You’re Doggone Welcome: 5 Pet-Friendly Places in Grand Forks

As I’m writing this, my husky mix Stevie Buscemi is celebrating one full year of life – 10 months of which have been in the Cusack household. Her puppy-level excitement for new people has not died down over 365 days, which means taking her to crowded places can be a chore.

Did I say chore? I meant minor nightmare.

Fortunately, I live in a region that offers several dog-friendly businesses where I can get shopping done or grab a beverage while training my pup not to pop up on every passing “new friend.” This is certainly not an all-encompassing list, and I know there are many pet supply stores, groomers, and doggy daycares that would happily welcome your dog. However, the following are few of my favorite out-of-the-box poochy pit stops.

Grand Forks, ND

When we enrolled Stevie in puppy kindergarten classes through the Grand Forks Dog Training Club, one of our trainers recommended homework of weekly trips to Lowe’s to get eager pups used to lots of new faces. It sounded strange (lumber and Labradors, I guess?), but we gave it a shot.

As it turns out, the folks at the Grand Forks Lowe’s LOVE dogs. On our first trip, the clerk at the front desk mentioned that many new dog owners come through the store for training because of the tricky-slick industrial floors. She added that she loves watching the gradual transformation from furry monsters to refined canines. Three employees in the garden center asked if they could give Stevie a scratch or two, and our cashier treated her to not one, but three bacon snacks.

Grand Forks, ND

Scheels is a regional sporting goods store that happens to be the central hub of Grand Forks’ Columbia Mall. They are also known for having a soft spot for dogs, which is great for the hunters and distance runners who want to stop by with their pheasant spotters and running buddies. As long as your dog is harnessed and well behaved (subjective, I know), they can help you pick out your new UND Hockey sweatshirt.

I mean, any business where I can walk my dog, buy a frostbite-proof coat, AND snag a cookie the size of my face is OK by me. Check it out.

  East Grand Forks, MN

If you don’t follow Wired Bean Coffee House on social media, you are missing out on oodles of dog photos. I’ll wait here as you like them on Facebook.

OK, great.

Even before Stevie came into my life, I loved Wired Bean for their excellent lattes and daily stash of the Red River Valley’s best, Sandy’s Donuts (we can let Fargo have a victory once in a while). However, I can now bring Stevie with me by drive-through or right through the front door. Stevie now loves it for the same reason I do – the treats. They offer doggy donuts and edible pup cups crafted by Barktastic Bakery, a local businesses that donates a portion of its profits to Journey Home Animal Rescue. That’s just too sweet.

  Grand Forks, ND

When Carter needs a rubber mallet for fixing the landscaping, we go get a rubber mallet for fixing the landscaping. Tractor Supply has rubber mallets, and they also have a bring-your-farm-dog mentality. Stevie is by no means a farm dog, but we brought her with for mallet shopping anyway.

What many people don’t know is that Tractor Supply is stocked ceiling high with some of the best doggy treats, food, squeakers, and supplies in town. It’s like a toy store for your four-legged children. Even if you say no to a new tug rope or box of biscuits, the cashier will still give your dog a treat at checkout.

I’m just going to say this straight – Downtown Grand Forks is a great place for dogs on both sides of the river. After a summer or fall morning on the Greenway trails or at the Town Square Farmers Market, you can pop by more than a half dozen restaurant patios that are ready for Rover, and some will even hook you up with a water bowl. Just call ahead before your first-time visit to confirm doggers are allowed at your stop.

One of my favorites is Half Brothers Brewery, which occasionally features dog adoption events at its taproom and on its patio. They even leveled up their love of the pooch with a partnership with the Ruffing It Barkery, a Grand Forks gourmet dog treat business. The Barkery uses the spent grain of Half Brothers’ Classic golden ale to produce its Classic Brew & Cheddar Biscuits. Yum all around.