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Writer's pictureSteve @ Fetch The Sun

A Guide To Enjoying Dog Friendly Breweries With Your Pup

Updated: May 21


Beer counter at Night Parade Brewery in San Diego
The dudes and Koa at Night Parade

Looking for a special adventure to enjoy with your dog? Explore the local dog-friendly craft breweries near you! Simply search online to find nearby places that allow dogs. Visiting dog friendly breweries is a great way to socialize your dog while enjoying some delicious craft brew! Not only will your dog get to explore new places, but you both can make new friends.

Ensure your safety and well-being by drinking responsibly and always having a reliable plan to get home safely after consuming alcohol.


 


Benefits of Visiting a Dog-Friendly Brewery


Dog sitting in front of a Night Parade Brewing sign in San Diego
  • Your dog can socialize with other dogs

  • Meet other pet owners who share your love of craft beer and dogs

  • You'll get the chance to experience some of the best craft beers around (try new and unique beers that you may not find at a regular bar or restaurant)

  • Many breweries offer yummy treats for both you and your pup

  • Share quality time with your dog

  • Many breweries provide educational tours and offer in-depth information on their brewing process

  • Dog-friendly breweries often have outdoor seating areas so you and your dog can enjoy the sunshine and fresh air

  • Most craft breweries are privately owned within the community - you'll be supporting small, local businesses


 

Steps to Take Before Visiting a Dog-Friendly Brewery


Tasting room area of The Dog Society in San Diego

When visiting a dog-friendly brewery, it's always a good idea to be prepared by packing the essential supplies. You'll also need to find one that allows dogs and familiarize yourself with the rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your pup. It's also helpful if your dog knows basic commands.


Gear List


  • Leash and Harness

  • Poop Bags

  • Water and a Water Bowl

  • Dog Food (If you'll be there during their chow chow time)

  • Treats (reward your pup for good behavior and use treats to help them stay calm)

  • Dog Toys

  • Dog Bed or Blanket (If the brewery allows it, bring a comfortable bed or blanket for your pup to relax on)


Finding Dog Friendly Breweries


Woman and her dog at Alesmith Brewery in San Diego

With the rise of dog-friendly establishments, it's easier than ever to find a brewery that welcomes your dog. A quick internet search or asking other pet owners can help you discover hidden gems in your local area. Some breweries even have designated "dog nights" where all well-behaved pups are welcome.


If you've read the previous chapters in this guide, I'll sound like a broken record here! But BringFido is another indispensable source for finding local, dog-friendly breweries in your area. Just type in your location, and voila! You'll have a list of breweries that welcome your four-legged friend. If you're local to San Diego, check out our learn more section for a link to our blog where we do in-depth reviews of local dog friendly breweries.


Dog howling at Savagewood Brewery with a Fetch The Sun beer can in the foreground

As mentioned above, it's also important to note when the brewery's peak times are. If your dog is timid around other people and dogs, or if you're new to the scene, it may be best to go at off-peak hours. Google does a pretty decent job of showing when these times are; however, I always recommend picking up the phone and talking to someone at the brewery directly.


When searching for a dog-friendly brewery, it's important to also consider the type of atmosphere you and your pup will enjoy. Some breweries may have a more laid-back vibe with outdoor seating, while others may be more lively and crowded inside. It's helpful to read reviews or ask fellow pet owners about their experience at different breweries to find one that fits you and your pup's preferences.


Additionally, consider if the brewery offers any amenities for your dog such as water bowls or treats. Some may also have designated areas for dogs to play or roam freely while you enjoy your beer. This can make a big difference in creating a positive experience for both you and your furry friend.


Safety Tips for Visiting Dog Friendly Breweries


Dog giving man a kiss at a dog friendly brewery

Keep Your Dog Leashed

Be Aware of the Type of Beer Being Served

Clean Up After Your Dog

Monitor Your Dog's Behavior

Respect the Rules and Guidelines of the Brewery

ID Your Dog

Vet Check

Allergies


Training Your Dog Before Going to a Dog Friendly Brewery


Woman with her dog at a dog friendly brewery

BASICS: If you plan on taking your pup to a dog-friendly brewery, they must be well-trained. This will ensure that everyone has an enjoyable experience and that your pup behaves appropriately. Start by teaching them the basics such as sit, stay, come, down, leave-it, and heel. You should ensure that their recall commands are known so they know to come when you call them. This will help keep them out of trouble and ensure that their behavior is respectful towards others.


Learn more about these basic commands on our training blog.


CHANGE IT UP: When teaching your dog these commands, practice in different environments with various distractions. This way they'll have a better chance of being comfortable no matter what situation arises during the brewery visit. Breweries could often be a louder environment than they're used to.


SOCIALIZE: In addition to basic commands, it's also important to socialize your pup before visiting a dog-friendly brewery. This means exposing them to different people, animals, and environments in a positive way. Taking your pup on walks through busy areas or visiting dog parks can help them become more comfortable around other dogs and humans.


MAKE IT POSITIVE: As always, use positive reinforcement training techniques and reward your pup for good behavior throughout the day. Give them treats when they follow your commands or simply for being a good dog. This will reinforce good behavior and make the dog-friendly brewery experience even more enjoyable.


 

Best Practices


Apologies if this section seems scattered but there's really no one size fits all list of instructions when it comes to visiting a dog friendly brewery. So instead, we've put together a list of tidbits we've gained over the years from visiting these places.


Our Golden Retriever sitting in front of Voodoo masks at a dog friendly brewery

To prepare your dog for the brewery visit, give them exercise beforehand to help them stay calm and relaxed -a walk or game of fetch in the yard can do the trick

Always be mindful of other patrons, especially those who may not be comfortable around dogs - keep your dog close to you and make sure they are well-behaved at all times

If your dog is playing with another dog, keep a close eye on their behavior to ensure their safety and happiness

If you want to interact with another person's dog, please always ask their permission

If your dog is easily overwhelmed or not used to busy environments, try visiting the brewery during off-peak hours - a good way to ease them into the experience without being surrounded by too many people and dogs

Never bring a sick or injured dog to the brewery - not only could it potentially spread illness to other dogs, but it's also not fair to your dog

Remember to clean up after your dog to maintain cleanliness at the brewery - if they go pee or poop, pick up after them whether it's inside or outside.


 

Try Visiting a Dog-Friendly Brewery Today!


Man and dog at a brewery
Me and ONE of my favorite pups hanging at Night Parade Brewing Co in San Diego

Taking your dog to a dog-friendly brewery is an excellent way to have fun with your pup(s). Not only do you get to experience the best craft beers around, but it's also a great opportunity for your pup to socialize and explore new environments. With proper preparation and training, visiting a dog-friendly brewery can be an unforgettable day of bonding between you and your pet. Cheers!


Learn More


Local to San Diego? Check out our in-depth reviews of local dog-friendly breweries. We rate their dog friendliness and give you our favorite drink recommendations.




Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting a Dog-Friendly Brewery


Q: Can I bring any dog to a dog-friendly brewery?

Q: Can my dog roam freely at a dog-friendly brewery?

Q: What if my dog doesn't like other dogs?


 

Check Out Our Adventure Guide for More!


Couple walking on the beach with their dogs

We hope you enjoyed our Adventure Guide on Visiting a Dog-Friendly Brewery. Check out even more fun, outdoor activities you can do with your dog at our Fetch The Sun Adventure Guide homepage.





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