Good news! The days of leaving your dog at home to shop in Downtown Rochester are over! Nearly 20 Downtown Rochester businesses are welcoming “man’s best friend” to the downtown shopping experience.
“Downtown Rochester is already a dog friendly place. We’re just making it official”, said Stephanie Hellebuyck, Events Coordinator of the Rochester Downtown Development Authority. “Many downtown businesses already welcome dogs or supply water outside in the warmer months.”
The press release stated that according to the Humane Society of the United States, 62 percent of American households have at least one pet. Of that 62 percent, The American Pet Products Association estimates that 37-47 percent are dogs. More and more, shopping with dogs seems to be a growing trend in our area and beyond.
Participating Downtown Rochester businesses will be marked with a visible window cling to show that they are dog friendly.
Current participating businesses are:
Fourth Street Boutique, 116 E. Fourth
Framer’s Workshop, 528 N. Main
The Friendship Factory, 210 W. University
Haig’s of Rochester Fine Jewelry, 311 Main
Holland’s Florist, 308 Main
Independent Expressions, 304 East
Kimi K Salon & Spa, 313 Main
Moon River Soap Co., 339 East
O’Connor’s Public House, 324 Main (Back Outdoor Patio ONLY)
Paint Creek Outfitters & Socks Addict, 425 Main
Rochester DDA, 308 1⁄2 Main Sargent Appliance, 600 N. Main Sole Sisters, 329 Main South Street Skateshop, 410 Main Studio One Salon, 420 Main Talulah Belle Boutique, 307 Main The Funky Frog Children’s Resale Boutique, 433 Main Wanderlust Boutique, 404 Main
WHOO Upscale Resale for a Cause, 119 Main Downtown Rochester and the participating dog friendly businesses recommend dog owners use their best judgment when shopping downtown and remember the following:
- Keep dogs on 6 ft. leash at all times.
- Make sure your dog has the most up-to-date vaccinations. Dogs with up-to-date vaccinations are less likely to spread certain communicable diseases.
- Remember, you are responsible for the behavior of your dog(s). Aggressive dogs or dogs with behavioral issues such as aggressive barking, jumping and biting should be left at home.
- Make sure you have the proper gear: treats, water and of course, poop bags!
- Owners must clean up any dog droppings made by their pets.
- Be respectful of dogs in training.
Upcoming Downtown Rochester events include the Farmers’ Market, every Saturday morning through October 31; Deck Art on May 14 and 15 and Mini Market Thursdays beginning May 20. For more information on the Rochester DDA, including a complete schedule of events, please visit http://www.DowntownRochesterMI.comor call 248.656.0060.
About Sarah Hovis
What about the rights of those who are allergic? Those have been bitten or attacked and may be afraid of dogs? or those who simply do not like shopping with barking, tangling, jangling and smelly animals about? Dogs are on the sidewalks in Rochester, and often businesses even leave out water bowls for them in the summer, which is nice. They do not belong in the businesses unless they are a service animal. After 25 years of living in Rochester I find it sad I will now have to shop elsewhere because a few animal fanatics have forced their preference.
If you have fears of being bitten or attacked stay inside. You have a much greater chance of being bitten by a bee or a spider. Don’t be so paranoid. I noticed dogs in many stores in Florida & no one seemed to have a problem. The stores were jammed with customers. Also many restaurants in Florida allow dogs where they have outside seating. Never had any problems with dogs there either. I’ve lived in Rochester for over 20 years & love it because it is a dog friendly community. Shop elsewhere. I don’t think you’ll be missed.