A growing number of local outdoor eateries, hotels and businesses are opening their doors to pets – and Norm Bowbeer is keeping track. As a bellman, concierge and shuttle driver at the pet-friendly West Bay Beach (a.k.a. Holiday Inn), he really thinks of his job title as Director of Fun. “I work at a pet-friendly hotel, and guests ask me ‘Where can we go?’” he says.
 
So Bowbeer took it upon himself to compile such a listing. It includes some two-dozen outdoor restaurants and pubs in Traverse City, Old Mission, East Bay and Leelanau County. They include the Shed Beer Garden in Old Town, where dogs can eat from their own menu, including the Healthy Hound (crispy salmon treats with rice), the Puppy Patty (a beef burger with cheese), or a gluten-free D.O.G. biscuit.
Also included are the Little Fleet, the Filling Station, Amical, Acoustic Tap Room, Mt. Holiday, Mari Vineyards, Martha’s Leelanau Table and Tucker’s. One caveat: Bowbeer says it’s important that all dogs be leashed and well-behaved, wherever they go.
 
While businesses loosen their rules, the laws don’t necessarily follow. The Michigan House did not vote on a bill passed by the State Senate allowing dogs on restaurant patios, similar to action (or non-action) last year. That means it’s technically illegal to allow dogs even on patios, decks or other outdoor settings. While State Senator Wayne Schmidt has supported such efforts, others (including State Senator Darwin Booher) have voted against it.
 
In addition to telling his guests, Bowbeer posted his pet-friendly list on a Facebook page he started called #tcpetfriendly. It’s an open group and he welcomes comments and other establishments, including other pet-friendly accommodations. Best Western Plus, Fireside Lodge and Cabins in Kingsley, and Traverse Bay Inn are among the area’s other dog-friendly motels.
 
The list/group includes businesses like Diversions -- which sells hats for people and their pets -- 24-hour veterinary care, pet supply stores, even doggie day care facilities. The latter is a boon for area residents who can’t take their dog to work but want to provide them some stimulation and also helps travelers who aren’t staying at pet-friendly accommodations. Crystal Ridge Kennels and Farm is located adjacent to Crystal Mountain Resort.
 
Bowbeer’s isn’t the only such list. BringFido.com is an online resource for pet-friendly businesses across the country; it has its own list of restaurants that can and will accommodate dogs.
 
The Ticker’s own Facebook page queried readers on some of their favorite dog-friendly places around the area. Shops such as Green Island Earth Friendly Goods, Haystacks, Brick Wheels and Ace Hardware received plaudits for their dog-friendly attitude. Others, such as Higher Art Gallery and Laser Printer Technologies, employ their own office dogs/greeters.
 
And there’s more good news on the way.  As reported in the July 13 Ticker, Grand Traverse County is pursuing a $25,000 grant from PetSafe to build a one-acre dog park on the northeast side of the Civic Center. It would join Wags West dog park on the corner of Bay and Division streets in Traverse City and the Silver Lake Recreation Area dog park in Garfield Township.