A Guide to Dog-Friendly Living in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter

Just moved to the Jewellery Quarter with a dog? You’re not alone. Many of the area’s converted apartments are dog friendly, and it doesn’t take long to notice that dogs are a familiar part of daily life here. Like most urban neighbourhoods, and with private gardens often limited, living well with a dog works best when owners are prepared and mindful of shared spaces.

Here is a practical guide to living in the neighbourhood with your four legged friend.

‍

Where to walk

Without a back garden, the daily walk becomes the most important part of the routine.

• St Paul’s Square: This is the social hub for local dogs. It’s perfect for a quick morning loop, but be aware it can get busy on sunny days. It is often where you will meet other owners and get to know the regulars.
• The Cemeteries (Key Hill & Warstone Lane): These are beautiful, green spaces that are very popular with dog walkers. However, it is important to remember that they are still active cemeteries and heritage sites. It is best to keep dogs on leads or under very close control, and to be respectful of people visiting graves. There are plenty of bins, including a special dog waste bin at Warstone Lane Cemetery, to keep the area clean.
• The Canal Network: For a longer stretch where you can really tire them out, the canal paths are ideal. You can head out towards the reservoir for a greener, quieter walk away from the traffic. Just keep an eye out for cyclists and runners, as the paths can be narrow.

‍

Coffee and Eating Out

One of the nicest things about the Jewellery Quarter is that having a dog rarely stops you from going out. You will find that a huge number of independent cafes, bars, and pubs here are dog friendly. It is quite common to see dogs sitting under tables while their owners work or catch up with friends. In many places, the staff are likely to offer your dog a bowl of water before they even take your coffee order. It is always a good idea to check, but there are lots of options, meaning you don't need to leave them at home if you are heading out for a casual drink or a bite to eat.

‍

Useful Info

• Vets: There are several veterinary practices just outside the Jewellery Quarter, towards the city centre or out towards Edgbaston. It is worth registering as soon as you move in.
• Supplies: While the local supermarkets stock the basics, for specialist food or toys, many locals rely on home delivery or a trip to the larger pet shops a short drive or bus away.

‍

A Social Icebreaker

Finally, you’ll find that having a dog is one of the fastest ways to meet people here. Standing in spots like St Paul’s Square while your dog says hello to another, or meeting in the street is how many friendships in the Jewellery Quarter begin.

‍