Bringing your dog with you when you go shopping is a chance for you to get the items you need while your dog can get some exercise and interact with the world. Many shopping malls are open-air or have an outdoor component, which means that both of you can get the chance to enjoy a little bit of time in the sun. But not all shopping malls in Atlanta are welcoming to dogs, which means that there will be times when you will have to leave your dog at home. Continue reading to learn more about which shopping malls in Atlanta are welcoming to dogs and how you can depend on Atlanta dog sitting company Critter Sitters to take care of your dog when you are unable to.
The Best Dog-friendly Shopping Malls in Atlanta
There are a lot of shopping malls in Atlanta that are welcoming to dogs! Some of them allow dogs throughout the entire while others only allow dogs to enter common spaces and not stores. Some stores only allow dogs to enter if they are on a leash or in a carrier. Call ahead before visiting a mall with your dog to find out which spaces you are allowed to bring your dog along to. Also, many shopping malls have restaurants and bars—if they have an outdoor space, it’s likely that you’ll be able to bring your dog along with you as you dine or drink.
Here are the dog-friendly shopping malls in the Atlanta area:
- Ponce City Market – Housed in an old Sears, Roebuck & Co. building, this mall has high-end retailers, a food market, yoga and SoulCycle, and business offices. It even has a dog valet service—allow your dog to hang out with other dogs while you enjoy your time shopping.
- Westside Provisions District – Bring your dog along with you to Westside Provisions as you shop for high-end fashions and home goods.
- The Battery Atlanta – The Battery Atlanta is a shopping center and entertainment center next to SunTrust Park, home of the Atlanta Braves. As an open-air area, dogs are welcome to stroll along with their owners.
- Ansley Mall – This open-air shopping center in Piedmont Heights can be enjoyed by both dogs and dog owners alike.
- Atlantic Station – With popular shopping destinations, a movie theatre, and a multitude of options for dining and drinking, Atlantic Station is a fun and exciting place for dog owners to hang out with their dogs.
- The Forum on Peachtree Parkway – Visit this shopping center with your dog to enjoy upscale retailers and restaurant chains.
- The Avenue East Cobb – With both national and local retailers, this shopping mall in Marietta has something for everyone.
Things to Do When Taking Your Dog Shopping
The most important thing that you should remember while you take your dog shopping with you in a mall is that they may be in a new environment. Shopping malls are full of stimuli that your dog may not have been exposed to before and people that they have never met before. Be mindful of whether they feel uncomfortable and know which cues to look for. Only take your dog shopping with you if they have been properly trained to socialize with people and other dogs. It may not be advisable to go shopping with senior dogs or dogs that have special needs.
When shopping with your dog, it’s also important to be considerate of other people and businesses. Make sure that you keep your dog on their leash at all times, and keep them away from anyone that seems to have an aversion to dogs. You may also want to bring a water bowl for them; while most restaurants provide water for dogs, you should bring one anyway. It may be wise to bring toys for your dog, too. And since businesses depend on their products to stay in operation, so be prepared to pay for anything that your dog destroys.
Other Things to Do with Your Dog in Atlanta
As an extremely dog-friendly city, Atlanta offers endless possibilities for dog owners and dogs that want fun things to do together. Atlanta has a ton of options for dog owners that like to spend time in dog parks with their dogs. Many dog parks offer state-of-the-art amenities, water stations, and toys for dogs to play with. Or you can take your dog swimming, either at a pool made especially for dogs or in a lake or river in a State Park or preserve. You could also take your dog along with you to a dog-friendly event or outdoor cultural attraction.
Dog owners with epicurean interests can take their dogs with them to a bar, restaurant, or coffee shop. ParkGrounds, for example, is a combination of a dog park, coffee shop, and bar. And Park Tavern in Piedmont Park (which also happens to have one of the best dog parks in the city) has one of the most dog-friendly patios around. Call the restaurants in your neighborhood to check whether they allow dogs—most places that have outdoor patios are totally welcoming to dogs, as long as they stay outside.
Professional Dog Sitting Company Serving the Atlanta Area
When life requires you to leave home—for shopping, work, or travel—know that you can call on Critter Sitters to give you dog the care he or she needs to be healthy and happy. The dog sitters that work with Critter Sitters have years of hands-on experience working with dogs and pets of all types and will treat your dog with sensitivity to its needs. Call Atlanta pet sitting company Critter Sitters, the oldest and largest pet sitting company in the city, to discuss your pet sitting needs at (404) 793-6178.
