave at any time. Always go with an exit plan if your dog is unable to handle the environment and respect the space that you're in.
If you have any recommendations or want your business to be added to the list please leave a comment or email me at courtney@duceysdogs.com. Happy training!
Hi! Great list! I wanted to let you know that Raney Cellars in Millerville has a nice big covered deck that is dog friendly. It’s next to a park- I take my dogs there to walk the park and then go to Raney Cellars.