Rover.com® has revealed that over a half of British dog owners centre their social plans around their pooch rather than partner.
The news comes as Rover releases its Best Pub for Dogs shortlist, part of the Great British Pub Awards, aiming to find the nation’s number one pup pub.
After extended periods of time at home, in which 92 per cent of owners said they’d built stronger bonds with their pet, Rover’s shortlist of six pubs highlights demand for dog-friendly venues as owners look to maintain the quality time they’ve spent with their dog during lockdown with activities. Their services range from canine events, such as easter egg hunts and halloween parties, to homemade treats and dinners.
Pets are increasingly considered an important part of the family. With two thirds (65 per cent) of respondents saying that their social experiences were enhanced by dogs, it’s no surprise that pups take priority when it comes to social plans. Three quarters (74 per cent) confessed to putting their pet’s needs above those of their friends, while 60 per cent said they ranked higher than those of their family.
Demand for the venues to be more pet-inclusive was backed by over half of respondents (54 per cent) who said they’d declined an invite to an event as their pup wasn’t permitted. The research also found the places Brits wished were dog-friendly, with a friend’s house topping the list, two thirds (60 per cent) desiring dog-friendly boozers and one in eight even wanting a beauty and the beast moment in their local salon.
- Friend’s house – 63%
- Pubs – 60%
- Local high street shops – 38%
- Department stores & malls – 28%
- Workplace – 32%
- Restaurant – 31%
- Bank – 31%
- Beauty salon – 14%
- Cinema – 14%
- Gym – 12%
Rover’s sponsorship of the Great British Pub Awards dog-friendly category comes as 89% of respondents revealed they are conscious of leaving their dog on its own, with 74% prioritising locations where dogs were welcome.
The six pubs shortlisted span the breadth of the country, including Flying Childers Inn, Derbyshire – The Maltings, Cheshire – The Leicester Arms, Kent – The Cow at Dalbury, Derbyshire – Stag Inn, Gwynedd and The Railway Steamin Billy – Leicestershire.
The shortlist was devised after two rigorous rounds of judging, with the winner set to be announced in the next few weeks.
Adem Fehmi, Canine Behaviourist for Rover said: “We’ve been through a period of time like no other, but throughout, our pets have been right by our side. Bonds have become stronger than ever, so it’s no surprise that people want to maintain the same amount of time with their dog post-lockdown. It’s fantastic to see just how many establishments are now catering for the country’s pups and the lengths they’re going to in creating inclusive environments – let’s hope it continues.”
To learn more about The Great British Pub Awards please visit: https://greatbritishpubawards.co.uk/
To learn more about Rover, please visit https://www.rover.com/uk/.
