A TheFork survey for World Animal Day reveals a cultural shift in hospitality. 75% of establishments welcome pets, but consumers are now asking for dedicated menus and ad hoc services.
Four-legged dining: almost 40% of Italians allow dogs and cats at the table
Italy is experiencing a real pet-friendly revolution that directly affects the restaurant industry. Recent data, compiled by a survey conducted by TheFork ahead of World Animal Day on October 4 and reported here by ANSA, highlights a clear evolution in social and consumer habits: almost 40% of Italians say they have already taken their dog or cat with them to a restaurant. This phenomenon is no longer an exception, but an established trend. The survey shows that for 18% of respondents, bringing their pet to restaurants is a frequent habit, while a further 21% do so occasionally. The prospective data is also significant: over 10% of those who have not yet had this experience say they intend to try it.
Hospitality: Italy gets top marks
Cultural openness is accompanied by a positive market response. 75% of pet owners say they find a positive welcome “almost always” in establishments. Only a residual 1% encounter situations of total closure. This is a clear sign that Italian hospitality is rapidly adapting to consider pets as true members of the family, extending the concept of well-being to them even outside the home.
While basic hospitality is now taken for granted, consumers are now focusing their attention on the quality of the services offered. TheFork survey identifies a series of requests that outline the profile of the pet-friendly restaurant of the future:
- Specific Menus: A significant request is the availability of a menu dedicated to animals, a desire expressed by 20% of participants. This suggests an opportunity for restaurateurs to create a personalized, value-added offering.
- Essential Services: At the top of the list of practical needs is a water bowl (77%), followed by friendly staff (44%). Twenty-seven percent would also like complimentary snacks, while 20% indicate that they prefer dedicated areas within the restaurant.
In conclusion, the data confirms that the integration of pets into social and recreational life is a rapidly expanding phenomenon, presenting the restaurant industry with the need not only to welcome, but also to serve a growing and increasingly demanding customer segment in terms of specific services.
