Dog-friendly Britain?
As a man’s best friend, your dog is likely to be far more than just the family pet. But just how dog friendly is Britain? Here, grain free dog food specialists and dog food retailer, Feedem, looks at the stats behind dog-friendly Britain:
Outdoors
Most dogs feel at home when exposed to the great outdoors— but which UK city best caters to our canine companions? Research carried out by Esri UK has found that Scottish cities are the go-to destinations for doggy day trips, as they have a greater proportion of green space.
Some cities across the UK have masses of space for your best friends to enjoy. 49.2% of Edinburgh is green space, while Glasgow has 32%. In terms of English cities, Bristol (29%) and Birmingham (24.6%) are leading the way. It’s bad news if you’re planning a visit to Liverpool with your pooch though, as just 16.4% of the city is green space.
With a whole list of cities that offer space for your dog to play, throw in a stellar coastline — including 199 Blue Flag beaches — and plenty of rolling countryside, and it’s clear that Britain’s dogs are well catered for.
Doggy employees
How would you feel about working in the company of your best friend? Some employers even allow their employees to bring their dogs to work. June 24th is national Bring Your Dog to Work Day, with many businesses across the country getting involved. However, Britain’s workplaces aren’t just dog-friendly on this day — 8% of UK employees are allowed to take their dogs to work all year round.
Dog-friendly holiday’s
Taking your dog on holiday with you to UK's best dog friendly holiday parks can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your furry babies. There are many dog-friendly holiday options available, from dog-friendly accommodation to destinations that offer plenty of outdoor activities for your dogs to enjoy.
When planning a dog-friendly holiday, it's important to choose accommodation that welcomes dogs. Many hotels, guesthouses, and rental properties now offer dog-friendly options, so you can find a place that suits your needs. It's also a good idea to check if there are any additional fees or restrictions for bringing your dogs along.
Dog-friendly shopping
Dogs are generally largely excluded from the British high street, apart from pet shops and a handful of independent stores. However, what you may find surprising is the number of premium retailers who welcome pooches to their stores.
For example, the Bond Street branch of Fenwick’s department store will welcome any breed of dog no matter their size, as long as they are kept on a leash. Likewise, iconic London store Harrods welcomes dogs but only on the fourth floor (Pet Kingdom), providing you can present up-to-date vaccination cards. However, you won’t be able to browse the rest of the store with your dog, but you can leave them in the pet crèche!
Beers and doggies
British pubs have always been a popular stop off to the public. But you’ll want to enjoy your beverage with your best’s friends company. According to data from Google Trends, search interest in ‘dog friendly pubs’ has grown steadily since 2012. Now, an average of 9,900 people search for ‘dog friendly pubs’ each month — compared to just 1,900 who search for ‘romantic restaurants’.
Believe it or not, there are currently 5,000 dog-friendly pubs listed on Doggie Pubs, although this number is likely to be much higher in reality as the list is curated. An increasing number of businesses are becoming dog friendly to cater to a wider audience.
A 2016 Kennel Club survey found that after introducing a dog-friendly policy, 71% of businesses gained new customers. 50% of guests visited for longer too, as their dog wasn’t at home or tied up outside. Not only does the move help to introduce more customers to your business, it has also been found to increase customer and staff interactions by up to two thirds.
Whether it’s work, rest or play, Britain seems to be a nation loving our four-legged friends.