TORONTO — More than a third (36 per cent) of Canadian dog owners have shared that they dine out with their four-legged friends and nearly half (46 per cent) said they do so weekly, according to new OpenTable research. However, 62 per cent of dog owners reveal that the difficulty of finding dog-friendly spots has posed as a barrier, which has prevented them from dining out.
“Discovering dog-friendly restaurants or cafés can be a challenge for nearly two thirds of Canadians, which is why when releasing the diner-backed Top 100 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Canada list, we highlighted more than 20 dog-friendly spots nationwide,” says Matt Davis, country director Canada. “Dog-friendly restaurants include The Good Earth Vineyard and Winery in Niagara, Ont., Salt & Ash in Halifax and Bridgette Bar in Canmore, Alta., ensuring no furry family member is left behind.”
The bond between Canadians and their dogs extends beyond the home. Of those who dine out with their dogs, 73 per cent admit to having shared meals with them. However, some restaurants have created dog-friendly menus so they don’t need to share, including Toronto’s El Catrin serving up a selection of dog cookies themed as classic restaurant offerings such as The Hot Diggity Dog and the Dog Bone Beer.
“As a dog owner, having a dog-friendly restaurant patio is fantastic. It means I can bring my dog along when I want to enjoy a meal out, which is an important consideration for pet lovers like me,” says Stuart Kemptson, director of Operations at El Catrin. “Integrating a dog-friendly menu to El Catrin’s offerings creates a fun, relaxed atmosphere where everyone, including our furry friends, feel at home.”
Click here to browse the Top 100 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining list in Canada 2024.
