As a parent of four, I once believed that my kids were all I had time to think about. But six years ago, I got a puppy, and within moments of bringing her home, I suddenly had second thoughts about all my previous life choices. She fell in love with me instantly—I was her best friend, and she was loyal, loving, and asked for nothing more than to be near me. After decades of navigating the trials and tribulations of parenthood, I realized that perhaps life could have been simpler with a dog.
Of course, I’m joking—parenting is incredibly rewarding, and I have a very lovely family. But now that I have a dog of my own, I understand why so many people are so besotted with their four-legged friends and why they’re such an important part of their lives. These little companions are more than just another mouth to feed or a daily walk—they’re cherished members of the family.
If you’ve been following my posts, you’ll know by now that hospitality is not just about food and drink—it’s about building connections, fostering community, and creating spaces where people can feel spoiled, escape responsibility, and enjoy moments of freedom. And for many, that means bringing their best friends—their dogs—along with them.
So, is your venue dog-friendly? Just like deciding to be family-friendly, being dog-friendly requires some compromise. Some people are allergic to dogs, and others may be afraid of them, so you can’t cater to everyone. You need to make your choices carefully. But if you do decide to welcome dogs, and you want that decision to truly resonate with your customers, then you need to do it properly.
To many, dogs are like children. Their owners care for them deeply and want them to feel special. They want their dogs to be showered with attention, and they’ll appreciate a venue that treats their pets as important guests. In a pub I once owned, we trained our staff to greet children and dogs first. Every dog received a friendly hello, an admiring chat, and the offer of a dog biscuit. This simple gesture made the dogs feel special, and their owners knew that we valued them too.
So, if you’re considering making your venue dog-friendly, go all in. Make the experience meaningful for your customers and their pets. Welcome dogs with open arms, and you’ll find that their owners will be just as loyal as their furry companions.
And if you’re really looking to make a difference for these customers, think beyond the basics—consider all the events you’ve heard of for kids, and do them for dogs instead. Imagine hosting dog discos, dog-friendly Santa visits, or even dog festivals. The possibilities are endless, and you’ll be amazed by the positive reactions you’ll get from dog lovers.
