Lattes and Liver Treats

Move over, Rover, there’s a new game in town.

Apparently it’s not just strollers that are taking over the coffee shops in Ottawa these days. It’s actually our canine friends. What’s good for new moms (namely coffee and friends) is good for pet owners, too—that’s the thinking behind Wag Pet Shop, Ottawa’s first pet-friendly café.

Just as being the harried moms of two month-old colicky babies gave you something to bond over with new friends, being the owners of dogs who can be dirty, rambunctious and rebellious gives you something to bond over with others in the same boat. This is not like sheepishly bringing your mud-spattered, drooling beast into the upscale neighbourhood Starbucks. Wag’s Doggin’ It Café welcomes your madcap, four-legged companion with open arms, grimy paws and all.

Wag, which bills itself as “a posh shop for spoiled pets,” is not brand new anymore, but it’s certainly worth knowing about if you’re a coffee-loving dog owner who likes to be out and about with Rufus in tow. Serving Joe the Dog Coffee (try Bad Dog dark roast, Gotta Go medium morning blend or Neutered Dog decaf), this Bank Street shop is a community hub for dog owners in search of good company, good coffee and a little retail therapy on the side. Teetotalers can choose from black teas to herbal and green tea blends to chai tea lattes. Bring your laptop and grab a table—Wag offers free Wi-Fi.

If you’re bringing the kids along, fear not: there is also hot chocolate on the menu, and yes, you can ask for marshmallows. It’s virtually impossible for children to be perceptibly disruptive in a store that welcomes and caters to whining, barking dogs. Stroll right in with your dog (on leash) and browse the shelves while staff fawn and fuss over your furry friend—they love to welcome dogs with free treats.

The shop also sells a variety of pet food brands as well as products ranging from the basic (think poop bags, collars and leashes) to the precious (think winter booties, organic biscuits and top-of-the-line toys and grooming tools). Wag organizes seminars on topics of interest to dog owners, and regularly hosts social nights for owners of particular breeds.

The shop’s location on Bank Street in Old Ottawa South is conducive to a morning out with your mutt. A veterinarian, groomer and additional pet supply store (Global Pet Foods, where your pooch is also welcome) are all located within the next several blocks. Consider starting your Saturday morning off here before strolling down towards nearby Windsor Park, where dogs are nearly always off-leash and can enjoy a dip in the Rideau River. Your kids can run wild on the play structures at the same time.

You’ll be wondering why someone didn’t think of this sooner!

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