Updated:  September 2, 2024

You don’t need to disappoint your “fur baby” when you visit dog-friendly businesses of Lake Erie Wine Country. This popular wine trail starts just east of Erie, PA and extends into western New York State. If you are traveling through Pennsylvania or Western New York on I-90, stop and visit our wineries just minutes away.  

Does your dog get really excited when you are putting on your shoes and reaching for the keys? Mine does too. I always feel bad when I have to leave her behind. So, when a recent guest at my cottage rentals asked if I knew of any local dog-friendly places, I did a little research. I was surprised to find out just how many dog-friendly wineries and other businesses we have in Lake Erie Wine Country.

Let me preface the list with a bit of dog owner etiquette. Most business owners mentioned the dog should be friendly, on a leash, and the dog owner should be prepared to clean up their dog’s waste. In my opinion, that’s very reasonable!

While many of these businesses allow dogs outside only, there are plenty of fun outdoor events and outdoor seating areas. In no particular order, here are 13 dog-friendly places in Lake Erie Wine Country.

1. The Straw Hat Sundae Shop in North East, PA is a popular walk-up ice cream stand where pups have their very own FREE menu item. Called “The Doggie Bowl,” it’s vanilla ice cream served with a dog treat on top. Of course, you can’t let your pup eat alone.  I like to treat myself to some Penn State Creamery ice cream when I take my Shiba Inu (Koda) for a treat. By the way, local dogs highly recommend this place and it’s open year round.
2. Lakeview Wine Cellars in North East, PA is dog-friendly as long as the dog is friendly and on a leash.
3. Quincy Cellars in Ripley, NY allows leashed dogs on the outside grounds, as long as you clean up any dog waste.
4. 6 Mile Cellars in Harborcreek, PA welcomes well-behaved dogs. Watch their calendar because they also have some dog-friendly events.
5. Heritage Wine Cellars in North East, PA considers their winery to be very dog friendly. They allow leashed dogs outside and depending on the crowd and day, inside as well.
6. Penn Shore Winery & Vineyards in North East, PA allows dogs anywhere on the outdoor grounds, and dogs are allowed inside as long as they are smaller and other customers are okay with it. Does your dog enjoy live music? Watch for the outdoor music events each Saturday night in July, August and early September.
7. Arundel Cellars & Brewing Company in North East, PA allows leashed well-behaved dogs outside. Watch for summer outdoor concerts.
8. Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing in Westfield, NY allows dogs on the outdoor patio.
9. Skunk & Goat Tavern (formerly The Cork 1794) in North East, PA allows dogs to dine with owners at the outdoor patio.
10. Something Fishy Pet Store in North East, PA loves dog visitors and sells dog supplies, treats and toys.
11. Fisherman’s Beach allows leashed dogs. This beach is accessed by trail along 20 Mile Creek in North East, PA. Watch for the Conservation Park sign off Route 5 and a large parking lot. Signage marks the entrance to the trail leading to the beach. Dogs “dig” this beach.
12. Erie Brewing Company (EBC) in Harborcreek, PA allows dogs outside on the covered patio! Guests report that the staff have even brought out a doggy water bowl.
13. Clement’s Lake Erie Cottages – Dogs allowed at the Little Red Lake House with homeowner’s permission.  (That’s me.) Mention you have a dog when inquiring.

Add Lake Erie Wine Country to your list of places to visit with your dog. Whether you take a Sunday drive, a weekend getaway, or a weeklong vacation, don’t forget to bring:

— a leash

— a water bowl, and

— waste bags to clean up after your pet.

Now, if I could just figure out how to make my dog the designated driver!  🙂

Let’s hear from you. Have you taken your dog to any of these places?  Do you know of any other dog-friendly places in the area?