If you’re like me, you like to take your faithful pup everywhere with you, including shopping. There are plenty of dog friendly shops in Cardiff, so you don’t have to leave them at home when you want to window shop or splash the cash.
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Cardiff is well known for its excellent shopping scene, with Victorian arcades packed full of independents and modern shopping centres with high street and designer stores. Whilst, most shops don’t let you take your dog inside, some do allow it. It’s exciting that there are so many dog friendly shops in Cardiff. So, shopping can now be included in your dog friendly days out in Cardiff.
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Dog friendly Cardiff City Centre
There’s more to the city centre than zoomies in Bute Park. Are dogs allowed in Cardiff Castle? Yes, they are! Pets are welcome in the public square but not in ticketed areas.
City of Arcades
The arcades are the best-kept secret in Cardiff. There are seven unique Victorian and Edwardian arcades called; Royal Arcade, Morgan Arcade, Castle Arcade, High Street Arcade, Duke Street Arcade, Castle Quarter, Dominions Arcade and Wyndham Arcade. Housing over 100 independent cafes, bars and shops, the arcades offer a truly unique experience. Many of them will allow dogs inside, but if you’re unsure, pop your head in and ask.
Some dog-friendly shops in the arcades include Scribbler, Illustrate and Fabulous Welsh Cakes, which even make dog-friendly Welsh cakes in the shape of bones.
Cardiff Market
Are dogs allowed in Cardiff Market? Yes, dogs are more than welcome in Cardiff Market. Under one great glass roof, you will find everything from fresh meat and fish, fruit and veg, cheese, Welsh cakes and takeaway lunches. Plus, a florist, a cobbler, jewellery, greetings cards, records, and so much more.
Lush Cosmetics
Lush is another of the dog friendly shops in Cardiff. It is famous for its bath bombs, cosmetics and gifts. As advocates for all animals (with a strict no animal testing policy), they welcome dogs of all shapes and sizes into their stores. In Cardiff, the shop can be found on Queen Street.
Wilko
Dogs (and cats) are welcome at stores across the UK. Your pooch is welcome to browse the aisles in Wilko with you, apart from the food ones. In Cardiff, there are three shops. On Queen Street, Cardiff Bay Retail Park and Colchester Avenue in Pen Y Lan.
UPDATE – Wilko stores have now closed
Metro Bank
Ok, technically not a shop, but Metro Bank is incredibly dog friendly. Dogs are allowed in the store and are offered free water bowls, treats and branded bandanas. There’s a range of services for dogs, including pet insurance. There are two stores in Cardiff, Queens Arcade and Newport Road.
Mountain Warehouse
Mountain Warehouse will welcome your pup with open arms – even if they have muddy paws. The shop is perfect for adventurers where you can get everything from tents to walking gear. They sell dog accessories too! There are three stores in Cardiff, one on Duke Street near Cardiff Castle, in Llanishen in the Ty Glas Retail Park and Radyr at Pugh’s Garden Centre.
Oliver Bonas
From clothing to homeware, Oliver Bonas is a popular shop for women’s fashion and home and garden accessories. All of their stores are dog friendly, so take your dog with you on your next visit. The store is on The Hayes.
Urban Outfitters
One of the dog friendly shops in Cardiff is Urban Outfitters. Found on The Hayes, the fashion brand has women’s and men’s clothing, including shoes, bags and accessories. As well as home and lifestyle items.
Waterstones
Another dog friendly places on The Hayes is Waterstones. Not only do they sell books, but they have a wide range of gifts, games and lush stationery pieces. They also have a café serving food and drinks by book-loving baristas.
Molton Brown
Molton Brown is a luxury fragrance brand with perfume, bath, body, hair and home collections. The dog friendly shop in Cardiff is on The Hayes.
White Stuff
Selling clothes and accessories for men and women, White Stuff on The Hayes is dog friendly. All stores have water bowls and often treats. The Cardiff store also has a seating area, kids area, free WiFi, a tea trolley, book club and sweet shop.
Fat Face
Another dog friendly shop on The Hayes in Cardiff is Fat Face. The store has everything from dungarees and flip-flops to wellies, hoodies and chinos.
VANS
The shoe store and skateboarding specialist can be found on The Hayes in Cardiff. Dogs are more than welcome in VANS whilst you are browsing the selection.
John Lewis
All dogs are welcome in John Lewis stores across the country. However, only assistance dogs are allowed in the cafes and food halls. They recommend that you carry them on the escalators. You can find the shop in Cardiff on The Hayes.
Apple
If you want to pop in to eye up the new range or need to visit the genius bar, Apple will allow you in the shop with your dog as long as they are well behaved and on a lead. The store is in St David’s 2 on the top floor.
Are dogs allowed in Cardiff Shopping Centre?
Unfortunately, only assistance dogs are allowed in the St David’s Cardiff City Shopping Centre.
