almost 1/2 of men will not go out, if they can’t take their mutt with them?!
When did this even start? And now, as with many things, we are simply expected to just take it lying down, while thinking of England, et al.
As usual, I didn’t think that I could be the only one who feels this way. For another opinion, please go here:
https://www.foodandwine.com/dogs-allowed-in-restaurants-7370835
To be blunt, I’m probably a dog person, whatever that even means; thinking that at least they’ve always seemed more friendly and approachable, and certainly nowhere near as mercenary as cats; cats are simply awful.
But first some general info:
Dog-Friendly Trends (Indirect Stats and Surveys):
Directories and Listings:
Sites like DogFriendly.co.uk list over 1,300 dog-friendly restaurants and cafes as of 2024, but this is a self-reported subset and not exhaustive. Pub guides (e.g., Dugs n’ Pubs) highlight thousands of dog-welcoming pubs, often in rural areas.
Anecdotal and Media Reports:
A 2022 Telegraph article notes “pooch-friendly dining is a trend gaining pace,” with chains like Mowgli (14 UK branches) adopting dog-friendly policies since ~2017. By 2024, Costa Coffee (after a trial) allows dogs in many stores, joining others like Bill’s, Giraffe, and Zizzi.
Consumer Surveys:
One from the Mirror found:
83% of pet owners and 87% of dog owners believe pets should not be taken to restaurants. But 23% of people aged 34–45 thought it was acceptable. 74% said it’s good etiquette to leave if your dog is barking. 68% agreed dogs should only be allowed if the restaurant is clean.
Another one, from YouGov:
69% of Britons say it’s unacceptable to bring dogs to restaurants. Only 21% think it’s acceptable.
And a final survey, from Open Table found:
With a simply horrible headline; “Doggy Dining: Nearly half of new dog owners take their pooch everywhere” –
35% of Brits refuse to dine at a restaurant that doesn’t accept dogs. 49% will only take their dog if eating outdoors. 42% of new dog owners take their pet EVERY TIME they socialize. 88% of dog owners prioritize their pet’s comfort when dining out.
At least, let’s have some ground rules. . .
- Surely it’s possible to separate the customers with dogs, and the customers who have not brought their dogs with them. I.e, left side canines, right side humans?
- Can we not also, even have a pen or common area where the dogs have to be tied down at a table (underneath perhaps), as so many times when I’ve had to move by a table with a dog, I’ve had to step over it in order to proceed somewhere? And almost ALWAYS with no assistance whatsoever from their respective owners. They (the owners) just KNOW that they’re getting in your faces, don’t they?
- And it should be possible, to have an extra charge for the hounds, as it must take something to clean the areas due to the hairs, mud on the paws, etc. At least it could go to bring a balance between us (humans) and that lot (the dogs & their owners). I believe the Economics literature calls this an “externality“.
CB
Curious Bystander 