Is Your Pub Dog Friendly?

Do you allow dogs in your venue and if you do is it really dog-friendly?  If you don’t, you could potentially be losing a potential income stream, as there are a staggering 13 million dogs of every shape and size in the UK (dogster.com). British people certainly tend to be dog lovers and according to ukpetfood.org more than one in three households have at least one canine companion. Dog-friendly pubs get a big thumbs up from many customers.

Turning your pub into a dog-friendly haven is a great way to attract a dedicated crowd of dog lovers. Not only does it create a warm and welcoming atmosphere but may also set your venue apart from the competition. Let’s dive into the benefits, how to do it, and ways to maintain a safe space for everyone.

The Benefits of a Dog-Friendly Pub

1. Increased Foot Traffic: Dog owners are always on the lookout for places where their furry friends are welcome. By catering to them, you’re likely to see more customers, staying longer and spending more.
2. Community Building: A dog-friendly pub can become a hub for local dog owners, fostering a strong sense of community and loyalty among your patrons.
3. Positive Reputation: Word of mouth from satisfied dog owners can significantly enhance your pub’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive place.
4. Unique marketing opportunities – a dog in a tutu sat in their local can go much more viral than a picture of a lovely plate of food.

There are two cons I can think of:

• Potential for noise and mess
• Not all customers may be comfortable around dogs

I might be biased, as a dog lover, but I heartily believe the benefits outweigh the cons.  However, there are some things to think about to ensure your venue is truly dog-friendly and to mitigate the downsides.

Making Your Pub Dog-Friendly

• Water Bowls: Place several around the pub, both inside and out, ensuring they’re always filled with fresh water. I used to have a keg tilted on it’s side, full of water and high enough to fit a dog bowl underneath, hey presto a constant supply of water for pet-owners to top up their bowls.  I painted my black with paw prints on it to ensure people knew what it was for.
• Clear Signage: Indicate that you are dog friendly from the outside and also provide signage for dog-friendly areas clearly to avoid any confusion.

• Quiet Zones: Create areas where dogs and owners can relax away from the main hustle and bustle.
•  Dog Treats: Offer complimentary dog biscuits or sell special dog snacks.  I have even seen Doggy Prosecco on my travels, and it is surprising how much cash people will part with to spoil their pooch. Consider partnering with local pet stores for unique offerings. You could offer a small menu with dog-friendly meals. Items like dog-safe ice cream, grilled chicken pieces, or a “pup cup” (whipped cream in a small cup) can be a big hit.
• Shaded Areas: Ensure outdoor seating has shaded spots for hot days to keep dogs cool and comfortable.
• Pet Etiquette Rules: Politely let patrons know about any pet etiquette rules, for example, not allowing dogs off leads or up on the furniture.  This is especially important when you have letting rooms, where you might want to build into your T&Cs that dogs are not allowed to be left unattended.

Maintaining a Safe Space for All

While it’s great to welcome dogs, it’s essential to ensure that everyone feels comfortable. Create designated dog-friendly zones, leaving some areas dog-free for patrons who may not be as comfortable around dogs. Additionally, enforcing those leash rules will help maintain a pleasant environment for all your guests, not everybody wants a dog slobbering in their Sunday roast!

Engage Your Community

Encourage patrons to share photos of their dogs at your pub on social media, creating a unique hashtag to build a sense of community and increase online visibility.

By making your pub dog-friendly, you can create a welcoming environment that benefits both dogs and their owners. With thoughtful planning and community engagement, your pub can become a favourite spot for dog lovers and a thriving part of the local community. It can also widen your market to people travelling with dogs, leading to an increase in occupancy rates.