Dogs Are Good for Your Business

As spring really begins in earnest, a lot more people are spending a lot more time outside with their dogs, including walking them down the sidewalks in the business district, and that includes myself and my jug, Baxter. But what if a lunch special or sale catches your eye? Do you dare bring your dog inside or ask to be seated?

In my experience, most eateries that offer outside seating are more than happy to accomodate your well-behaved dog. Penn Taproom and 86 West are both exceptionally dog-friendly; in fact, most times I've eaten at those two restaurants with Baxter in tow, I've been offered water and sometimes a treat without ever having to ask. He's also been to Knight House and Bobby Simone's during cocktail hour and been warmly received.

But even places without waiters are accommodating. has been happy to offer me door service several times; if I want an iced latte or milkshake and see there's no other customers, they've been fine with taking my money at the doorway and bringing me change and my beverage. Nonno's is also exploring implementing a system where one could text or otherwise message them an order a few minutes before they get to the door to make being dog-friendly more official.

I repay the kindness to all of these places in a few ways. I give all of them return business and often tweet about the dog-friendly service with a #Doylestown hashtag. I also ensure that Baxter is never a problem for anyone, staff or customers. I only get a table if we can be out of the way, preferably up against a fence that his leash can be secured to. He can be rambunctious, and I know it might take only one person tripping over him for the party to be ruined for everyone.

While not all retail stores can accept dogs, there are still plenty that are happy to see you bring your pooch inside. Many started sporting a , indicating they are dog-friendly (though many circles have since been washed out to white by the sun). and 40 Love are just two of the many stores bearing this circle, and of course Life on the Leash is included. Just be sure your dog behaves well and you should continue to be welcome.

And if your dog needs water, Nonno's, Life on the Leash, Bucks County Running Company, and 40 Love all regularly have water dishes out. Additionally, Chelsea usually has a basket of biscuits outside.

So remember, if you're out and about with your dog and feel peckish or like doing a bit of shopping, you do have options. And if you're a business owner whose wares wouldn't be in danger if a dog were brought in, consider hanging a sign. I promise it'll be good for business.