Anyone who knows me knows that my dog, Charlie, is my world. A four-year-old Boston terrier that I’ve had since he was a puppy, Charlie has been with me through the pandemic, a toxic relationship, two cross-country moves and everything in between. However, some of my favorite moments with Charlie are those that have been had on what I like to call doggie dates. These special days are built around activities that Charlie and I can do together and are typically capped off with a stop by a dog-friendly restaurant for a tasty treat or meal (yes, for Charlie, too), just like a normal date.
Naturally, there are a ton of doggie date ideas we can enjoy when the weather is nice, but what about when it’s wet and rainy or in wintertime when it’s bitterly cold and there’s snow on the ground? As long as you know what’s available to you, you can actually do quite a lot. Yup, even in Rochester, MN! Dog-friendly businesses that allow furry friends inside might not be as plentiful in Rochester as they are in bigger cities like Minneapolis or St. Paul. But if you don’t mind getting a little creative and are flexible, you and your pup can still have lots of quality time together during indoor doggie dates in the Rochester area. So, clip on that leash and let’s get started!
Indoor Doggie Date Ideas for When It’s Too Cold or Wet to Be Outside
Spending time with your dog is important. And I don’t just mean regular walks and playtime, although those are obviously crucial for your pup’s wellbeing, too. I’m talking about quality time when you can focus on your pooch and be just as in the moment as they are.
I don’t know about you, but I can sometimes be pretty distracted, whether by my phone or the television, when we’re out on normal walks or playing at home. Setting aside time for a doggie date lets me forget about any distractions for a while and really enjoy Charlie’s company. Not only is this a lot of fun for both of us, but it also helps strengthen our bond, assists with socialization and reinforces good manners and obedience when out in public. That is especially true of indoor doggie dates, as they tend to be around other people more than, say, a hike or a visit to a park.
If you’re looking to explore the Rochester, MN, area with your pup, but it’s too rainy, cold, or snowy to hang out outside, these indoor dog dates have you and your pooch covered. Pick just one from the litter, or mix and match a few different ideas for a complete doggy date day full of tail wags and happy faces. Each of the locations mentioned below has been confirmed as dog-friendly in Rochester, MN (and many are Charlie-tested and approved—in fact, we even went to a few as I was writing this article to take photos, sample pup cups and try out dog menus for, you know, research purposes).
Get a Pup Cup at One of Rochester’s Dog-Friendly Cafes
Whether you call them pup cups or puppuccinos, few things make dogs happier than a tiny serving of whipped cream, ice cream or some other sweet treat. Although there are plenty of places that offer pup cups in Rochester, most of them—like Starbucks, Dunkin’ and Culver’s—don’t actually allow dogs inside. However, a handful of local cafes do welcome four-legged guests, complete with pup cups for furry patrons.
My personal favorite (and Charlie’s, too) is Café Aqui at Sargent’s on 2nd. Not only are there excellent food and drink options, including a pup cup with whipped cream and a tiny Milk-Bone biscuit for pooches, but the tropical-like ambiance is a welcome escape from dreary weather. Grab a seat in the café or set up shop at one of the seating areas in the greenhouse. And don’t be surprised if your dog makes a few new friends while you’re there—folks tend to be incredibly friendly.
Other local Rochester eateries open their doors to well-behaved dogs, too. Bloom Acai Cafe offers a pup cup with natural peanut butter, a slice of banana and a sprinkle of blueberries for $1.50, definitely a more nourishing departure from the typical whipped cream. Dogs are also free to relax alongside their humans at St. James Coffee, which has a mix of tables and chairs and comfy cushioned seating available, as well as a pup cup for your furry friend.
Take Your Dog on a Shopping Spree or Sniffari at a Local Pet Store
One place where your dog will always be welcomed with open arms is a pet supply store, making them the perfect place to retreat from the rain, snow or cold for a while. Make your visit special by allowing your pup to pick out a treat or toy (or both!) to take home. Or, turn your trip into an engaging adventure by letting your dog lead the way.
Sniffing is akin to scrolling social media for your pooch, and there is a lot they can smell and discover in those leash-lined aisles. I even like to pick Charlie up so that he can get a good look at the birds, cats and guinea pigs that are waiting for their new homes. Plus, as an added perk, the mental stimulation that comes with their olfactory exploration is more tiring for your dog than a typical walk and, not to mention, more interesting and relaxing for them, too.
