Pet-friendly plazas in Mexico City: where to go shopping with your dog

Great news for dog lovers and owners with separation anxiety, more and more shopping malls are accepting pets! You will no longer have to stress or rush while your dog waits for you tied up outside. Certain malls have requirements , such as the Palacio de Hierro, which requires prior registration, but it is not complicated at all. We describe how to prepare for your next trip to the mall with your dog in this article.

Some tips before going to a shopping mall with your dog

Although we firmly believe that the fact that our pets can accompany us almost everywhere is an incredible blessing , it is important to consider the well-being and experience that our dogs will have – and not just our own satisfaction. We advise you to walk your dog on the street or take him to the park before arriving at a square so that he has used up at least some of his energy and is calmer. You will also avoid excessive urine marking, which can be problematic.

Pet-friendly shopping malls are by definition a meeting place . Keep in mind that your dog has to be ready to socialize or ignore his peers without creating a problem that could cause his exclusion from the mall. If you are not calm, your pet is likely to sense this and increase his stress level. Another important point: you must be careful with escalators . If your dog is not trained to take them, it is necessary to carry him in your arms or favor the elevators.

Also think about the length of your shopping session : if you're spending more than two hours going from store to store or if you plan on trying on clothes, it might be a better idea to leave your dog at home with a Kong-type intelligence toy, some treats or a bone to keep him busy for a while .

Iron Palace

Last year, Palacio de Hierro branches began welcoming pets. Click here to register your pet in their system. You will need to sign a letter of responsibility , and the site will generate an “ID” for your dog . Your pet must wear a collar and leash at all times during your visit. You will find cleaning stations to remedy any accidents. In several areas, pet access will be restricted: for example, restaurants, beauty salons and fitting rooms.

IKEA (and the rest of Oceania Meeting)

Oceania , which has iconic stores like IKEA , is pet-friendly. Check out the guidelines for pet access at the Swedish store here . In short: dogs cannot get on the furniture, the pet owner is responsible for any damage caused by the pet, the pet owner must clean up after the pet, and only two dogs or cats per family can enter. Pets must be vaccinated and in compliance with Mexico City's Animal Protection Law. (Additional info: even the IKEA Puebla branch is pet-friendly.)

Antara

Antara Plaza, located in Polanco, with more than 140 stores, is entirely pet friendly . Check the rules here to be able to go shopping with your dog. It will be allowed in the outdoor and indoor areas, and will be allowed to enter the stores on the condition that you walk your pet with a collar and leash, and that it behaves well enough.

Garden and Patio Santa Fe

If you are located in this part of the city, you can go to these two plazas with your dog. The first one has the advantage of having gardens perfect for walking a pet . Some stores may not let you enter with your canine, but in the common areas of the shopping center there is no problem . It is even welcome at the Walmart in Patio Santa Fe ! Remember to keep your dog on a leash or use the shopping cart with a carrier provided.

One last tip: all Home Depot branches accept dogs in shopping carts.

Now you're ready to choose your next shopping destination and pamper yourself – while still pampering your dog. Put on the collar and leash that will allow you to have control over him and meet several requirements of the mall (among which, the maximum distance between the owner and his dog or cat is 150 cm) and enjoy your trip to the mall!