Athens is a thriving college town with plenty of bars and restaurants, stunning parks, and an active cultural life centered on the University of Georgia. It’s also chock-full of dog-friendly places.
Dogs can improve your life and your health. They offer companionship that can help you feel less isolated and more understood, while encouraging you to get out into the world, get more exercise, and maybe even make some new friends. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), your pet could even prolong your life by lowering triglycerides and blood pressure and helping you remain physically active. Loneliness is linked to myriad health problems, and some researchers believe it may be even more dangerous than smoking or obesity. Pets offer an antidote. So don’t leave your canine companion behind. Check out one of Athens’ many dog-friendly places.
Home Improvement Stores
Planning to dash out to the garden center and get some plants, invest in a new shed, or repaint the living room? You don’t have to leave your dog behind. Home improvement stores are among the most dog-friendly places in Athens. Tractor Supply Co., Lowe’s, and Home Depot all welcome leashed, well-behaved pets.
Pet Supply Stores
If your dog willingly goes with you to all of your favorite places, why not return the favor? Stop into one of Athens’ pet supply stores for a refill of treats, a few scratches from the staff, and perhaps a toy for an exceptionally good dog. Pet supply stores also present a great opportunity for socialization, because your dog will encounter pets of all sizes, including birds, rodents, and cats. So if you have a growing puppy, spend some time at your local pet store to get them used to the sights and sounds they’ll encounter for the rest of their lives. The following Athens pet stores welcome leashed, vaccinated dogs:
- Petco
- PetSmart
- Pet Supermarket
Your Favorite Retailers
Think you can’t shop for a new pair of jeans with your best friend in tow? Think again. Retailers increasingly understand that pets are part of people’s lives, and are transforming their stores into dog-friendly places. Call ahead, because rules vary from place to place, and stores often change their policies if people take unfair advantage of them. These Athens-area retailers currently welcome pets:
- Bass Pro Shops
- Nordstrom
- Pottery Barn
- Lush
- Macy’s
- Academy Sports + Outdoors
- Abercrombie & Fitch
- Hobby Lobby
- Michaels
Restaurants
Numerous Athens-area restaurants have dog-friendly patios where you and your best friend can enjoy some fresh air and a delicious bite to eat. Some will even bring your dog a bowl of water. Check out these tasty options:
Dog Parks
Public parks across Athens welcome leashed dogs whose owners clean up after them, so consider including your pup on your daily hike or annual family picnic. Keeping track of a leashed friend isn’t always easy, though. So check out one of the city’s dog parks, where your four-legged friend can run off leash with other dogs:
Arbor Terrace of Athens knows that your canine companion isn’t just a pet; they’re family. As part of our commitment to helping seniors lead lives of luxury on their own terms, we welcome pets into our independent living community. We’d love to talk to you about what sets us apart, or even meet Fido at one of our pet-friendly community events. Stop by one of our upcoming events to get to know us better!