From the mountains to the coast, our picks for breweries that welcome your pup. Plus a trainer shares what skills every dog owner should know before heading to a brewery.
As the great debate continues about whether dogs (and children) belong at breweries, Cardinal & Pine has decided to look at the topic from a different angle: What skills does a dog owner need to master before bringing their dog to a brewery in North Carolina?
- Know your dog. If your dog is nervous around a lot of people and other dogs, consider building its confidence before venturing out to a brewery. “Not every dog is a brewery dog,” says Melanie Perry, a dog trainer and owner of The Dog Wizard franchises in Gastonia and Lake Norman. “It’s about knowing what your dog is comfortable with.”
- Teach your dog to listen to commands. When a situation arises, it’s important your dog will listen. “You want to start off with a well-balanced, socialized dog and with no underlying issues,” Perry explains. “[You want] a dog who will follow-through on what you ask them to do.”
- Advocate for your dog. It’s easy to get involved with friends and forget your dog is there. Perry recommends managing your dog and spotting potential situations before they arise. “Owners will get caught up in socializing and not pay attention to things that are going on between the dogs,” Perry says. “Make sure if you feel like your dog is uncomfortable in a situation, you’re their voice.”
Ready to tour North Carolina breweries with your fearless (and well-mannered) canine? Cardinal & Pine recommends these 15 dog-friendly breweries, all featuring amenities and special events geared toward four-legged customers.
Beech Mountain Brewing Company
Beech Mountain
Drop by the Beech Bark Park before or after your visit to the brewery’s patio and deck for the best views in town. The fire hydrant is for the dogs and the benches and bathrooms are for two-legged guests. 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy., Beech Mountain
Hot Springs
Dog treats, fresh cold water and community dog mats welcome four-legged friends to this brewery in downtown Hot Springs. Dogs are welcome in the taproom and outdoor Biergarten, always on a leash. 25 Andrews Ave. N., Hot Springs
Cabarrus Brewing Company
Concord
CBC raises money for local nonprofits by selling Brew Bonz Spent Grain Dog Treats at the brewery, made from spent grains, eggs, flour and soy butter. The annual Bark and Brew Red Carpet Runway Show and Pets, Paints & Pints are regular events to enjoy with your furry partners. 329 McGill Ave., Concord
Catawba Brewing Company
Morganton
Waiting for the right time to dress up your dog? Catawba’s costume contests may be just the thing. The brewery also holds adoption and fundraising events and dog painting workshops. 212 S. Green St., Morganton
Winston-Salem
Puppy treats and water bowls greet man and woman’s best friend. Look for dog-friendly events including adoption fairs for local rescue groups such as the Stepping Stones Canine Rescue and Merit Pit Bull Foundation. 3800 Kimwell Dr., Winston-Salem
Asheboro
On National Dog Day in late August, Four Saints Brewing Company hosted its first pet fashion show. Twelve dogs strutted their stuff and raised funds for a local no-kill animal shelter, Happy Hills Animal Foundation. The brewery is open to polite pups throughout the year. 218 S. Fayetteville St., Asheboro
Carolina Beach
Four acres of brewery and close proximity to Carolina Beach State Park make this the perfect stopping point after a day at the beach. Dogs on leashes are invited to spend time in the taproom and beer garden and enjoy a dog treat. Join in brew dog Fred’s birthday celebration every October. 811 Harper Ave., Carolina Beach
Raleigh
This West Texas-themed brewery hosts a monthly Triangle Beagles Rescue Adoption event and in August they had a “New Leash on Life” amber ale beer available to support the rescue of the Envigo Beagles. 1626 Glenwood Ave. and 8816 Gulf Ct., Suite 100, Raleigh
Bryson City
Did someone say bacon? The kitchen manager brings out the bacon when they see a furry friend. 61 Depot St., Bryson City
Hendersonville
Water bowls and special treats made from spent brewing barley and peanut butter keep the pups coming back. 147 1st Ave. E., Hendersonville
Old Armor Beer Company
Kannapolis
Old Armor partners with a neighboring local bakery, Eat Cakes Bakery, which uses its spent grains to make dog treats. 211 West Ave., Kannapolis
Resident Culture Brewing Company
Charlotte
From dog adoption events with Forgotten, Now Family Rescue to Puppy Palooza 2022, Resident Culture is Charlotte’s go-to for dog-centric events. 2101 Central Ave. and 332 W. Bland St. Suite C, Charlotte
Seven Sounds Brewing Company
Elizabeth City
Pups are welcome inside the brewery and outside on the grassy riverfront Biergarten with panoramic views of the Pasquotank River. 112 N. Water St., Elizabeth City
Southern Pines Growler Company
Southern Pines
Southern Pines Growler Company partners with the local shelter, Caring Hearts for Canines, to host fundraising events and adoption opportunities. Get Fido to sit for a portrait at the brewery’s Pints & Pet Portraits. 160 W. New York Ave., Southern Pines
Wilmington
Come for the dog treats and stay for the dog-focused fundraisers for nonprofits such as Paws -Ability and Paws 4 People. Don’t miss the dog costume contest in October. Accessorize your pup with a WBC collar–for sale with leashes and toys. 800 S. Kerr Ave., Wilmington
Vanessa Infanzon Vanessa Infanzon moved from New York to NC for college and never left. When she’s not writing, she’s paddle boarding at the Whitewater Center.
