What Does “Dog Friendly” Really Mean?

The experience can vary dramatically. At their best, dog-friendly venues go above and beyond:

• Thoughtfully designed spaces where dogs are welcome indoors - not just tolerated outside

• Dog menus that reflect what their humans are enjoying

• Water stations, treats, and even clean-up facilities

• Staff who genuinely welcome dogs as part of the experience

At the other end of the scale, it can feel more like: “Dogs are allowed in the garden… as long as they’re not a nuisance.” We think dogs - and their humans - deserve better.

Introducing the Waggy Awards 

We’re on a mission to find and celebrate the very best dog-friendly cafés, pubs, and restaurants. Through our YouTube channel, we’ll:

• Head out on scenic walks with our dogs

• Explore nature and uncover local history along the way

• Stop for lunch or finish at a dog-friendly venue

• Review each location honestly and thoroughly

All featured venues will become part of our growing Waggy Tail Guide - helping dog owners discover places that truly welcome them.

Are Dogs Allowed in Food Businesses?

It is not against the law to have dogs within restaurants, café, pubs and other catering establishments. It is the discretion of the food business owner as to whether they permit dogs.  

However, food businesses must prevent dogs from entering any areas where food is prepared, handled or stored. For most premises, these are areas where a customer would not be expected to gain access to either, such as the kitchen, storage rooms or behind the counter.  

How We Judge

Our awards are inspired by well-known dining guides—but with a dog-friendly twist.

We assess venues on:

Quality

• Quality should be reflected in the taste of the food, ensuring dishes are enjoyable, well-balanced, and satisfying for both owners and their dogs.

• Ingredients should be fresh, with clear attention paid to sourcing and preparation.

• Cookery should demonstrate skill and care, delivering meals that are properly prepared and appropriate for their intended audience.

• There should also be flexibility, with a willingness and ability to accommodate substitutions where reasonable, reflecting attentiveness to customer needs.

•  There should be a clear awareness and understanding of ingredients used in all dishes, with careful consideration given to preventing allergic reactions for both owners and their dogs. This includes transparent communication about ingredients, the ability to identify common allergens, and a willingness to adapt meals where necessary to ensure safety and suitability.

Consistency

•  Consistency should be evident across all courses, ensuring that quality, presentation, and timing remain reliable from start to finish.

• There should also be a clear alignment between meals served to owners and those offered to dogs, reflecting a cohesive standard rather than treating them as entirely separate experiences.

•  Dog meals should be thoughtfully presented and appealing, not merely resembling a basic “dog’s diner,” but instead showing the same care and attention given to human dishes.

Service and Atmosphere

• The service and atmosphere should convey genuine warmth and a welcoming attitude toward both owners and their dogs.

• It is important to distinguish whether the venue is truly dog-friendly - actively embracing dogs as guests - or simply dog-tolerant.

•  Staff should demonstrate competence not only in serving owners but also in confidently and calmly interacting with dogs.

• The availability and quality of designated dog areas, whether indoor, outdoor, or covered, should be considered.

•  Additional factors include the clarity and usability of the website, the visibility of house rules, and the presence of a well-thought-out dog menu.

Cleanliness and Safety

• Overall cleanliness should be maintained to a high standard throughout the venue, ensuring a hygienic and comfortable environment.

• There should be sufficient space to accommodate dogs without crowding or causing stress. 

• Practical provisions such as accessible dog water bowls are essential, along with a dedicated dog station equipped with clean-up materials and possibly treats or snacks to support responsible pet ownership.

Value

• Value should be assessed in terms of the overall experience relative to cost, considering both the quality of food and the level of service provided for owners and their dogs.

Above and Beyond

• An additional five discretionary points may be awarded for exceptional touches, special treatment, or innovative ideas that enhance the overall experience for both the owner and their dog. These could include thoughtful extras, unique services, or creative concepts that go beyond standard expectations and demonstrate a genuine commitment to making the visit memorable and enjoyable for both.

Scoring

Each of the above criteria will be scored out of 5, using a five-point scale where:
1 = Poor and 5 = Outstanding.

Once all scores are combined, a total mark out of 90 will be generated. This total will then be translated into a “waggy tail” rating, similar to a star system:

• 0–20 = 1 waggy tail

• 21–40 = 2 waggy tails

• 41–60 = 3 waggy tails

• 61–75 = 4 waggy tails

• 76–90 = 5 waggy tails

We recognise that not all venues are directly comparable. A relaxed log cabin café on a coastal walk offers a very different experience to a high-end restaurant, and scoring will always take this context into account to ensure fairness.

Often, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

For example, we stopped at an outdoor café on the Skegness seafront. As a tourist-focused venue, all seating was outside, but there was plenty of space for a dog to settle comfortably by my feet. Fresh water bowls were readily available and were thoughtfully refilled as they emptied.

We ordered fish and chips for ourselves and asked if it would be possible to get an extra sausage on the side for the dog. When our food arrived, it was clear that real care had been taken. Alongside our meals, a separate plastic dish was provided containing two sausages, already cut into small, bite-sized pieces. It was explained that these had been prepared first so they had time to cool slightly before serving - although we were advised they might still be a little warm.

The person bringing the food to the table was relaxed and confident around dogs. They took the time to greet Washington by name (after asking beforehand) and interacted with him in a friendly, natural way.

It’s touches like these—thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and genuine warmth - that elevate an experience from good to memorable.