How Pet-Friendly Is Your Country?

Hi everyone, and thanks for joining me on this episode of Val Talk’s Pets. Here’s a question for you: How pet-friendly is your country, or even your town or city, for that matter? It is actually quite varied across our world as to how pets are accepted in our daily lives. So, let’s explore how pets are accepted in different places.

Dogs in Scotland

I have just returned from a couple of weeks in Scotland, and one of the things that is really, really noticeable—besides from the amazing scenery and people—is that dogs are everywhere. And I mean everywhere!

Not only are dogs everywhere in every town, being walked by their pet parent, but they are welcomed in just about every establishment. You can walk into a restaurant, a café, a hotel, many historical sites, stores, ferries, and dogs are welcomed. Many stores and cafés post on their doors and windows that they are dog friendly or that dogs are welcomed. Bowls of water line the streets for visiting dogs.

We were in a nice café in a small-ish town—maybe 10 tables. There was a pointer-type dog already there, and then in came this absolutely beautiful long-haired shepherd with his parents. He just plunked down beside the table and put his head down. We were also in a nice hotel lounge, and another dog was just hanging out. This was the scenario everywhere. The dogs were all well-behaved; there was never a bark and no issues when seeing another dog.

According to AI, “Scotland is so dog-friendly due to its abundance of open, natural spaces, a legal right to roam across the countryside, and a growing culture of embracing dogs in tourism, hospitality and daily life.” Scotland has the Land Reform Act of 2003, which gives people the legal right to access and enjoy the countryside, including with their dogs, provided they act responsibly.

In this regard, the tourism industry has responded by offering numerous dog-friendly options, including cottages with features like enclosed gardens or welcome packs for dogs, making it easier for owners to travel with their pets.

Travel Vloggers in Scotland

I follow travel vlogger Samantha Grant, who shares her journeys in Scotland with the Wee White Dug. She and her husband travel extensively all over Scotland with their Westie, Casper.

They have stayed in hostels, B&Bs, cottages, and hotels—all dog-friendly. Many provided a bed, toys, bowls, and treats for Casper. In some places, he was allowed full run, while in others, he could be in the bar or lounge but not the main dining room. They also visit restaurants and cafés that, again, are all dog-friendly. So basically, it can be done.

Dog-Friendliness in Canada

Here at home in Canada, I’d say we are far from pet-civilized compared to what we experienced in Scotland.

A couple of years ago, a farm-to-table type market opened less than 10 minutes away. It offered fresh produce, frozen prepared meals, baked goods, and more. It was semi-open-air with one wall open but could be closed with a large garage door.

On our first visit, we saw a dog inside, so the next time we took Tundra. He got lots of pets and attention as we wandered, and no one said a word. But on another visit, an employee stopped us, saying, “I’m really sorry, but you can’t bring a dog in here.” I was surprised, as this was the same person who fussed over him before! She explained that because food was sold, dogs weren’t allowed inside.

This was disappointing. Our visits since have been fewer, and now we take turns—one of us goes inside while the other walks Tundra outside. Even when they added an outdoor food truck, a fenced-off sign read: “No dogs past this point.”

Apparently, in Ontario, markets and restaurants restrict dogs “due to food safety regulations that aim to prevent contamination, protect allergic individuals, and manage cleanliness” (AI Overview).

But based on what we saw in Scotland, cleanliness was certainly not compromised. And not once did we see anyone complain about dogs quietly under tables.

Dog-Friendliness in the United States

So, what about the U.S.? Dogster.com has ranked all 50 states on dog-friendliness, based on accommodation, recreation, services, and retailers.

• #10 Illinois – 1,004 dog-friendly hotels, dog-friendly restaurants and cafés, and Mercury’s Canine Cruise (41/50)
• #9 Pennsylvania – 42/50
• #8 Arizona – 43/50
• #7 Colorado – 44/50
• #6 Georgia
• #5 New York
• #4 North Carolina
• #3 Texas
• #2 California – 49/50
• #1 Florida – 50/50, with 32,841 rentals and hotels, 8,313 activities, dog parks, and eateries

A pretty impressive rating!

France and Italy

According to Bing.com, France is considered one of the most dog-friendly countries, with dogs welcomed in restaurants, shops, hotels, ferries, and public transport.

However, traveller Shandos Cleaver at Travelnuity found the reality a bit different. Restaurants and cafés were very dog-friendly, but bakeries and supermarkets were not. Shopping centres were inconsistent, and public transport rules required muzzles for large dogs. In Italy,

Shandos found it even easier: restaurants, shops, and even some grocery stores allowed dogs. Public transport was generally fine, with a muzzle rule technically in place but rarely enforced.

Progress in Ontario

Back home again, some Canadian hardware chains are now dog-friendly, with water stations for pets. Another chain has followed suit, allowing leashed dogs inside.

As part of the Better for People, Smarter for Business Act, dogs are now allowed on restaurant patios. The Health Protection and Promotion Act was also amended to allow dogs in outdoor dining areas.

I’ve yet to see it widely adopted, but it’s progress. So, if you’re in Ontario, don’t hesitate to take your pup on a patio—if challenged, cite the Act!

Conclusion

I’m curious—how dog-friendly is your part of the world? I’d love to hear how your country, town, or city embraces dogs so I can share it.

For me, seeing dogs in cafés and hotels reflected a culture that values pets as true companions. Dogs bring joy, comfort, and connection. I hope more places follow suit.

So do some research, find dog-friendly establishments near you, and let me know how it goes—because as I say, knowing is caring.

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Tagged as: Canada dogs,  pet friendly cafes,  pet friendly countries,  France dogs,  Scotland dogs,  pet friendly hotels,  dog friendly travel.