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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Jilly Beattie

Now NI's high street shops are going dog friendly

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.

Read more: Springer Buzz is facing cancer battle with owner by his side

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

Every dog needs a break when out shopping (Murphy and Bailey)

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.

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:

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.

White Stuff Belfast, the company loves dogs for cuddles and on their shirts (White Stuff)

Andrew Watson Menswear

A classy shop where well behaved dogs especially Golden Retrievers and their humans are ever so welcome.

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 Belfast not only welcome dogs instore, they create perfect little dog sofas to match the humans' version (Sofology)

Oliver Bonas

They sell homeware, fashion and jewellery and a great range of dog accessories and are very dog friendly.

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.

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
What's not to smile about at Homebase? (Homebase)

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.

Bear catches 50 winks in his mum's plant shop in Donaghadee, Wild Thing (Wild Thing)

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:

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
Dogs are welcome at The White Lighthouse Dundonald (The White Lighthouse Dundonald)

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:

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.

Lena Rose Florist, Portrush

Pop in and take a breath. Fabulous, friendly and feel good.

Starlight & Stone, Portrush

Eco friendly goods, clothes and accessories in a chilled atmosphere with welcoming staff.

Bumblebee, Portrush

A gorgeous little escape into art, crafts, cards, paintings, pottery, glassware and lots of vintage treasure. A real find.

Murphy loves shopping close to home (Murphy and Bailey)

Troggs Surf Shop, Portrush

If you and the dogs are surfer dudes, you can't go wrong in here. Find them at:

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.

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:

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:

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

Beautiful Mishka enjoying the craic in Wild Thing, Donaghadee (Wild Thing)

Gordon's Chemists, Donaghadee

Gordon's staff welcome customers and their dogs. They can be found:

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 :

Smiling at work at the Guitar Depot, Bangor (The Guitar Depot, Bangor)

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:

Refreshments are on tap at Murphy and Bailey for pups and people (Murphy and Bailey)

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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