San Francisco's obsessed with dogs. If you're lucky enough to own one, you know how important it is for pups to be able to hang out with other pups without things getting weird. Play dates aside, here are some doggie social hours worth both you and your dog's time.
Cheeko B Pet Boutique holds its "Yappy Hour" on the first Thursday of every month from 5-7 pm at its Union Square location, and it's a total party for humans and dogs alike. Vendors donate samples for guests to try, the store provides wine, doggie treats, and 15% off any in-store purchases and of course, your dogs get to run wild with eachother and schmooze with the store's resident Chihuahuas Cheeko and Frankie. 611 Post St. @ Taylor, (415)440-1221
If you've got a puppy who needs some friends, attend one of SmartyPup!'s puppy socials designed to provide a safe and fun environment for puppies to run around like crazy little windup toys together, and an opportunity for you to ask experts about puppy care. SmartyPup!'s puppy socials also help your little one learn about life in the big city by familiarizing them with new things like strangers, old ladies and small children. The puppy socials are discounted if you also enroll your pup in their beginning puppy classes! 1592 Union St., Suite 168, (415)730-5149
Cow Hollow's Bella & Daisy Dog Bakery & Boutique offers a free Yappy Hour every Friday evening from 5-7 pm. The store offers wine and cheese for humans, treats for doggie guests, and a hang out session with the store's dogs Bella, Daisy and Molly. It's also a great way to meet other dog owners in the neighborhood to make future doggie play dates with. 1750 Union St., (415)440-7007
SF Puppy Prep, in addition to their puppy classes, holds socials especially for small-breed adult dogs twice a week at their school in SoMA. Every Sunday afternoon, mini dogs who aren't as confident as they could be have a chance to meet other dogs and play with them without leashes. Friday evenings are the totally happening place for dog owners. This Happy Hour offers wine, cheese, cookies and dog toys. It's even a great place to think about bringing a date! 251 6th St., (415)618-0828
High atop one of San Francisco's most luxurious hills, picturesque Lafayette Park is home to the Small Dog Group of Lafayette Park. They meet every afternoon after work (around 5 pm) and call themselves "the Mafia", where each dog has an alias. If you bring your pooch, you'll get to meet "Scruffy the Thug", "Baby the Yapper", "Archie the Ball Thief", and many more. It's free and open to anyone! Sacramento St. @ Gough
An unexpected spot for a doggie social hour is at Kiehl's on Fillmore Street. Every first Sunday of the month from 4-6 pm, the high-end shop fills up with people, dogs, champagne and hor d'oeuvres to promote their line of pet spa products and give dog owners a chance to mingle. If you stay long enough, you might even score a gift bag of samples, to use on yourself of course. 2360 Fillmore St., (415)359-9260
If a dive bar dog social hour is more for you and your dog can handle loud music, head to Doc's Clock in the Mission. Every first Saturday, the bar hosts a Doggie Happy Hour from 4-8 pm hosted by different animal rescue foundations to benefit their causes. There's usually food and live music, as well as dirt-cheap happy hour drink deals. 2575 Mission St., (415)824-3627
A watering hole for humans built with dogs in mind, Stray Bar in Bernal Heights has ample space for the four-legged ones to lay around (dogs aren't allowed on bar stools!) while their owners down a few beers. The bar is stocked with treats and its patrons are ready to give belly rubs without prior notice. If you're walking your dog in the area, stop in during their daily happy hour from 4-7 pm. Your dog won't mind.
Photo via mikebaird on Flickr.com
