Who let the dogs out? Napier celebrates a city that loves its dogs

Napier’s first-ever Pawrade took over the CBD on Sunday morning, with 300 registered dogs and their humans taking part in a social gathering and self-guided wander through the city to explore dog-welcoming cafes, shops and spaces.

Participants came from across Hawke’s Bay and beyond, with registrations as far afield as Lower Hutt, reflecting just how far the idea has travelled  and how much Kiwis love their dogs.

Organised by Napier City Business Inc., the Pawrade marked the official launch of Dog-Friendly Napier – a new initiative helping people discover which businesses and spaces are proudly pup-approved, as part of wider efforts to make Napier one of New Zealand’s most dog-friendly cities.

The Dog-Friendly Napier concept began with a simple suggestion from local business owner Sally, shared through NCBI’s Ideas Hub. Sally, who already knew of several dog-friendly spots around town, suggested creating a list that could help visitors and locals alike discover where their canine companions were welcome.

What started as one idea has since grown into a city-wide movement, one that’s captured national attention and showcased what community-led ideas can achieve.

“It’s a great reminder that good ideas often start with simple conversations,” said Pip Thompson, General Manager of Napier City Business Inc. “It just shows you don’t need a big budget or a big plan – when we listen and work together, we can create some really special things for our city.”

Participants picked up Dog-Friendly Napier Guides featuring CBD venues, while Vet Services Napier Hawke’s Bay offered free nail clips and health checks for pups. Animates Napier got tails wagging with giveaways and 15 generously packed goody bags, plus spot prizes throughout the morning. And in a fitting touch, The Doghaus was on site serving up their delicious hand-crafted hot dogs. The wider Dog-Friendly Napier network now includes over 50 venues across Napier and growing.

“The Pawrade was such a fun morning and a rare opportunity to get my husband into town for some clothes shopping!” said local dog owner Hayley King, who joined the walk with Rufus the West Highland Terrier, her husband and kids. “Dog-Friendly Napier makes it so much easier for dog owners to know exactly where their pups are welcome and we absolutely love that.”

Jaz from Kolachi Cafe & Eatery, which has long welcomed dogs and even offers complimentary dog biscuits, said they were proud to be part of the initiative. “For so many, dogs are part of the family too. It’s great to see more of Napier embracing that and creating a space where everyone, two-legged or four feels welcome.

Early feedback from businesses suggests the event also gave Sunday trade a welcome boost, with many cafés and retailers enjoying a steady flow of customers and canine companions.

The excitement around the Pawrade and the wider Dog-Friendly Napier initiative has reached well beyond the city centre, reflecting how deeply the love for dogs and for sharing life with them runs in our communities.

And while there are no confirmed plans yet, the overwhelming success of today’s Pawrade has organisers hinting that this may just become an annual spring tradition in Napier’s event calendar.

Locals can continue to support the Dog-Friendly Napier movement by shopping and dining at participating venues, sharing their favourite pup-approved spots online, and keeping an eye out for the Dog-Friendly Napier window stickers around town. And for visitors bringing their pups from out of town, local hotels including Scenic Hotel Te Pania and Swiss-Belhotel Napier, among others have you covered.

Businesses keen to get involved can register with Napier City Business Inc. to be added to the directory and receive a window sticker – showing they’re part of making Napier more welcoming for dog lovers and their furry sidekicks.

Dog-Friendly Napier business listings are available at www.napiercbd.co.nz/dog-friendly-napier