What Does “Dog Friendly Café” Actually Mean?

A dog friendly café isn’t just a venue that allows dogs to come inside. It’s a place where both the dog and their owner feel welcome, comfortable and catered for. That means amenities like water bowls, treats, clear pet-friendly policies, and staff who understand how to accommodate four-legged guests.

Public sentiment supports this: 72% of Britons say dogs should be allowed in coffee shops. YouGov.

Key Features of a Dog Friendly Café

Here are the essentials for a café to be genuinely dog friendly:

• Clean water available for visiting dogs.

• Optional dog snacks, dog treats or a dog-menu 

• Staff who recognise dogs, are comfortable with them and understand basic dog-etiquette.

• Clear rules such as keeping dogs on leads or defined dog-areas, ensuring both dog-owners and non-dog-owners are comfortable.

• Comfortable layout and hygiene protocols to manage traffic flow and keep the space welcoming to all guests.

These standards help transform dog friendly from “we tolerate dogs” into “we welcome them as guests”.

Why Being Dog Friendly Benefits Your Café

Supporting data show real business gains from welcoming dogs:

• A survey by The Kennel Club found 71% of businesses that introduced a dog-friendly policy gained new customers, and half found guests stayed longer when dogs were present. The Kennel Club

• Businesses that allow dogs tend to receive higher ratings: cafés which let dogs inside scored roughly 10.3% higher than those that didn’t. Dojo

• When businesses are dog friendly, they enhance atmosphere and create social moments that encourage longer visits, word-of-mouth and repeat trips. distilagency.com+1

How Chef Woof Helps Your Café Become Truly Dog Friendly

Partnering with Chef Woof gives you the tools to elevate your dog-friendly offering.

• Custom dog bowls branded for your café, signalling your commitment to dogs and their owners.

• Mess-free, odour-free dog treats that add value and enhance guest experience. Chef Woof has you covered.

• POS materials like dog-menus, signage and displays to communicate your dog-friendly status clearly. 

A dog friendly café goes beyond “dogs allowed” to genuinely inviting them into the experience. By offering the right amenities, training staff, and promoting your dog-friendly credentials, you’ll attract loyal pet-owning customers who appreciate being valued. With the support of Chef Woof, you’ll stand out as a top destination for dog owners, enhancing business performance while creating warm, inclusive atmosphere for all guests.