Yes, you can sometimes take your dog to a restaurant, but only if the venue allows it. The terrace, indoor area and a hotel restaurant can each have their own rules. So it is wise to check in advance. That way, you'll know straight away what to look for in a dog-friendly place and how to keep the visit calm and pleasant. Teaching your dog to teach your dog to settle on a mat under the table can make restaurant visits easier.
What determines whether your dog is really welcome?
Restaurants decide for themselves whether pets are welcome, so you cannot automatically take your dog inside everywhere. On a terrace, more is often allowed than in the indoor area, and hotel restaurants sometimes have separate rules again. Policies also vary by location and by chain. So call ahead or mention your dog when you book, and ideally choose a calm, spacious place rather than a busy or formal restaurant.
How to spot a dog-friendly venue
- A water bowl, enough space beside the table and staff who respond to dogs in a relaxed way are strong signs.
- A terrace, garden or somewhere nearby for a walk makes it easier to take a break or go out for a short walk.
- Dog-friendly does not just mean your dog can come inside, but that it stays pleasant for your dog, you, the staff and other guests, especially with a dog that needs help with focusing around distractions.
- Extras such as a quiet corner or a small dog treat are nice, but comfort, space and safety matter more.
Which type of venue suits your dog best?
| Place | Often suits | Good for your dog | Check in advance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terrace or brasserie | Short coffee stop or informal lunch | More fresh air and usually a bit of extra space beside the table. It is also easier to get up for a moment. | Whether dogs are actually allowed on the terrace, whether there is shade and whether staff often pass your table. |
| Café | Quick drink or short meet-up | The shorter duration often suits young, lively or sensitive dogs better than a long meal. | Ideally go outside peak times, ask for a table at the edge and check whether your dog is welcome indoors too. |
| Restaurant near green space | Lunch or early dinner after a walk | Moving around and sniffing first often make it easier to lie quietly afterwards. | Whether there is a walking route nearby, whether water is available and how busy it is around the entrance and walkways. |
| Dog café | Practice outing or relaxed visit | Staff and guests are often used to dogs, which feels extra relaxed for some owners. | Whether dogs must stay on a lead or may be off lead, how many stimuli there are and whether that atmosphere suits your dog. |
| Upmarket venue | Special occasion | Only suitable for dogs that can lie quietly for a long time and are not easily bothered by stimuli. | Whether your dog is welcome indoors or only outside, how long the visit will last and whether a quiet table is possible. |
How to prepare for a relaxed restaurant visit
- Take your dog for a walk first and, if possible, choose a quiet time outside peak hours, especially with a dog that pulls on the lead.
- Only bring what helps at the table: water, a short lead and small training treats. Large chews are less practical when eating out. A lick mat can also keep your dog calm and quiet; here’s how to fill a lick mat with calming toppings.
- Reward lying quietly or waiting nicely straight away. For longer visits, it helps if your dog has already practised the stay command. Notice restlessness? Then choose a short coffee stop rather than a long dinner. If your dog tends to beg for food, practise how to stop begging at the table.
- Let the venue know about your dog in advance and ask where it is best to sit, for example at the edge or in a quiet corner.
Frequently asked questions about taking your dog to a restaurant or hotel
These are questions that often come up when you take your dog to a restaurant or hotel. The short answer stays the same every time: always check the rules of the location itself.
Are dogs allowed in restaurants?
Sometimes. A restaurant decides for itself whether dogs are welcome, and many places are more relaxed on the terrace than indoors. So check in advance and keep your dog calmly on a lead, close to your chair. That makes the visit more pleasant for your dog, the staff and other guests; also teach your dog not to pick up food from the floor.
Can you take your dog to a Fletcher hotel?
You can, but not every Fletcher hotel uses the same rules. Staying overnight with your dog and eating in the hotel restaurant often have separate conditions. Check in advance whether there is a surcharge, how many dogs are allowed, whether size matters and whether your dog is also welcome at breakfast or dinner.
Are dogs allowed at Van der Valk?
Rules also vary by location at Van der Valk. A dog may be welcome in the room or on the terrace, while different conditions apply to the indoor restaurant. So before booking or reserving, check whether your dog may only come with you outside or also indoors.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for dogs?
The 3-3-3 rule is about settling in after adoption or a major change: roughly 3 days to recover, 3 weeks for routine and 3 months to really settle in. A dog like this can become overstimulated more quickly in busy restaurants. So start with short, calm outings and reward desired behaviour with training treats for your dog.