Pet supply stores in the Rochester, MN, area include:
- Chuck & Don’s Pet Food & Supplies
- Collins Feed & Seed Center
- Petco
- PetSmart
- Rochester Pet & Country Store
Stroll the Aisles at Dog-Friendly Rochester Businesses
Shopping is one of my favorite pastimes, whether I’m on a solo date or hanging out with friends. Luckily, there are also many dog-friendly stores in Rochester that I can go to when I’m in the mood for a little retail therapy but don’t want to leave Charlie behind.
Not only is it fun to see how he moves through the world, but it’s also a good opportunity for me to observe how he acts in different situations or responds to certain stimuli. We have been out and about a lot in several cities across different states, so he is always on his best behavior. However, being in close quarters with different kinds of people helps us to practice boundaries, respectful greetings and other socialization skills.
Stores that allow dogs in Rochester, MN, include:
- At Home
- Barnes & Noble
- Fleet Farm
- Hobby Lobby
- The Home Depot
- JOANN Fabric and Crafts
- Lowe’s Home Improvement
- Marshalls
- Michaels
- Sargent’s on 2nd
- Scheels
- TJ Maxx
- Tractor Supply Co.
Hang Out at the Indoor Dog Park at Leashes & Leads
Being cooped up inside all day (or month) when it’s too wet or cold to go out is enough to drive anyone crazy, especially your dog. So, why not give them some room to run at the indoor dog park at Leashes & Leads? At a sprawling 4,000 square feet in size, this spacious play area lets your pup really stretch their legs, all while staying dry and warm. Bring your furry friend’s favorite toys to play with, or, if the timing is right, try to catch one of Leashes & Leads’ dog-friendly events. Access to the indoor dog park starts at only $5 for a day pass.
Pick Up Some Takeout (for Your Pup, too!) and Have an At-Home Dog Date
If you’re anything like me, then you’d rather stay cuddled up on the couch in your comfy clothes than brave the wind, rain, snow or cold. (Fortunately, Charlie and I are in sync when it comes to avoiding bad weather. Not only does he outright refuse to go potty in the rain—because, obviously, he’s so sweet that he might melt—but I’ve even had to rescue him from the backyard because his paws got too cold.)
So, rather than roaming around town, plan a cozy day of fun at home instead. One must-have for your stay-at-home dog date night? A delicious takeout meal for you and your dog, of course. You’ll find dog menus at two different Rochester restaurants, each serving a tantalizing selection of drool-worthy dishes. Choose from a selection of succulent smoked meats (hold the BBQ sauce for your dog) at Smoak, or opt for hibachi with fur-friend flair at Zen Fusion. Items on the dog menu are available for pickup no matter where you decide to order.
Round out your at-home dog date with a tail-waggingly fun activity. Set up an obstacle course for your pup to navigate, play a few rounds of hide and seek or put your dog’s taste buds to the test with a variety of dog-safe fruits, vegetables, proteins and other treats for them to try. Break out the paints, peanut butter and canvas for some arts and crafts—Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok are great places to go for ideas. Does your pooch like watching movies? Pop some popcorn for you and some YakyCharms pup-corn (microwaveable yak cheese nuggets) for them, and enjoy a little Netflix and chill. Show your dog some TLC with a well-deserved spaw day. (For some truly delightful inspiration, check out @elvisbatzthelab on Instagram and thank me later.) Or, give your four-legged friend a formal invite to family game night with The Dog’s Best Friend Game, a board game where your pup is the MVP (Most Valuable Pooch).
Take a Road Trip to Dog-Friendly Spots in Nearby Cities
Is a short ride down the road not enough for your dog? If your pup enjoys the journey as much as the destination, then hop in the car to take them to one of the many dog-friendly businesses within driving distance from Rochester. From breweries with or without indoor dog parks attached to restaurants with heated pawtios, dog-friendly swimming pools, and more, there’s enough to keep you and your four-legged friend busy for many rainy days and Minnesota winters to come.
Dog-Friendly Breweries
Minneapolis
- Arbeiter Brewing
- Bauhaus Brew Labs
- Broken Clock Brewing
- Brühaven Craft Co.
- HeadFlyer Brewing (free Milk-Bone dog biscuits, water bowls and for-purchase Rolling Rover Bistro treats)
- Inbound BrewCo (Doggy Station with water bowls, treats and yoga mats for your dog to sprawl out on)
- Insight Brewing
- Modist Brewing Co.
