The Rise of Dog-friendly Pubs & Restaurants

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of dog-friendly pubs and restaurants in the UK. This trend has been driven by a number of factors, including the growing popularity of dog ownership, the rise of social media, and changing attitudes towards dogs as family members.

According to research conducted by Mintel, 57% of UK households own a pet, with dogs being the most popular by far. This high level of pet ownership has led to an increasing demand for pet-friendly establishments over the last 5 years.

To capitalize on this trend, pub and restaurant operators can make a few changes to their establishments. Here are some tips to help make your venue more dog-friendly:

1. Review your policy on dogs

Do you currently allow dogs in your establishment, or do you have a strict no-dogs policy? According to Google Trends, the number of people searching for ‘dog friendly restaurants’ in the UK has increased by 1,166% over the last 10 years and those searching for ‘dog friendly pubs’ by 233% (Mar 2013-Mar 2023). By allowing well-behaved dogs in certain areas of your establishment, you can attract more customers who are dog owners that want to take their special little friend everywhere they go with them.

2. Create a designated dog-friendly area

If you’re going to allow dogs in your establishment, it’s important to create a designated dog-friendly area. This could be a section of your pub or restaurant that is specifically set aside for dogs and their owners. Make sure the area is comfortable for dogs and has easy access to water and bowls. By creating a separate area, you can make other guests more comfortable who prefer not to be surrounded by dogs.

3. Provide dog-friendly amenities

To make your establishment more appealing to dog owners, consider providing dog-friendly amenities. This could include things like dog bowls, treats, and toys. You could also consider providing poo bags and a designated area for owners to take their dogs to away from the main bulk of patrons. Research suggests that 42% of dog owners would be more likely to visit a pub or restaurant that provided dog-friendly amenities.

4.Train your staff

It's important to train your staff on how to interact with dogs and their owners. Make sure your staff are aware of your policies on dogs and are comfortable interacting with them. Any staff who are not comfortable should be given additional support and training on how to deal with dogs and create a safe place for all. This will help to create a welcoming environment for dog owners and their furry friends. According to a survey by Guide Dogs, 75% of assistance dog owners have been refused access to a restaurant. Proper training to understand laws around guide dogs in addition to pet-handling will help reduce this number in the future.

5. Advertise your establishment as dog-friendly

Once you’ve made the necessary changes to make your establishment more dog-friendly, it’s important to advertise it as such. Make sure your website and social media profiles highlight your dog-friendly policy and consider putting signs up in to let customers know that dogs are welcome. Social media is one of the main ways to drive attention to your venue, and who doesn’t like some wholesome dog content?

In conclusion, the trend for dog-friendly pubs and restaurants in the UK is on the rise, driven by a growing demand for pet-friendly establishments and changing consumer attitudes towards dogs. By making your venue more dog-friendly, you can attract more customers and create a welcoming environment for everyone. Follow these tips to make your venue more inviting for dogs and their humans start reaping the rewards of this growing trend.