PAWSFORTHOUGHT! IS THEDOGWELCOME?
DOD FRIENDLY TOURISM IS A GROWTH SECTOR AS FAMILIES TAKE PETS ON HOLIDAYS
WITH almost half of all Irish households owning a dog, businesses which have yet to become dog friendly are missing out on the ‘canine euro’ or the ‘dog pound’.
A change in the legislation last year means that dogs (and cats) can be allowed into restaurants. This, however, is at the business owner’s discretion and so far only a handful of local establishments are welcoming four legged customers so most dog owners are resigned to having to huddle outside in all weather if they wish to have a coffee or meal while out and about with their pets.
This is in stark contrast to the situation abroad, where dogs are welcomed into restaurants, bars and even shops throughout Europe.
Just a few miles down the road, tourist establishments in Northern Ireland are becoming more aware of the importance of being dog friendly, with many proudly displaying plaques boosting of their dog friendly status outside their premises.
Locally, dog lovers Bobby Wain and Jerome McAteer are ahead of the pack when it comes to recognising the need for dog friendly amenities.
As owners of the popular McAteers The Food House in Dundalk and Carlingford, they are among the few local restaurants who welcome dogs to their premises.
‘I’m a huge dog lover and also a volunteer with Dundalk Dog Rescue and dogs are a huge part of our lives so it was a natural decision to take,’ says Bobby. ‘Dogs are part of the family. They are social creatures and don’t like being left at home all day, so if people are going out, they should be able to take their dog with them.’
‘ There are regulations about keeping dogs a distance from the kitchen or food preparation area, but apart from that, they are welcome in our restaurants.’
He accepts that some people might not be happy around dogs, but points out that they have plenty of places to go where they won’t meet dogs, while dog owners have few choices if they want to bring their pet with them.
‘Obviously, we want the owners to make sure that their dogs are well behaved and under control, that they aren’t wandering around, annoying people or sniffing at tables,’ continues Bobby.
‘ This is all new for us all and we want it to work so it’s important that owners are responsible.’
If someone isn’t keeping their dog under control, Bobby will go over and have a quiet word with them, pointing out their responsibilities as dog owners.
‘We get a lot of people who are out walking with their dogs in Carlingford, especially during the summer when people can’t leave their dogs in a hot car.’
23 Seats in Crowe Street is another popular destination for dog lovers as it welcomes dogs who are happy to sit at their owners feet.
‘We’ve welcomed dogs since we opened and we have regulars who come in with their dogs,’ said a spokesperson.
Panama Coffee in the Market Square is popular spot with dog owners, as they are welcome to sit at the table outside, and bowls of water are provided for the canine customers.
Glen Cat Guesthouse in Dundalk extends a Cead Mile Failte to all guests and regularly accommodates visitors with pets.
‘We are dog friendly and will give guests a bigger room so that they have more space,’ says Catherine Mullins. ‘ We get a lot of people travelling with their dogs, especially from England, and we’ve also had people bringing their cats.’
‘We’ve never had any trouble with pets staying. The dogs are always impeccably behaved - better than humans!’
‘We find that anyone who takes the trouble to travel with their dog on holidays will make sure that their pets are well behaved and are genuine animal lovers.’
They also provide accommodation for professional dog handlers and Catherine recalls a group of blind people staying with their guide dogs.
‘We are going to England on holidays later in the year and will be bringing our dog. If we can’t find dog friendly accommodation, we will simply go to somewhere else that welcomes us.’
Tourist Officer Sinead Roche says that most people travelling with pets will have made their own arrangements before coming here on holidays.
‘ This summer we have had quite a few people coming in with pets, travelling in motor homes, so they’ve got their pet passports sorted out but don’t get many enquiries from people coming in looking for places to stay.’
‘People will have done their homework before travelling and will have found somewhere dog friendly to stay.’