Before we get started on this subject, I would like to mention that Monday, August 26 was International/National Dog Day, which honors all dogs.
We are going to touch on the subject of pet-friendly businesses. In other words, these places allow pets regardless of whether they are service or comfort animals.
We were amazed and appreciative at how many businesses allow pets (mainly dogs). What gave us the idea to do a segment on this topic was going into a few establishments and seeing how well pets are treated.
At Northwest Beerwerks in Olympia, dogs who are regulars can have their own dog bowl with name. This is a very welcoming place for animals. Lots of outside seating, some covered, some not.
Another business that allows dogs is The Boulevard Tavern in Olympia. When we first walked in, my brother and I noticed one dog sitting, very well-behaved, next to its owner. Another little one was sitting in a booth with its owner, and the one we eventually sat and talked with at the far-end table. The owner is Troy, and his dog’s name is Prince. What a handsome dog and, again, so well-behaved. We have included pictures of both in this article. Troy is very involved with D.D. Ponder's lost and found for animals. Oh, and you can tell by the picture that Prince likes popcorn.
One more business we visited recently is Cascadia Grill, in downtown Olympia. They have outside seating, a couple of indoor seating booths, and a private area where you can bring your pet in. The staff gives the dogs a water bowl and occasionally a tasty treat while dining.
Being dog lovers, it was fun to see these dogs enjoying being with their owners and not being left home or worse yet, stuck in a vehicle while they were dining. I think that may be one of the reasons so many businesses allow pets. They are to be commended for their caring and dedication to the well-being of animals.
The Boulevard Tavern
The Bread Peddler
Cascadia Grill
McMenamins Spar Cafe
Northwest Beerwerks
Olympia Oyster House
Olympia Tap Room
Vic’s Pizzeria – Westside & Tumwater
West Side Tavern
Capital Mall -- all the stores there. (This one really surprised us!)
Ace Hardware
Animology - Pet supplies and self-wash
Auto Zone
Barnes & Noble
Cabella's
Fluffy and Floyd's Pet Supply
Irish Alana Salon
Harbor Freight
Home Depot
Home Goods
Hobby Lobby
JoAnn Fabrics
Lowes
Marshalls
Mud Bay (all locations)
Napa Auto Stores
O’Reilly Auto Parts
Petco
PetSmart
The Pet Works - Pet supplies and self-wash
Pottery Barn
Ross
T.J. Maxx
Tractor Supply
(Thurston County and surrounding areas.)
Best Western – Tumwater & Chehalis
Candlewood Suites – Olympia & Lacey
Econo Lodge Inn - Hoquiam
Extended Stay America – Tumwater
Fairbridge Inn – DuPont
Fairfield Inn – Grand Mound
Hilton Garden Inn – Olympia
Holiday Inn Express – Chehalis, Centralia
Home 2 Suites by Hilton – DuPont
LaQuinta Inn – Tumwater & Lacey
Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel
McMenamins Olympic Club – Centralia
Motel 6 – Tumwater
OYO Hotel – Chehalis
Olympic Inn & Suites – Aberdeen
Park Place Inn & Suites – Chehalis
Prairie Hotel – Yelm
Stay Beyond Inn – Elma
Super 8 – Shelton
Super 8 by Wyndham – Lacey
Travelodge by Wyndham – Aberdeen
There are several hotels and inns along the Washington and Oregon Coast that accommodate dogs as much, if not more, than people, lol. You will have to research them if you travel to the Coast. There is a website called BringFido that will give you all the locations if you plan a trip with your pet.
We think you will agree that Thurston County and surrounding areas really do care about pets. After all, if you didn’t love animals, you probably wouldn’t even be reading this column. If we didn’t mention your business, please let us know and we will add you to our column next week.
Some people are not crazy about taking their dogs to dog parks, so there is a website just for you. It’s called “Sniff Spot” and caters to owners and their dogs to rent safe and private dog parks. Some even have pools, some are in backyards, fields, include hiking trails, etc. Now, we haven’t used these services or know much about them and their location, but we thought we would give you this information in case you would like to check it out.
“I talk to my dog like it’s human. I say I’m sorry if I accidentally step on it. I say excuse me if I need to get past. I say hello, good morning, goodbye, I will be back, and goodnight.”
~ Unknown
EDITOR'S NOTE: Sept. 4, 2024 - We updated this story to add another business and reclassify several others.
Thom Donitz and Trish Lynn are neighbors and close friends who share their love of animals and wildlife. Trish and Thom are residents of Tumwater. Contact them at pets@theJOLTnews.com.
4 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
dpowell1953
Thank you for this list, I will know which local businesses to avoid, though there are an awful lot. I am seriously allergic, and do not enjoy eating in a restaurant while watching dogs and cats cleaning themselves. Service animals are well-behaved, and I tolerate them, but many people who bring in pets have NOT taught them to behave in public places.
Thursday, August 29 Report this
Callie
I used to work for the infectious disease section of a Health Department. I do not want to see a dog where I eat. The authors seem oblivious.
Reference below:
Dogs are a major reservoir for zoonotic infections. Dogs transmit several viral and bacterial diseases to humans. Zoonotic diseases can be transmitted to human by infected saliva, aerosols, contaminated urine or feces and direct contact with the dog. Viral infections such as rabies and norovirus and bacterial infections including Pasteurella, Salmonella, Brucella, Yersinia enterocolitica, Campylobacter, Capnocytophaga, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Coxiella burnetii, Leptospira, Staphylococcus intermedius and Methicillin resistance staphylococcus aureus are the most common viral and bacterial zoonotic infections transmitted to humans by dogs. This review, focused on the mentioned infectious diseases by describing general information, signs and symptoms, transmission ways, prevention and treatment of the infection. As far as the infections are concerned, the increase of the knowledge and the awareness of dog owners and the general population regarding zoonotic infections could significantly mitigate zoonoses transmission and consequently their fatal complications.
Keywords: bacterial and zoonotic infections, viral infections, dogs, rabies, noroviruses
Go to:
Introduction
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5319273/
Thursday, August 29 Report this
Digger
To clarify, the food establishments listed have outdoor seating areas. The dogs are welcome there.
Thursday, August 29 Report this
ElizCrandall
I agree this is a helpful list for those of us who don't want to eat in proximity to dogs. Or patronize businesses that allow dogs on the premises. Some are highly allergic, others have had traumatic experiences with dogs and choose to limit contact. Some of us don't want to smell your dog or watch them clean their privates while we eat. Or have them nose around our table because you're not paying attention to them. Or worry about our kids as they pass by your dog on the way to or from our table. There is a reason Health Departments prohibit dogs in places that serve or sell food having to do with food safety and cleanliness. You love your dog, but others may not.
Thursday, August 29 Report this