Best East Bay Spots To Find Winter Gear For Your Pet

The winter months and holiday time often provide an excellent opportunity to spend more quality time outdoors with the family pet. The onslaught of colder weather and rain is no reason to keep Fido inside. Winter gear ranging from snow booties to rain slickers will protect any dog no matter how rugged or pampered. Keep fur dry and toes toasty with this list of the five best stores to find winter gear for pets in the East Bay.

Dog Bone Alley
1342 Park St.
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 521-5800
www.dogbonealley.com

Check out Dog Bone Alley in Alameda for excellent customer service and an extensive selection of cold weather gear for the pets. Dog Bone's winter line includes booties by Muttluks. Water resistant and fleece lined, these boots are perfect for rain or snow, and they come in an array of sizes. Also available are disposable latex booties by Pawz, which are made for rainy weather and come in packages of 12. Dog Bone also stocks a wide selection of reflective rain slickers, water-resistant puffy vests and handmade wool sweaters by the Chilean company Chilly Dog.

Molly's Pup-Purr-Ee
425 Hartz Ave.
Danville, CA 94526
(925) 820-8222
www.mollyspup.com/index.php

This dog boutique caters to those looking for more upscale wear for their pampered pooches. Molly's carries a variety of waterproof raincoats that are fleece lined to keep dogs warm as well as dry, and also a line of Juicy Couture hoodies. The store also has a selection of plain fleece coats, sweaters and puffer vests, including both 49ers and Raiders vests with removable hoods. Most coats come in sizes teacup through large dog, and many have reflector strips for nighttime strolling visibility. For those that are snow bound, Molly's also carries snow boots that are versatile enough for rain or snow use.

Murphy's Paw
410 Main St.
Pleasanton, CA 94566
(925) 600-8925
www.murphyspaw.com

Located in downtown Pleasanton, Murphy's Paw carries a wide array of winter gear for dogs. The store sells Zack and Zoey dog coats that are waterproof on the outside and cloth-lined on the inside for extra warmth. There are All Star Dogs plaid sweaters as well as hand-knit sweaters by Chilly Dog that come in a plethora of patterns. The store also carries rain ponchos, as well as plain hoodies in red, green, blue, orange and pink. Most jackets and sweaters are available in sizes extra small through extra large. To keep those paws warm, check out the snow and rain booties, or super cute Uggs-for-dogs boots by Pugs.

Danville Pet Store
409 Railroad Ave.
Danville, CA 94526
(925) 743-3990
www.teamwebsites.org

The Danville Pet Store carries a large selection of gear to outfit any pet during the colder months. The store stocks RC brand dog coats, sweaters and rain jackets. To keep paws warm and dry, check out the store's cold weather socks and snow booties. Danville Pet Store also carries some more dressy, high-end winter fashion items for the more discerning dog. This is a great stop for those looking for reflective gear for the pooch, as the store has reflective retractable leashes as well as reflective bands that fasten around dogs' legs.

(credit: CARSTEN REHDER/AFP/Getty Images)

Village Pet Shop
3008 Pacific Ave.
Livermore, CA 94550
(925) 443-3015

This Livermore mom-and-pop shop carries a selection of winter gear for dogs, including some rain jackets and warm coats. The store not only stocks pet supplies, but also sells a number of small animals such as birds, lizards, hamsters and snakes. Additionally, Village Pet Shop provides pet sitting services.

Joanna Metheny is a freelance writer covering all things South Bay. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.