Restaurants that go beyond simply allowing dogs on patios by offering dedicated menu items for them can significantly boost customer traffic, spending and word-of-mouth, according to new research from Toronto Metropolitan University.
Published in the Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, the study found that dog-specific menu offerings meaningfully increase diners' intention to visit, how much they spend and their likelihood of recommending the restaurant to others.
Led by Rishad Habib, associate professor of marketing management at the Ted Rogers School of Management, the research examines the growing phenomenon of shared pet-human dining experiences and provides new evidence on how pet inclusion influences consumer behavior in hospitality settings.
"Restaurants that actively welcome dogs are tapping into an emotional connection between people and their pets," Habib said. "Small, thoughtful additions like a dog menu can elevate the experience and translate into measurable business outcomes."
A growing 'dog economy'
