Dogs seem to be showing up just about everywhere these days. They’re tagging along for coffee runs, shopping trips, vacations, workdays, and even dinner out. But while plenty of people love dogs, that doesn’t necessarily mean they want someone else’s pet joining them everywhere they go.
A recent survey of 2,000 Americans asked where people would rather not encounter pets, and food-related places came out on top. Nearly half pointed to restaurants, while grocery stores weren’t far behind. But those weren’t the only places where people would prefer owners leave their dogs at home.
Restaurants
Restaurants took the top spot, and it’s not difficult to see why. Someone who happily lets their own dog curl up beside the dinner table at home may feel very differently about an unfamiliar animal sitting a few feet away while they’re eating.
There’s also a big difference between an outdoor patio that welcomes dogs and bringing a pet into an indoor dining area. For many diners, eating out is one occasion where they’d simply rather not share the space with someone’s pet.
Grocery Stores
Grocery stores came in a close second. With carts moving through narrow aisles, food being handled throughout the store, and unpackaged produce on display, some shoppers would prefer animals weren’t part of the experience.
This is also one of those places where seeing dogs has become common enough to spark debate. Pet owners may see a quick grocery run with their dog as harmless, while other shoppers clearly don’t feel the same way.
Doctor’s Offices and Hospitals
Medical settings also ranked high on the list. These are places people visit when they’re sick, injured, undergoing treatment, or accompanying someone who is, so an unexpected pet may not be something everyone wants to encounter.
Trained service animals are a separate matter, of course. But when it comes to casually bringing a pet along, Americans appear much less enthusiastic about seeing them in healthcare spaces.
Coffee Shops
Coffee shops may feel casual, but that doesn’t automatically make them pet-friendly to everyone. People are eating, drinking, working on laptops, meeting friends, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee.
Outdoor seating can make bringing a dog much easier, but inside the coffee shop, opinions can get more divided.
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Workplaces and Offices
A dog-friendly office might sound like a dream perk to a pet owner. Your coworkers, however, may have a completely different idea of what makes a comfortable workplace.
Not everyone wants a dog wandering near their desk during the workday. Allergies, distractions, fear of dogs, and a preference for an animal-free workspace can make the office a complicated place to introduce pets.
Airplanes
Flying already means spending hours in a confined space with many strangers, so adding pets to the mix isn’t appealing to everyone.
The survey also uncovered an interesting generational divide. Baby boomers were twice as likely as Gen Z respondents to say they didn’t want pets on airplanes, suggesting younger travelers may be more comfortable sharing public spaces with animals.
Arenas and Stadiums
Crowds, loud music, cheering, food, and people constantly moving around already make stadiums busy environments. Adding dogs can be one more thing some visitors simply don’t want to deal with.
Another noticeable age gap emerged. Baby boomers were considerably more likely than Gen Z respondents to oppose pets at arenas and stadiums.
Public Transit
A nearly empty train with a quiet dog may not bother many people. A packed commuter train or bus during rush hour can be another story.
Passengers are already sharing limited space, and they don’t necessarily have the option to move somewhere else. That’s enough for public transportation to make the list.
Hotels
Pet-friendly hotels have made traveling with dogs much easier, but not every hotel guest wants that experience.
Some travelers may love seeing a dog in the lobby, while others would rather know that the room, hallway, or other shared spaces they’re using haven’t recently had pets in them. It’s one of those situations where clearly designated pet-friendly accommodations or rooms can make a difference.
Related: 10 Hotel Checkout Habits That Make Housekeepers’ Jobs Harder
Public Beaches
You might expect beaches to be one of the least controversial places to bring a dog because there’s plenty of outdoor space. Yet public beaches still landed among the places Americans would rather not encounter pets.
A well-behaved dog relaxing beside its owner is one thing. An unleashed dog running through other people’s blankets, food, or children’s play areas can quickly change how nearby beachgoers feel about sharing the sand.
