Minneapolis, the county seat of Hennepin County in Minnesota is known for its bubbly and flourishing food scene. In addition to this, it also has a pet-friendly culture which makes it a great place for dog owners that love to eat out with their pets.
One of the challenges that dog owners have in terms of dining out is the restriction of access to pets by some restaurants. However, as we stated earlier, Minneapolis has a pet-friendly culture and is the reason why dog parents who live in Minneapolis seem to have an edge over those that live in other parts of the nation. That is also why there are a good number of dog-friendly restaurants in the city.
Due to the proliferation of restaurants that advertise as ‘dog-friendly’, canine parents are faced with a sort of confusion as to the best restaurant to patronise. One may wonder why canine parents would want to eat out with their pets; dog trainers like ‘Sit Means Sit ‘and others, advocate taking your pet along as you go dining. This is believed to enhance obedience training and increase confidence in your pet.
To this end therefore, this article will explore important factors to consider when choosing a dog-friendly restaurant in Minneapolis. We will also share tips for dining out with your pet.
Why is Dog-Friendly Restaurants Important?
These establishments are important because they have acknowledged the fact that people’s pets are not just animals but more like family members. It has also been established that eating out with your canine friend allows you to enjoy new experiences with them, socialize with other likeminded pet parents and solidify the bond between pets and their owners.
These canine-friendly establishments understand this and cater to these needs by providing special menu for pets, outdoor seating and an enabling and welcoming environment for both the pets and their owners.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dog-Friendly Restaurant
Based on our understanding of the importance of dining establishments that are welcoming to pets/animals, we should now pay attention to the choice we make as regards where we take our furry friends to. Find below some factors to consider when looking out for places to eat out with your pet:-
Outdoor Seating Options
Outdoor seating option is a very important factor to consider when looking for animal-friendly dining establishments. Many dogs are by far more comfortable with outdoor dining because they can enjoy fresh air outside and explore their environment. This outdoor space should have sidewalks and patios that give your dog enough space to relax while you eat (especially if they are not eating with you).
Furthermore, ensure that the outdoor space is shaded so that your pet can be shielded from the elements especially on sunny days.
Pet Policies
It is very important that you find out their policies concerning pets because different restaurants have varying policies. Some restaurants may allow dogs only in designated spaces outdoors while others may allow them indoors. Therefore, ensure that you always check the website of the restaurant you want to visit before going. You can also call the establishment ahead of time to find out their policy to avoid unpleasant surprises when you arrive. Visit https://www.animallaw.info/ for information on government policies in this regard.
Dog-Friendly Amenities
The best option for dog parents is an establishment that goes the extra mile to make their canine guests feel at home. These places provide dog bowls, special and specific dog menu and even treats for your furry friends. Some places even offer play dates and other events for pets which makes the outing more enjoyable for pet parents and their wards.
Menu Options
As much as you should be looking out for a place where you dog can enjoy your attention and company, you also need to be sure that the restaurant has the type of food that you like. It wouldn’t be worth your while to choose a place that ticks all the right boxes for your pet but does nothing for you.
Your best option is one that has a diverse menu that caters to both the need of the animal and that of the owner. This enhances your dining experience in addition to giving you a great outing and bonding time with your dog.
Location and Accessibility
This may seem like a no-brainer but it is pertinent to still point out the need for ease of access to the spot. You want to choose a place that is easily accessible by different means of transportation. You also want to check out parking availability and how close it is to walking trails or dog-friendly parks.
A restaurant that meets the criteria of location and accessibility makes it easy clients to enjoy their dining experience without the hassle of thinking about where to park or long commutes.
Reviews and Recommendations
Before you decide that a restaurant is the best for you and your pet, you need to go read reviews or/and as for recommendations and referrals from other dog parents. You can check out reviews on the website of the restaurants or on independent review sites such as Google, Yelp or BBB. These reviews provide insight into the experiences of customers that have visited those restaurants with their pets.
In addition to reading reviews, you can also look for recommendations from your local dog park community or pet associations. Click here for tips on how to evaluate online reviews.
Quick Tips for Dining Out with Your Dog
Find below some quick tips for dining out with your dog so that yiu can enjoy a stress-free and enjoyable experience with your pet:-
- Keep your dog on a leash
- Be mindful of the behaviour of your pet
- Be mindful and respectful of other diners
- Bring water and supplies for your pet
Conclusion
Choosing the best dog-friendly dining establishment in Minneapolis guarantees that you can eat out with your canine friend without hassles and that is why we have shared the tips we did in this piece. The tips we have shared in this article will surely go a long way in helping you to make informed decisions.