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Dog friendly Cardiff – Shopping outside the city centre
There are nice places in Cardiff to go shopping that aren’t in the city centre. Check out these dog friendly shops in Cardiff.
Hobbycraft
Creating crafts? Hobbycraft is the perfect place to pick up bits and pieces. I love the dog coat patterns and dog-shaped cookie cutters they sell here. They love welcoming our furry pals across stores so long as they’re kept on a lead. The shop in Cardiff is in the Capital Retail Park in Leckwith, opposite Cardiff City Football Club.
Sofology
The whole family are welcome at Sofology, including your dog. They don’t mind if they hop up on the sofa with you. There are even water bowls and treats available to help them settle in.
Mermaid Quay
While in Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay, you can indulge in some retail therapy. Search through Pavers Shoes and Zia Boutique, alongside the restaurants and cafes that welcome dogs too.
Pughs Garden Centre
Dogs are welcome at Pughs Garden Centre in Radyr and Wenvoe. There are even dog-friendly seating areas in the coffee shop. As well as shopping for yourself, there are things for pets, including food and accessories.
Sullyz Vintage Clothing
Love vintage and retro clothing? You have to visit Sullyz Vintage Clothing in Taffs Well. As you enter the shop, there’s an awesome £5 rail on the left-hand side; jeans start from £10, plus hoodies, sweatshirts, caps and collectables.
Wyevale Garden Centre
Dogs are allowed everywhere in Wyevale Garden Centre, apart from the cafes. There is a huge range of plants, gardening equipment and homeware. Find the garden centre on Newport Road in St Mellons with plenty of free parking.
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet
If you’re happy to travel a little further, head to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in Bridgend. About a 25-minute drive from Cardiff. Away from the hustle and bustle of the high street and unbeatable discounts all year round, dogs are welcome in over 40 stores. Just look for the signage on the shop windows to find out which ones welcome dogs.
Pet Shops in Cardiff
There are plenty of pet shops in Cardiff where you can take your dog. Pets at Home is on Newport Road, Ty Glas Retail Park in Llanishen, and Cardiff Bay Retail Park. Pets Corner is in Radyr at Pughs Garden Centre, Pet Station on Newport Road, Aquapets in Whitchurch and Raw Pet Supplies on Wentloog Road in Rumney.
What can you do with your dog in Cardiff?
I’m Cardiff born and bred. But, before I had Ivan the Irresistible, our rescue dog, I didn’t think Cardiff was very dog friendly. How wrong I was! Dogs are welcome in hotels, restaurants, pubs and tourist attractions. Unlike most major cities, Cardiff has plenty of fantastic parks and gardens. It also has local nature reserves and country parks. These open spaces are perfect for exploring Cardiff with your dog
Dog Friendly Walks in Cardiff
You will quickly forget that you are in the heart of a vibrant city, with its countryside vibes. Cardiff’s parks and gardens are beautiful. Each suburb of the city has its own recreational space, so you’re never too far away from a park.
Dog Friendly Beaches
There are so many beautiful beaches only 30 minutes from Cardiff. All are perfect for stretching your legs, dipping paws in the sea, and for discovering more of Wales. Many have no restrictions for dogs, and some have summer bans (boo!)
Dog Friendly Pubs in Cardiff
Is there anything better than a quick pint in the local? There are over 60 pubs in Cardiff where you are allowed to take your dog. I have broken it down by area of the city to make finding them more manageable for you.
Dog Friendly Restaurants in Cardiff
Why shouldn’t well-behaved dogs be allowed in restaurants? Some of the best places in Cardiff to eat and drink will let you bring your four-legged best friend too. From trendy rooftop bars, pizzerias, burgers and Indian street food.
Dog friendly restaurants in Cardiff
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Did you know dogs are allowed on trains?
Getting around Cardiff has never been easier. Transport for Wales allows a maximum of two dogs per passenger on the train, free of charge. Just bear in mind they be kept on the lead at all times or in a basket. I love Multiflex, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns. And, who doesn’t want to save money?
There’s no excuse not to take your dog with you. Especially if you fancy a dog friendly adventure in Cardiff. With stops in Taffs Well, Radyr, Whitchurch, Llandaff North, Cathays, two in the city centre – Queen Street and Cardiff Central – plus Cardiff Bay.
Dog friendly hotels in Cardiff
Discover the best dog friendly hotels in Cardiff. Enjoy outdoor adventures, spectacular walking, and fabulous places to eat and drink together in these lovely places to stay with your pet. They include national chain hotels, budget brands, pubs and country houses.
Check out my Dog friendly hotels in Cardiff guide with lots of discounts and offers.
Dog friendly Places Cardiff
If you’re struggling to find dog-friendly activities, let me help you with some suggestions, including the address, where to park, if free, or if there is a cost. Our travel and staycations are included, so you can find some new places to take your dog on holiday.
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