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Nothing may be a more appealing prospect to the gourmand dog owner than the opportunity to take their pet out for a delicious meal. Your excursion to a pet-friendly restaurant or café can be a great way to offer enrichment to your dog, and it may also afford you the chance to bond in a new environment.

Are you perhaps itching to check out a nearby pet-friendly diner, and are you also looking for the perfect excuse to bring your dog around? Or perhaps you’re thinking of how you can make everyday occasions more exciting for your pets? In any case, outfit your pet with one of their favorite custom martingale collars so that you can celebrate or liven up the following events by eating out:

Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-petting-a-dog-beside-a-woman-5079262/

1) Special Occasions like Birthdays and Adoption Anniversaries

It’s not unusual to want to celebrate milestones with your pets by your side. Birthdays and adoption anniversaries, for instance, are often livelier and more memorable with your canine and feline best friends as part of the party.

On such occasions, choose a restaurant with pet-friendly patios or outdoor seating to make this experience easier and more enjoyable. Ideally, you should look for a venue that offers pet-friendly food items and drink options. It’ll be even better if you can find one with pet-friendly amenities such as a dog run and waste disposal station. Still, make sure to pack essentials like water bowls and your pet’s favorite treats for a hassle-free outing.

2) Weekend Brunch with Other Pet Owners

Weekend brunches are often laid-back affairs, making them an excellent time to bring your pets along. If your friends have pets (and your pets are friends), plan some time to get together and catch up with each other for brunch and coffee.

Many restaurants offer outdoor seating where your dogs can relax while you enjoy your meal. This casual setting will allow all of your dogs to socialize in a calm environment, and you’ll get to savor the company of both your canine and human friends.

3) Picnics in the Park after Office Hours

After spending an entire day in your office, maybe you’ll want to bask in the presence of nature for a change. Perhaps your dogs feel the same after staying at home or in the doggy daycare while you’re busy.

Enjoy a change of scenery together by having a picnic in the park after your shift at work. Outdoor dining in a park will afford your dogs ample opportunities to stretch their legs while you enjoy your meal. If you’re too tired to put together a casual picnic basket, how about checking out a local food truck where you can buy dinner? Bring along some dog-friendly snacks, a blanket, and leashes or harnesses to keep things under control.

4) Café Side Trips During Walks

If you’re out walking your dogs and need to grab a quick bite or coffee, consider this a good time to drop by a nearby pet-friendly café. Many of these places offer outdoor tables or dedicated alfresco space where you and your dogs can have a short rest in between your walks.

This will be an excellent way to combine your daily routine with a pleasant, low-stress dining experience. Just be sure the café allows pets in their perimeter and allots enough space for you and your dogs to stay comfortably.

5) Traveling with Your Dog

When you’re traveling with your pet, dining out can sometimes be a necessity. Finding pet-friendly restaurants near your destination can save you the hassle of leaving your pet behind or ordering takeout, which may not be as delicious as freshly cooked food.

Many tourist-friendly spots, especially in pet-friendly cities, offer outdoor dining areas where dogs and cats are welcome. Plan ahead by researching venues that accommodate pets, and don’t forget to pack some essentials like portable water bowls and wipes for a clean and enjoyable outing.

When to Dine at Home with Your Pet Instead?

At the same time, however, there are certain occasions and conditions where it’s not the best idea to take your pet out of their comfort zone. If you’re planning to eat out with your pet, make sure that your reservation won’t coincide with the following:

1) Your Pets Are Easily Overstimulated

If your dog gets anxious or overstimulated in new environments, for example, dining at home may be the better option. Busy restaurants or crowded cafés can overwhelm many pets who aren’t used to being around large groups of people or other animals.

In these situations, it’s kinder to your pets to let them enjoy the calm environment at home. A relaxed meal in your own space will be far less stressful for both you and your pet. If you really want to eat out, perhaps you should look into pet training sessions that will help your pet gain better self-control in new situations.

2) The Weather Looks Bad

Rainy or extremely hot days are not ideal for dining out with your pet. The weather can make it uncomfortable or even dangerous for them to stay outside for long periods.

Instead of risking the discomfort or health issues that come with extreme weather, it’s best to stay indoors and enjoy a cozy meal together at home. Your pets will appreciate the familiar and comfortable environment, especially during days with poor weather conditions.

3) Your Dogs Don’t Have the Energy to Travel Away from Home

Older dogs may not have the same energy or patience for dining out as younger ones. If your dog is getting on in years, they might prefer the comfort of home rather than the excitement of a restaurant.

Senior or disabled pets may also tire easily and have specific needs that are easier to meet in a predictable and controlled environment. In this case, preparing a special meal at home that caters to the dietary needs of your canine companions is the more loving and practical option.

4) Your Pets Have Special Diets or Restrictions

If your pet has a strict diet or health restrictions, dining at home is often the wiser thing to do. This way, you have full control over what your pet eats, as you are the one preparing the said meals yourself. This eliminates the risk of accidental exposure to harmful foods and ensures that each of your pets are getting the nutrients they need.

5) Both of You Want to Spend Quiet Evenings at Home

Sometimes, the best dining experience is the one you have in the comfort of your own home—for no reason other than that’s the place you want to be. After a long day, both you and your pet may prefer a quiet evening without the hustle and bustle of a restaurant, café, food truck, or other establishment. If you would really rather stay in to relax and enjoy a good meal, there’s nothing stopping you from choosing this pleasant default. 

Whether you choose to dine out or stay in, you’re in control of how much you and your pet ultimately enjoy your meals. Consider their needs and the occasion so that you can arrive at the best possible place for you to chow down together.