Businesses participating in the Dog-Friendly Downtown Program will receive this decal to let shoppers know dogs are welcome in the establishment.

The Dog-Friendly Downtown (DFD) program, slated to launch spring 2010, invites businesses in Saratoga Springs to welcome customers’ four-legged friends into their establishments. Participating businesses will receive a window decal identifying them as a dog-friendly locale. In addition, they will be listed on the Dog-Friendly Downtown website, a map of downtown Saratoga Springs that denotes dog-friendly businesses, local shopping websites and national pet-friendly travel websites.

Sloppy Kisses owner Melanie Dallas, whose one shop is located in Saratoga Springs, said the area is full of dog owners. The idea behind the DFD program, she said, is to capitalize on that market.

“By welcoming dogs, business owners can attract more customers into their store that hopefully will result in an increase in sales,” Dallas said.

The program is open to all downtown Saratoga Springs businesses, such as retail shops, hotels and restaurants. The cost to participate is free. Businesses interested in being included in the initial roll-out must sign up by Dec. 1. <HOME>