The weather outside is frightful, well maybe not. It is Alabama after all and who can really tell from day to day. But if you’re looking for ways to get out and about with your dog, or maybe you just want to take them along when you run some errands, options abound. Whether you are shopping for items for your home, art, plants and more-here’s some places where you can take your furry friend along with you. Read the Full Dog-Friendly Guide here after this one!

Pet Stores

First up, pet stores. Need food or a chew or some new toys? Let Fido help you pick out what they want. Also at PetSmart, Hector likes to watch the fish. Here’s some places to check out.

• Four Paws in Five Points
• Hollywood Feed
• PetSmart
• Pet Supplies Plus
• PetCo

Hector usually get lots of pets at these places-which he loves. Tip: some of the pet stores on this list are kind enough to hold adoption events on the weekends. I tend not to go during those hours as a. I am a softie and want to bring everyone home and b. it’s generally super busy and c. people often ask if Hector is adoptable. (No. Definitely not.)

Home Stores and Craft Stores

Want to get your craft on or do some redecorating? Need some help picking out the perfect pillows? You can take your four-legged friends with you to these stores.

• HomeGoods
• Marshalls
• Michael’s
• Hobby Lobby
• JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts

At HomeGoods the staff was thrilled to see him and we did see some other dogs there as well. (Note: I had always been told TJ Maxx is dog-friendly and they are part of the HomeGoods/Marshalls family but when I called the store on Airport Road, they said they aren’t.)

Hardware Stores

Need supplies for home improvement? Your furry companions don’t have to stay home.

• Lowe’s
• Home Depot
  (These two often have treats in the paint department.)

Sporting Goods Store

Ready to play ball, get some outdoorsy clothing or go fishing? These stores are pet friendly as well.

• Cabela’s – Hector is a fan of the fish
• Academy Sports
• Dick’s Sporting Goods
• Duluth Trading Company

Bridge Street Town Center

Bridge Street has numerous stores that are dog-friendly and while this isn’t an exhaustive list, you can always tell which stores allow dogs by the ones that have pawprint stickers on the door or window. With being an outdoor mall, you aren’t totally protected from the elements but it’s a fun place to walk around and many of the store staff is thrilled to visit with pups. Some even offer treats. Here’s a couple that we visit.

• Kendra Scott
• Anthropologie
• Loft
• Athleta
• Mountain High Outfitters
• Victoria’s Secret
• Altar’d State

Farming Supply

Hector loves to go to Rural King and peek at the chicks. We do have to make sure he doesn’t eat the dropped popcorn as floor popcorn is apparently a nice treat. Tractor Supply and C.T. Garvins Feed & Seed is also dog-friendly but we haven’t been there yet.

Other Pet-Friendly Locations

Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment
Lowe Mill is dog-friendly and a great place to walk around while enjoying some of the best art in the area. There’s so many studios and so much art to see and it’s a great way to support our local artists.

Botanica Huntsville
Plant mom and dads-we didn’t leave you off the list. Botanica is pet friendly as well. Please note they do have a shop cat so if Fido is a little too interested in feline friends, this may not be the best option.

Three Tails Resale
Want to bargain hunt for a good cause? This thrift store supports the Greater Huntsville Humane Society and leashed pets are welcome.

Grocery stores and places that have cafes and sell food are almost never dog-friendly-unless your dog is a service dog.

As you can see, there’s loads of options for getting out and shopping with your pet if the weather is bad or you need to run errands or simply want to meet some new folks. Keep in mind that stores are not a dog park so pets should be leashed and well-behaved. I recommend a shorter leash so you can keep them with you-I use a four foot with Hector. As always, pets should be fully vaccinated before you go on field trips and ensure you aren’t letting them drool on or lick the merchandise. (Many stores offer treats and we turn them down as Hector is a drooler.) Give them ample time to use the restroom and be prepared to clean up any accidents. Another thing to keep in mind is that not everyone loves dogs so always be respectful of that. And, it should go without saying, but never pretend they’re a service dog in order to take them somewhere dogs aren’t welcome.

Do you go shopping with your pet? Did we leave anywhere off? Let us know in the comments!

Check out the Dog-Friendly Guide for Dog Parks, Doggy Daycares, and Patios that welcome dogs.