Downtown Charlottetown Inc. compiling list of pet-friendly businesses for tourists and public

Jeremy MacFadyen is happy to hear that Downtown Charlottetown Inc. (DCI) is compiling a list of pet-friendly businesses to make it easier for him to know where his dog, Gertie, is welcome. One of those pet-friendly businesses is Dow’s Men’s Wear, pictured here. - Dave Stewart

CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - Downtown Charlottetown Inc. (DCI) literally wants people to ‘paws’ before deciding to leave their pet inside a hot car this summer.

DCI has launched an initiative in which it is compiling a list of pet-friendly businesses and office spaces in the downtown and will compile that list for people to see on its website.

DCI will also have all pet-friendly businesses display “Paws Downtown’’ signs on their windows.

“There’s no excuse for leaving dogs in hot cars anymore,’’ said Dawn Alan, executive director of DCI. “We want to make it as simple for people as we can.’’

DCI has been knocking on the door of every business in the downtown so far to compile its list. That includes places like offices, services and retail stores.

“We’re going to purchase some assets to go with it as well. We’re going to do a water bowl and a Frisbee and maybe some poo bags and hand those out to people . . . and we’ll have enough in the shops.’’

Some businesses, such as Starbucks on Queen Street, are already ahead of the game in some ways. That business has a doggie water bowl outside now.

Poll: What do you think of pets being allowed in downtown Charlottetown businesses?

The Lady Slipper clothing store next door welcomes dogs and even has doggie treats on hand, as does Ray’s Barber Shop on Kent Street.

Alan said it’s gotten to the point where dogs know when they walk by Lady Slipper that they can stop in for a treat.

“We were extremely pleased to see how many people were very enthusiastic about this plan.’’

Rhonda Myers at Ray’s Barber Shop thinks it’s a great initiative.

“Being a pet owner (myself), I have enough common sense and brains not to take my dog into a restaurant,’’ Myers said. “However, if my client is coming in for a haircut and little Rover is sitting in the car, by all means, bring him in. I’m a pet owner. I know what it’s like.’’

Myers said all they ask is that the pet is on a leash and is well behaved.

Jeremy MacFadyen, a dog owner, also loves it.

“I take Gertie everywhere I can with me. I definitely pick and choose where I shop based on who is dog friendly, so it’s fantastic to have DCI spearhead this program to get it out there as to who is actually pet-friendly and who is not,’’ MacFadyen said.

The P.E.I. Humane Society has given the plan two big thumbs up.

“Hopefully, this will alleviate pets being left in hot cars and give owners more options for pets who cannot be left at home,’’ said Jennifer Harkness, development manager at the society. “As a reminder, please have your dogs on leash at all times and be respectful of other customers and pets who may not be comfortable meeting your pet.’’

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NEED TO KNOW

Downtown Charlottetown Inc. indicates the following businesses are pet friendly: