Dog ownership in the UK soared during the recent pandemic, leading to problems with mistreated and abandoned, as well as poorly socialised and aggressive dogs, while also adding to a steadily growing population of pampered pooches, catered for by a growing variety of goods and services, which has helped boost the nation’s well-established canine-centred economy. According to Statista, around a third (34 per cent) of all UK households were estimated to own a dog in 2021/2022, up from 23 per cent in 2019/2020. Around 9 per cent of London households currently own a dog. This figure is lower than the national average, reflecting the fact that many rental properties and some housing estates are dog-free living zones and also because cats are preferred as domestic pets by those who have to spend long hours at the workplace.
London is a great city for dogs. Not only can they wander freely on the pavements, albeit on a lead, and frequent the majority of public green spaces and woodland areas, sometimes off- lead, but they can also expand their horizons on public transport on land (buses, trains, trams, and the underground), as well as on river cruises. Additional interesting walks are also available along London’s many canals and along the River Thames and its tributaries. There are dog-friendly cinemas for discerning canine viewers and dog-friendly cemeteries for those with more morbid interests. Assistance and companion dogs can even accompany their humans to an increasing number of museums and art galleries.
In London, central locations, and affluent neighbourhoods, and those less so, but in the process of gentrifying, have all seen an increase in establishments that openly encourage dogs to step within their portals and share in their offerings, confirmed by signs that proclaim them to be either pet friendly, dog friendly, or openly welcoming to their “furry friends”. Dog-friendly establishments encompass cafés, bars, pubs, restaurants, hotels, bookshops, furniture stores, stationery stores, computer outlets (Apple stores), large department stores (Fenwicks, John Lewis, Liberty) and their smaller local counterparts (seven Morleys Group stores), and even entire shopping centres (Brent Cross Shopping Centre, London Designer Outlet in Wembley Park).
Dogs benefit from their own retail sector- pet superstores (Pet At Home) and shops that sell dog merchandise (leads, coats, toys, food) -and their very own leisure and accommodation sector-grooming parlours (static and mobile), day care centres, and hotels for overnight stays. Some indoor attractions are now dog-friendly, including the Tower Bridge Experience. Dog-walkers are commonly seen on many streets and in many parks, tending to the needs of pets (as many as five or more at a time), whose owners have to work away from home. Poorly dogs receive the attentions of vets and veterinary nurses, while those with anxiety and other behavioural issues have their trainers and therapists to turn to. Just like their human owners, dogs receive treats for special occasions, such as birthdays, as well as seasonal events such as Easter and Christmas.
Ownership of pampered pedigree dogs can be taken as an indicator of surplus disposable income, accompanied by discerning tastes. Not unexpectedly, a tough retail situation means that more and more business owners are choosing to tap into a potentially lucrative market. Dog-owners are being enticed by the offer of doggy treats (biscuits, gravy bones, chocolates, cupcakes, ice cream), bespoke drinks for canine consumers (dog beer, “Pawsecco”, ‘dogtails’), in addition to the usual bowls of water and doggy menus of hot or cold delights, not to mention the loving attention of staff members.
Dogs and people do not always mix well, as some people are scared of barking animals or claim to be allergic to their fur. Accordingly, many restaurants continue to reject dogs, except for alfresco dining, and some pub chains (eg Wetherspoons) openly discourage canines, apart from assistance dogs. You would be hard pressed to find dog-friendly venues in poorer neighbourhoods, where large and aggressive status dogs are commoner than docile and cosseted pedigreed canines, and where some local communities may not welcome what they consider to be unclean creatures in their midst.
There may well be a cost-of-living crisis, but it appears not have affected the canine companions of the privileged middle-class and upper-class dog owners, particularly in an increasingly dog-friendly London. People-watchers and students of human nature cannot afford to overlook family pets, as they endeavour to better understand the thoughts of their owners.
Ashis Banerjee (dog parent)