Guest post from Dr Marc Abraham OBE
Why It Matters
It’ll come as no shock to anyone who’s recently visited a restaurant locally, or indeed globally, that the concept of dining out with our dogs has completely exploded. In addition, Covid’s surge in dog ownership means even more humans are now seeking ways of including their furry family members into almost every aspect of their busy lives.
As a result, the restaurant industry has cleverly adapted by introducing various degrees of pet service and inclusivity, primarily categorising establishments where dogs are allowed, as either ‘dog-friendly’ or ‘dog-tolerant’.
While these terms might at first appear interchangeable, they actually describe fundamentally different approaches to accommodating our four-legged friends; differences essential for both consumers and business owners to understand, influencing customer experience, choice, engagement and ultimately, in this dog-eat-dog world, brand and business success.
The Basics
Dog-Friendly
Dog-friendly restaurants will usually provide numerous, often fun, amenities designed to encourage two and four-legged guests to feel both welcome and valued. From specially curated dog menus to tasty treats, delicious doggy drinks to dedicated dog-washing stations, these establishments strive to create inviting atmospheres for our precious pooches.
Staff members are typically trained to greet dogs, ensuring pets and owners can quickly unwind; reflecting a genuine commitment to prioritising your dog’s emotional and physical welfare, hugely contributing to the overall experience for you both.
- Specially curated dog menus.
- Tasty treats and doggy drinks.
- Playful touches.
Dog-Tolerant
In stark contrast, dog-tolerant restaurants can’t – or won’t – be taught new tricks.
They may allow dogs to join their owners, but don’t particularly cater for – or necessarily even like – dogs.
As a result, these venues usually enjoy fewer canine offerings, have untrained staff who lack pet greeting knowhow, and have an ambiance much more suited to their two-legged guests.
Dogs are tolerated rather than celebrated; an experience that’s often mixed – even negative – for owners expecting a warm, wet-nosed welcome.
- Limited offerings for dogs.
- Untrained staff.
- Tolerant rather than welcoming environment.
Impact on Customer Experience
Memorable Outings
Choosing between a dog-friendly or dog-tolerant restaurant after a long walk, catching up with friends, or to just to hang out with one’s pooch, will of course massively affect any dog owner’s dining escapade; with truly dog-friendly venues making the occasion enjoyable for all. These places do everything possible to help make your shared outing memorable, and for all the right reasons.
Loyalty and Reviews
Customers are much more likely to return to establishments that positively and wholeheartedly embrace their well-behaved canine companions, while dog-tolerant venues may inadvertently create stress, awkwardness, even discomfort.
Let’s not forget our digital age where experiences are rapidly shared and amplified and those truly deserved dog-friendly reputations are often hugely, and quite rightly, bolstered.
On the other hand, negative experiences in dog-tolerant spaces result in poor reviews and often diminished business. Cultivating and promoting a genuine dog-friendly environment not only fosters loyalty, but can generate free and effective advertising too.
The Business Case
Enhanced Brand Identity
Restaurants positioning themselves as dog-friendly, proudly delivering a chilled vibe for our dogs, usually attract a specific type of canine loving clientele: super appreciative patrons enthusiastic about their doggy dining adventure.
This beneficial addition to any venue’s brand, an undeniable display of kindness, empathy, and compassion, will clearly elevate the establishment’s image, leaving any seemingly less caring or accommodating local competitors licking their wounds.
New Revenue Streams
Furthermore, by wholly embracing bona fide dog-friendly policies, restaurants can also explore extra revenue streams such as creative doggy menus, themed socials, even partnerships with innovative pet brands. Special promotions, such as ‘Yappy Hours’ or ‘Dog Days’ will further boost attendance, encouraging invaluable and fun community involvement too.
Community Impact
Dog-friendly restaurants quickly establish themselves as destination hubs for pet owners, creating lively gatherings, allowing dog lovers to socialise while their beloved pets relax. This sense of belonging can foster new friendships, as well as support local pet-related causes like rescue shelters, further endearing the venue to their customer base and neighbourhood, whilst increasing profits at the same time.
Practical Tips for Restaurants
Dog-Friendly Best Practices
For restaurants looking to identify themselves dog-friendly in Brighton and Hove, this can often be the gamechanger. By simply including cute doggy pics in promo materials, offering healthy treats, making a fuss of pooches as they arrive, and providing comfortable safe spaces for dogs – like beds, blankets, or shaded outside areas – all enhancing the ambiance and elevating the whole experience.
Other ‘pawsome’ offerings seen on my travels around Sussex include doggy ice cream, ‘Puppuccinos’, even ‘Paw Star Martinis’!
- Include doggy pics in promotional materials.
- Offer fun and safe amenities.
- Provide unique offerings.
Clear Communication From Dog-Tolerant Venues
On the flipside, for those restaurants who seem to be barking up the wrong tree, those identifying more closely with being dog-tolerant, clear communication with patrons about their pet policies is essential.
Making customer’s expectations known early – preferably online and/or at point of table booking – will prevent mishaps, enabling diners to choose where they ultimately spend their hard-earned pennies, plus ensuring a smoother outing for everyone involved, as well as helping keep the venue out of the doghouse.
What Next?
With more dog owners than ever looking for inspiring and pleasurable ways to include their four-legged loved ones in their daily routines, the clear distinction between dog-friendly and dog-tolerant will continue to grow in importance. For customers and their cherished canine companions, the venue they’ve ultimately chosen will significantly impact their priceless few hours spent together, what pics or reviews they might share with others, and whether they return or not.
For business owners, a considered, strategic approach to accommodating dogs will often lead to an expanded and caring customer base, enhanced brand reputation, as well as new, exciting, and fun opportunities for even greater success. By understanding, implementing, and indeed embracing dog-friendly policies, all restaurants can create a win-win scenario for pets and owners, resulting in an impressive bottom line not to be sniffed at.
Furthermore, with the right focus and attitudes, dining out with our prized pets can become a delightful, stress-free experience that caters not just for us hungry humans, but also always makes sure our treasured canine friends’ tails keep on wagging for many years to come too!
Dr Marc Abraham OBE is a vet, author, broadcaster, and animal welfare campaigner based at The Mewes Vets in Rottingdean. Marc’s new movie documentary ‘Dogspiracy’ is out on general release later this year.
For more info visit: www.marcthevet.net.
