02.07.2026 Around 22% of dog owners already regularly visit cafes and restaurants with their pets, while 30% take them along when traveling. These findings come from a joint study by the Center for the Study of Animal Nutrition and Welfare and the Nielsen agency, reviewed by *Vedomosti. Gorod*. Muscovites, young people under 35, and owners of small breeds (weighing up to 10 kg) are the most active in taking their pets out to public venues. (Image: Vitaly Gariev)
Кинематографичный кадр сделали в кофейне “Vse klassno”
Смотрит так, будто я обязана ей дать ей какую-то вкусность pic.twitter.com/IV0DgeQsZq
— Собачьи радости (пёс да я) (@dogsunderhood) June 28, 2026
The survey involved over 2,000 respondents, including both customers and business representatives. While only 3% of people currently take their cats to cafes, 10% of respondents expressed potential interest in doing so. Notably, nearly half of the owners surveyed (52%) believe that bringing animals into food service establishments is prohibited in their city, highlighting a clear gap between actual venue policies and customer awareness.
For 45% of visitors, special stickers and signs at the entrance serve as a key signal, with 64% viewing them as a guarantee that they can visit the establishment with their pet. As Dr. Marianna Onufrienko (a Doctor of Veterinary Science) notes in the study, fostering a pet-friendly culture requires not only a willingness to welcome guests but also clear signage and transparent rules.
Guests without pets are generally accepting of these changes, though with some reservations: 59% feel that venue infrastructure is not sufficiently adapted, citing pet hair (56%) and allergies (39%) as their primary concerns. However, rather than calling for bans, they advocate for coexistence mechanisms: 57% insist on strict owner supervision of animal behavior and support the designation of specific pet-friendly zones and the mandatory use of leashes. Analysts note that businesses view the pet-friendly approach as a way to meet demand (52%), cultivate a modern image (30%), and stand out from competitors (18%). At the same time, entrepreneurs worry about potential conflicts between customers (48%), negative reactions from guests without pets (38%), and the additional investment required to adapt their spaces (17%).
Twenty-nine percent of dog owners and 15% of cat owners take their pets along when traveling. For 71% and 65% of these groups, respectively, pet-friendly accommodation is a key factor in choosing a hotel. However, experts point out that the market currently faces a shortage of such properties, as well as issues regarding extra fees and concerns about liability for damages. The Center noted that Roskachestvo released a “Traveling with Pets” standard in 2025, and a GOST (national standard) is currently being developed that is expected to extend to the food service sector as well. Experts believe this will remove most barriers and bring structure to the market.
In April, *Vedomosti. Gorod* reported a significant rise in Russian demand for grooming and dog training services, noting a shift from crisis-response measures toward preventive care.
