How to Turn Your Café Into the Local Dog Walkers' Favourite Stop

Every neighbourhood has a rotation of dog walkers who pass the same cafes at the same times most days. Win that regular custom and you have built recurring revenue that does not depend on passing footfall or the weather doing you any favours.

What dog walkers are actually looking for

It is rarely about the coffee. Dog walkers choose cafes based on whether their dog can come inside or sit comfortably outside, whether staff seem happy about it, and whether there is some small acknowledgement that the dog exists as a customer too. Our cafes programme and coffee shop guide cover this in more detail, but the short version is: make the dog feel welcome and the owner will make you their regular stop.

The treat-at-the-till moment

Offering a treat when the owner pays does two things at once. It rewards the dog for behaving well in the cafe, which owners genuinely appreciate, and it gives your till staff a natural, friendly interaction that turns a transaction into a relationship. Stocking Canine Cluck trade packs or Bark Ribs trade packs means you always have something ready.

• Keep a treat jar visible near the till, not out of sight
• Add a small retail shelf so owners can buy a bag to take home
• Mention your dog-friendly policy on Google and social media, not just a sign in the window

Trying it without the commitment

If you are not ready to place a full wholesale order, our Venue Starter Pack lets you trial the treats first and see the reaction from regulars. Explore the trade range or reach out through partnerships when you are ready to stock properly.