Dog-Friendly Bookstores

Posted by Scott Tunstall

Looking for a rainy day activity with your furry best friend? Bring your bibliophile Beagle to a pet-friendly bookstore, where he can curl up on a well-worn couch or rug by your feet as you flip through the pages of your next favorite read.

Strand Bookstore

New York, NY
Gizmo and friend. Photo by Facebook.com/strandbookstore

Located in the East Village, Strand Bookstore has been one of New York City’s most iconic indie book dealers since first opening its doors in 1927. Famous for its “18 miles of books and counting,” this landmark store stocks over two million new, used and rare works of literature. It’s also home to Gizmo the "littlest bookseller,” a Maltese-Pomeranian-Shih Tzu mix who can be spotted wandering among the towering stacks, manning the register or napping in an employee’s lap. Dogs are welcome to curl up with you in one of the Strand’s cozy corners or peaceful reading rooms.

Cuddle up with your pup at The Standard East Village and enjoy unparalleled city views out the floor-to-ceiling windows while enjoying your new reads.

Naughty Dog Books

Nashville, IN
“Wait, who’s naughty?” Photo by @naughtydogbooks

Independently owned and operated by a mother and daughter team, Naughty Dog Books is an adorable family bookstore that welcomes pups and their people to peruse row after row of reading material. Inside, you’ll find quiet corners with couches and armchairs that are inviting to anybody with a new book in hand. While you’re losing yourself inside a new world, your pooch may be rewarded for her patience with a treat from one of the dog-loving employees.

This stylish pet-friendly cottage in town has hardwood floors for easy cleanup and a fenced-in private front patio for anybody who wants to read outside while Fido roams.

Zenith Bookstore

Duluth, MN
Came for the books, stayed for the couch. Photo by Facebook.com/ZenithBookstore

If the facade constructed of giant classics like “The Great Gatsby” and “The Cat in the Hat” isn’t a giveaway that Zenith Bookstore is dedicated to its craft, the numerous rows of new and used books packing its shelves should convince even the most fickle of bookworms. This locally owned independent shop housed in a 125-year-old building features an industrial chic design complete with exposed brick and restored hardwood floors. Author readings and signings are held throughout the year. Well-behaved dogs are allowed inside to rest their paws on a comfy couch.

Take the 5-mile drive up the coast to Fitger’s Inn, a historic waterfront hotel offering dog-friendly accommodations for no additional fee and picturesque views of Lake Superior.

Moravian Book Shop

Bethlehem, PA
“This guy is pretty quiet.” Photo by Facebook.com/MoravianBkShop

Founded in 1745, Moravian Book Shop in pet-friendly Pennsylvania Dutch Country is not just the oldest bookstore in the U.S. but the oldest continually operating bookstore in the world. If you love nothing more than curling up on the couch with a good book and your best friend for company, pick up a bestseller or a book that documents the region at this historic store that welcomes leashed dogs inside.

Continue your walk down memory lane with a stay at The Sayre Mansion. There are plenty of nooks and crannies with comfortable couches throughout the large rooms where you can keep reading.

Little Shop of Stories

Decatur, GA
Doggy book club in the house! Photo by Facebook.com/LittleShopofStoriesGA

What began as an email sent to friends about opening up a children’s book store turned into Little Shop of Stories. This quaint shop has since become a fixture in charming downtown Decatur. Specializing in classic and contemporary works for readers of all ages, Little Shop of Stories hosts several book clubs as well as themed storytime birthday parties for kids. Leashed pups are always welcome inside.

Take your stack of books to the Tin Town 1974 Airstream, a cozy place to hole up and get lost in prose with your pup.

Books on the Square

Providence, RI
“I spy a plate of cheese!” Photo by Facebook.com/booksonthesquare

Books on the Square in the historic New England-inspired Wayland Square neighborhood has been sharing its independent spirit with literature lovers since 1992. In addition to selling an impressive inventory of brand-new hardcover and paperback titles, it also hosts monthly storytime for kids and book signings with local and national authors. Leashed dogs are welcome to sack out on the floor while you scan the stacks.

