Dog-Friendly Places (power of the Pooch Pound)
England has millions of dogs, and shops, hotels and other places that don’t accept them are often missing out on a huge source of income, as many people simply won’t visit if you don’t accept dogs.
The main reason that dogs are banned is due to concerns over stealing food, peeing on the floor and possible aggression. These issues are usually easily solved with humane dog training.
There are hygiene laws meaning that dogs are not allowed in commercial kitchens. If you run a food-business from home, you’ll know there are laws for cooking in kitchens (not letting fur get into food!)
Town planners can find tips on creating dog-friendly parks.
By law, assistance dogs have to be accepted, but some places (and taxi drivers) don’t comply. If so, complain on Open Doors app).
Keeping dogs safe in public areas
- Always follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe.
- Always check for dog beach bans, before visiting. Read how to keep dogs safe by the seaside.
- Read how to keep dogs safe in snowy weather.
- Don’t let dogs run for at least two hours before and after food (and car travel) to help prevent risk of bloat.
- Keep dogs away from ponds (usually banned anyway for their safety due to blue-green algae).
- If dogs roll in poo or have salty fur, learn how to give dogs baths.
Never leave dogs in warm, hot or cold cars
Never leave dogs in even warm cars (even windows ajar or air conditioning left on – the same dangers occur with glass conservatories). If you see a dog trapped in a car, break the window and move the dog to a cool shady area, pouring cool (not cold) water over their body (not head). Then immediately call the vet.
Likewise, a cold car can turn into freezing temperatures. Take dogs with you, or leave them at home to be looked after safely.
Driving with Dogs?
If you get stuck on a motorway (especially on a warm day) while taking dogs with you on trips, visit Driving with Dogs. This site (set up by a couple who ended up stranded on a motorway in a traffic jam with a dog) lists the nearest dog walking areas, by motorway exit.
So rather than having to chance it, you know which exit is the best place to let your dog out for a walk and a pee.
Tebay Services (Cumbria) has northbound/southbound dog walks with family-friendly traffic-free routes offering splendid views across Howgill Fells. Dogs must be kept on leads.
The most dog-friendly town on earth?
The small affluent city of Carmel-by-the-Sea in northern California is often touted as the world’s most dog-friendly. Known for its ‘Fountain of Woof’ (that spurts out fresh filtered water to thirsty dogs), there are also police patrols along the beach, to ensure dogs are not left in cars.
Nearly all shops and restaurants welcome dogs with water and biscuits, and there is even an annual dog calender, which raises money for local shelters. The dog-friendly hotel used to be owned by Doris Day.
Create a dog-friendly local guide
What helps is for councils (or volunteers) to create dog-friendly guides for residents and visitors.
Bury St Edmunds (a frequent winner of the most dog-friendly town) has its own window-sticker scheme, so residents and visitors can quickly find where four-legged friends are welcome. It also has its own Charter, to educate dog-friendly establishments on etiquette and safety.
Wetherspoons don’t even accept dogs in outside gardens (aside from assistance dogs). One blind woman was even turned away, as she did not have ‘ID for her guide dog’.
