It’s no secret that two of the nation’s greatest loves are the pub and our dogs. Now, new research from Rover.com, the world’s largest online marketplace for loving pet care, has revealed the formula for the ‘perfect pint’.
According to Brits*…it’s 7:30pm on a warm and sunny Friday evening, sitting in a beer garden with your furry friend by your side, a pack of dry roasted peanuts on the table, and live music playing in the background.
What’s more, the survey found that 78% say they take their hairy best friend to the local for a pint, and 60% even favour their pooch as their top drinking partner over their friends (49%), partner (53%), or even their family (30%).
This research comes as Rover calls on dog owners to apply for the “best job in the world.” The company is seeking eleven ‘Rover Tavern Testers’ to embark on a paid summer adventure, helping to sniff out the most dog-friendly pub in the UK. As part of this exciting role, testers – and their furry companions – will be paid £1,000 to visit pubs in their local area and assess them on their dog-friendly amenities. Find out more here.
Beyond paw-fecting the pub experience, taking your dog to the pub comes with unexpected perks – from meeting new people (47%) to giving Brits* more confidence to socialise (69%) and even securing the occasional free drink on the house (27%). What’s more, nearly two-thirds (61%) admit their dog helps keep them in check at the pub, whether it’s a paw on the lap (41%), the stern “time to go home” look (40%), or a gentle nudge towards the door (29%).
Whether beside us at the pub or snuggled on the sofa the next day, the research highlights that dogs really are man’s best friend. In fact, ‘hair of the dog’ has a whole new meaning, with many believing their pup is the ulti-mutt hangover cure thanks to a winning combination of cuddles (61%), no judgement (63%), and a much-needed reason to get up and out for some fresh air (79%).
Top 10 breeds that make the best ‘pub dogs’:
Golden Retriever (30%)
Labrador Retriever (23%)
Cocker Spaniel (19%)
French Bulldog (17%)
German Shepherd (17%)
Cockapoo (16%)
Dachshund (15%)
Jack Russell Terrier (14%)
Border Collie (14%)
Corgi (12%)
Adem Fehmi, Rover’s Canine Behaviourist comments “Taking your dog to the pub can be an enjoyable experience for everyone when their needs are properly considered. If your dog is new to this environment, or perhaps has found it tricky to settle previously, it can be helpful to start by visiting at quieter times of the day to begin with.
Choose a table on the edge of the venue with plenty of space and less footfall, and give your dog a comfortable spot to relax alongside something positive to focus on, such as a long-lasting chew or food-dispensing toy. Shorter visits can also help keep your dog calm and prevent them from becoming overwhelmed, especially if they’ve had plenty of constructive exercise beforehand.
Over time, you can build up to longer visits and busier settings. And finally, it’s important to choose pubs that are genuinely dog-friendly and welcoming – not just places that allow dogs.”
Entries to become a Rover Tavern Tester will open on 09:00 19th May, and close 18:00 7th June. Each Rover Tavern Tester will be paid to visit ten pubs in their region, marking each pub on the amenities available and welcome of the staff. You can apply via Rover’s website here.