- Sisyphus Brewing (water bowls and treats)
- Sociable Cider Werks
- Venn Brewing
- Wild Mind Ales
- 56 Brewing
St. Paul
- Bad Weather Brewing (dogs welcome in the event space only, so call ahead to make sure it’s available)
- Dual Citizen Brewing Company
- Lake Monster Brewing
Greater Twin Cities Area
- Back Channel Brewing, Minnetonka (dog brew made out of organic vegetables and pumpkin broth)
- Bent Brewstillery, Roseville (water bowls, treats and dog-friendly events)
- Forgotten Star Brewing Co., Fridley (water bowls and treats)
- Luce Line Brewing Co., Plymouth (limited dog-friendly indoor seating is available)
- Lupulin Brewing, Big Lake
- Shakopee Brewhall, Shakopee
- Unmapped Brewing, Minnetonka
- Wicked Wort Brewing Company, Robbinsdale
Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Cafes
Greater Twin Cities Area
- Duke’s on 7, Minnetonka (year-round enclosed and heated pawtio with a dog menu and Yappy Hour from 2-5pm on Monday-Friday)
- Diamonds Coffee Shoppe, Minneapolis
- FRGMNT Coffee, Minneapolis (dogs allowed inside at North Loop, St. Anthony Main and Mill District locations)
- In the Loop Coffee Company, Minneapolis (organic dog treats)
- Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room, Minneapolis (year-round enclosed and heated pawtio with a dog menu and Yappy Hour from 2-5pm on Monday-Friday)
- The Block Food + Drink, St. Louis Park (year-round enclosed and heated pawtio with a dog menu and Yappy Hour from 2-5pm on Monday-Friday)
- The Howe Daily Kitchen & Bar, Minneapolis (year-round enclosed and heated pawtio with a dog menu and Yappy Hour from 2-5pm on Monday-Friday)
Indoor Dog Parks and Pools
Greater Twin Cities Area
- Brew Park, Plymouth (indoor dog park and restaurant with dog-friendly events; day passes are available for $10)
- The Dog Tank, Mendota Heights (45-foot indoor dock diving pool with open swim (your dog(s) only) and private lessons, as well as dog-friendly events; starts at $35 per 25 minutes for open swim and $45 per 25 minutes for private lessons with a trainer)
- Unleashed Hounds and Hops, Minneapolis (indoor and outdoor dog park with a bar, eatery and dog-friendly events and breed nights; day passes start at $12)
Mankato Area
- The Paw (50-foot indoor pool with open swim (social dogs only), private swim and Surf N Turf Sundays (social dogs only, includes use of pool and indoor play area); starts at $20.50 per 45 minutes for open swim, $61.50 per 45 minutes for private swim and $20.50 for Surf N Turf Sundays from 1-3:30pm)
Tips for Making Sure Your Indoor Dog Date Is Paws-itively Amazing
Ready to take out your paw-tner in crime for a little quality time? Here are some things to keep in mind when planning and during your indoor doggy date.
Call Ahead to Confirm Dog-Friendliness
Although all the locations mentioned on this list have been confirmed as dog-friendly, things are always subject to change. Furthermore, for some locations, spaces that are welcome to four-legged guests are limited, while others require reservations. So, it’s better to be safe and call ahead than to show up and be disappointed.
Make Sure That You Show Up Prepared
Do not be that human. Part of being a good pet parent is being responsible for your pet’s needs. Before you head out, set aside some supplies to tackle anything that might come your way. Think poop bags, wipes, treats, a collapsible bowl for water, and, of course, your dog’s leash and harness or collar. Take photos of your pup’s most recent vaccinations to show at any place that might require them, namely indoor dog parks.
Be Respectful of Others
Em-bark-ing on indoor doggy dates means that you will encounter people who may not like, are afraid of, or are allergic to dogs. To ensure that places continue to be dog-friendly, be aware of how others react in your pup’s presence and behave accordingly. Refrain from letting your dog into someone’s personal space unless they are invited in.
Know Your Dog
Just as or even more important than respecting others when you’re out on a doggy date is respecting the comfort level of your dog. By keeping in mind what makes your pup anxious and planning a dog date that fits their interests and needs, you set them up for success while also minimizing the potential for negative behaviors. Always keep an eye on your dog for signs of stress, like excessive panting or shaking, and move on to something else if they seem uncomfortable to keep the experience as positive as possible for everyone involved.
What’s your favorite way to spend an indoor doggy date? Leave a comment below!
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