A scheme to encourage local businesses such as shops and pubs more ‘dog-friendly’ is being launched by the New Forest Dog Owners Group. Many businesses already welcome dogs and dog owners, but there is no clear signage or identification. More businesses may have thought about it, but worry about issues such as dogs fighting, and whether they need to provide water, for example. 

This would benefit dog owners (both local and visiting) and also businesses themselves. There are also national ‘dog friendly’ awards to aim for. National research show that businesses who welcome dogs have a 20-50% increase in footfall and turnover. 36% of UK households own a dog. 

Dog owners are expected to be both respectful and responsible, and businesses which already are dog-friendly confirm this is overwhelmingly the case. 

NFDOG has a number of proposals to encourage dog friendly businesses which will include;

• An online directory of New Forest (and surrounding) dog friendly businesses
• Identification of supporting premises though a ‘We are dog friendly’ window sticker to attract dog owners (above)
• Case studies of businesses and the benefits of being dog-friendly

NFDOG committee member Sarah Morris is going to run the campaign. Sarah has previously worked to persuade cathedrals across Britain to allow dogs inside (well behaved, on leads) with considerable success. This has been one of the projects which has contributed to the new project. 

“Many towns like Lymington welcome dogs, which is great,” says Sarah. “But other businesses are still uncertain. The result is that people with their dogs – both local and visitors – can’t access the premises. The first thing is to ask dog-friendly shops, pubs and so on, to display a small sign on their doors or windows that we can tell dog owners to look out for.

“The second issue is addressing the concerns of those who are worried about letting dogs in, explaining good behaviour, and allaying their fears so they reconsider.”

The New Forest Dog Owners Group is the largest user group in the New Forest with a considerable range of skills and expertise to help businesses welcome dogs. We believe this can benefit their business as well as dogs and their owners. 

Sarah can be contacted at dogfriendly@newforestdog.org.uk

Note: research figures from Pet Business World. January 2023 and Pet Food Manufacturers Association 2024

Picture: Hannah Crewe at Healthy Pet Store in Totton, putting one of the new signs in their window.