Graduate Providence is an upscale place where “Shakespaw” can curl up in a spacious suite while you enjoy your new books in peace.

Book Passage Bookstore

Corte Madera, CA
Waiting for Godot. Photo by Facebook.com/bookpassage

Book Passage Bookstore has been providing locals and visitors in the San Francisco Bay Area a community nook to discover a good read for more than 40 years. It offers a wide selection of titles ranging from best-selling fiction to mystery novels, children’s literature, cookbooks and travel guides. Leashed pooches are welcome to search the stacks, critique the artwork in the attached gallery, nap on the carpeted floor or join you for a hot coffee and sweet pastry in the on-site cafe’s outdoor seating area.

The bookstore is a short walk from this pet-friendly 3-Bedroom South Marin Home. Settle in with your best bud and your book, or head to nearby Marin Brewing Company, where you can grab a burger and a beer on the dog-friendly patio.

Village Books

Bellingham, WA
“A tail as old as time.” Photo by @badboyscoutchi

Village Books, in the historic Fairhaven Village, is an independent bookstore that welcomes bibliomaniacs and their mutts to hang out together surrounded by new, used and bargain books. Visitors can take part in book groups, receive reader rewards and bring smaller members of the pack to children’s story times. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners throughout this popular laidback hangout.

Hotel Bellwether provides treats, beds, bowls and more to help four-legged guests feel comfortable while their owners relax and read all night.

East City Bookshop

Washington, DC
“Little help. My reindog antlers are askew.” Photo by Facebook.com/eastcitybookshop

East City Bookshop is situated in the shadow of Capitol Hill, making it the perfect gathering place to connect with fellow book fans and debate modern literature. Peruse the stacks for works from past and present or shop for toys, art supplies and book-themed gifts. Duck inside with Fido on a chilly day and be treated to pleasant greetings, a bright atmosphere and relaxing corners to settle into for an afternoon of quiet contemplation.

Nestled three miles away in the vibrant Foggy Bottom neighborhood, The River Inn makes a great pet-friendly home base from which to explore all the attractions our nation’s capital has to offer.

River Lights Bookstore

Dubuque, IA
"I'm sitting on what?!" Photo by Facebook.com/rlbdbq

With its colorful decor, shiny hardwood floors and inviting midwestern charm, River Lights Bookstore is a cozy Main Street escape in the heart of downtown Dubuque. Pick up a popular page-turner in the bestseller section or comb the indie shelves for an undiscovered gem. You’ll also find a collection of fun toys, unique gifts and greeting cards for every occasion. Book clubs for foodies, art lovers and fans of horror are held monthly. You and your furry bibliophile can bask in the soothing sunlight that bathes the snug reading lounge near the front entrance.

Just a short drive from River Lights Bookstore, Best Western Plus Dubuque Hotel & Conference Center provides yummy treats and warm blankets to four-legged guests. If the weather outside isn’t too frightful, take Fido for a leisurely stroll along the nearby Mississippi River Walk.

Bookmans Entertainment Exchange

Phoenix, AZ
“I’m looking for an Air Bud biography.” Photo by Facebook.com/bookmans

Bookmans Entertainment Exchange has been the go-to spot for Arizona bookworms since 1976. It specializes in new and used books, but also buys and sells all forms of media, including comics, magazines, CDs and records, movies, video games and musical instruments. Leashed pups can sniff the stacks for bargains or stretch out on the floor for a belly rub from one of Bookmans’ dog-crazy employees.

DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix North provides book lovers with a comfortable place to take a break and read under the glow of a lamp. If Fido wants to stretch his legs, head to nearby Rose Mofford Sports Complex Dog Park.

What’s your favorite pet-friendly bookstore? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Facebook.com/strandbookstore.