PET FRIENDLY
Seizing the op-paw-tunity According to research from hospitality insurer NFU Mutual, the vast majority of dog owners are looking to take their four-legged friends on holiday. Is your business making the most of this growing market sector? Is your venue pet friendly? Against a backdrop of pandemic puppies and a surge in staycations, nearly two thirds (60%) of dog owners say they will always take their pet away with them. 18% will sometimes be taking their dog, while 17% are considering it. Only 5% of dog owners said they would never take their pet on holiday. The trend extends to other hospitality venues, with 84% of dog owners having visited a restaurant, pub or café with their pet, and a further 10% wanting to in the future. Even dog friendly weddings are becoming common, with nearly a quarter (23%) of dog owners saying they have attended or held a wedding where dogs made the guest list. Thirty-four percent of dog owners won’t visit a hospitality venue unless it welcomes dogs, while a further 56% of owners look for dog friendly venues often (35%) or sometimes (21%).
Darren Seward, hospitality sector specialist at NFU Mutual, says: “Dog friendly holidays were popular before the pandemic but the jump in dog ownership and surge in staycations have pushed the trend even further. “From hotels in the Highlands to selfcatering in Cornwall, our research shows there’s high demand for dog friendly accommodation in the UK. “With the PDSA estimating over a quarter (26%) of UK adults now own a dog, it’s important for hospitality businesses to consider whether to extend their welcome to dogs, or risk excluding their owners altogether.” Self-catered accommodation is the most popular option for those looking to take their dog away (considered by 85%), followed by hotels (43%) and B&Bs (34%), with camping (32%) and glamping (18%) becoming emerging trends. The most popular holiday destinations for dogs were Cornwall in top place (30%), followed by the Lake District (25%), the Scottish Highlands (24%), and Devon (20%). Darren continues: “For many dog owners, ‘dog friendly’ doesn’t just mean that their dog is allowed on site. Welcoming staff (86%), a guide to local walking routes (70%), dedicated outdoor areas (67%) and water bowls (63%) are now key requirements. 62% also look for awards, commendations or positive reviews about the business’s canine credentials. “Dog owners are also keen to understand what is expected of them and their pet, with clear communication of rules listed as a top requirement (77%). “Some businesses go past ‘dog friendly’ into ‘dog enthusiastic’, working above and beyond to put the needs of dog owners and their pets at the heart of their business. In recent years, this trend has seen features like dog menus, dog welcome packs, doggy day care and dog grooming becoming part of some hospitality venues’ business offering.” “However, businesses need consider the implications of introducing or extending their dog friendly offering. Inviting pets to stay at your venue could make a big difference to your risk assessment and to licence conditions
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TALKING TOURISM
WINTER 2021/22
