Introduction
Pizza Express is a popular Italian restaurant chain that serves pizza, pasta, salads, and more. Founded in 1965, Pizza Express now has over 470 restaurants throughout the UK and 100 more internationally. With its rustic decor and dishes inspired by Italian cuisine, Pizza Express aims to bring a taste of Italy to its diners. The affordable restaurant chain has become a staple for many families, couples, and friend groups looking for a casual dining experience. But is Pizza Express a dog-friendly establishment where you can bring your furry friend along?
Are Dogs Allowed in Pizza Express Restaurants?
The official policy of Pizza Express does not permit dogs inside their restaurants. On their FAQ page, Pizza Express states that only assistance dogs are allowed in their establishments. They cite reasons of health and safety regulations for not allowing regular pet dogs indoors.
So with the exception of certified service dogs, Pizza Express does not allow dogs or any pets into their dining areas. This is the chain’s standard policy across all their locations in the UK and abroad. Unless you have an assistance animal that is trained to help you with a disability, you cannot bring your dog inside a Pizza Express restaurant.
Exceptions and Special Circumstances
While Pizza Express locations may have a general policy regarding dogs, there can be some exceptions and special circumstances to be aware of.
For example, policies might vary by region. Some Pizza Express restaurants in more pet-friendly areas may allow dogs in outdoor seating areas or designate certain tables as dog-friendly. It’s a good idea to call your local restaurant ahead of time to check on their specific rules.
Service dogs are another exception. Pizza Express locations, like all businesses, must allow service dogs to accompany disabled owners. Make sure your service dog is wearing a service vest or other gear to identify its working status.
Restaurants may also make exceptions for especially well-behaved dogs. If your dog is very calm, stays under the table, and doesn’t disturb other guests, some locations may allow small dogs even if their general policy is no dogs allowed.
Check with your local Pizza Express before visiting with your dog. Be prepared to take them elsewhere if they don’t allow pets. But you may be pleasantly surprised to find some restaurants in pet-friendly areas will welcome you and your furry friend.
Tips for Visiting With Your Dog
If you plan on bringing your dog to Pizza Express, follow these tips to ensure a smooth visit:
Have documentation ready. Keep your dog’s current rabies vaccination paperwork handy, in case the restaurant requests to see it before allowing you to dine with your dog.
Keep your dog under control. Keep your dog on a leash at all times when entering and exiting the restaurant. Make sure your dog is well-behaved and will not disturb other patrons by barking or jumping.
Train your dog to settle calmly under the table during your meal. Consider bringing a dog bed or mat for them to lay on while you dine.
Be prepared to take your dog outside if they become restless or disruptive to other customers.
Bring cleanup bags in case of any accidents and be prepared to promptly handle any messes your dog makes.
Respect staff requests regarding your dog. If asked to remove your dog from the premises, comply politely.
Alternatives if Dogs Not Allowed
If your local Pizza Express does not allow dogs inside the restaurant, there are some alternative options to still enjoy their food with your furry friend. Here are a few ideas:
Dog-Friendly Takeaway
Most Pizza Express locations offer takeaway services, allowing you to order food for pickup. This is a great option if you want Pizza Express but don’t want to dine in without your dog. You can take the food to a nearby park or back home and enjoy your meal with your pup. Just make sure to ask for any dog-safe menu items when ordering takeaway.
Delivery
Similarly, having Pizza Express delivered to your home is a convenient way to still savor their pizza while spending time with your dog. Opt for delivery on nights you want to relax at home but don’t feel like cooking. Just be ready at the door to receive your order before your excited pup greets the delivery driver!
Outdoor Seating
Some Pizza Express locations may have outdoor patio or sidewalk seating where dogs are welcome. Call ahead to see if the restaurant near you offers an outdoor dining section that allows dogs. Enjoy the fresh air and people watching with your pooch by your side. Just keep them contained and well-behaved while dining al fresco.
Other Dog-Friendly Restaurant Chains
Many popular restaurant chains allow dogs in outdoor patio areas. This provides a comfortable dining option for pet owners who want to bring Fido along for the outing.
Some of the most notable dog-friendly chains include:
- Starbucks – Starbucks has outdoor patios at many locations that welcome leashed, well-behaved dogs.
- Chipotle – Chipotle’s patios are open for dogs as long as local ordinances permit.
- Shake Shack – Shake Shack’s outdoor seating areas allow dogs.
- McDonald’s – Some McDonald’s franchises with outdoor patios allow dogs.
- Panera Bread – Select Panera locations with patios allow dogs.
- Burger King – Burger King permits dogs on outdoor patios when appropriate.
- Bruegger’s Bagels – Outdoor seating at Bruegger’s is often dog-friendly.
These popular chains demonstrate that many restaurants realize the benefits of accommodating customers who want to dine with their furry companions. Chains with outdoor patios provide a comfortable option for dogs and owners alike.
Pet-Friendly Dining Trends
Pets, especially dogs, are becoming an increasingly common sight in restaurants and cafes. This reflects shifting cultural attitudes and demographics. According to a 2021 survey by the American Pet Products Association, 70% of U.S. households own a pet, up from 56% in 1988. Millennials in particular are more likely to have pets and want to bring them along when dining out. In a Rover.com survey, 75% of millennials said they’d eat out more often if the restaurant was pet-friendly.
The number of restaurants allowing dogs has steadily risen over the past decade. Major chains like Starbucks, Shake Shack and PetCo now welcome pets at many locations. Independent restaurants are catching on too, especially cafes and bistros with outdoor seating. More restaurants are becoming “dog-friendly” by default rather than as a special offering. This provides a competitive advantage as pet-owning patrons are attracted to the welcoming environment.
Overall, cultural attitudes are shifting to be more inclusive of responsible pet owners. More millennials are choosing pets over kids, so their furry companions are seen as family members. Restaurants that accommodate pets provide a warm, inviting ambience that caters to this demographic. The trend speaks to deeper societal changes around pets being an integral part of family life and leisure activities.
Benefits of Dog-Friendly Dining
Allowing dogs in restaurants can benefit the business, customers, and pets in the following ways:
Benefits for Restaurants
Dog-friendly restaurants can attract new customers who want to dine out with their pets. This expands the customer base and leads to more business. Dogs can also help create a unique ambiance that stands out from competitors. Additionally, customers who bring pets may stay longer, order more food and drinks, and become repeat patrons if they have a positive experience.
Benefits for Customers
For many pet owners, being able to bring Fido along makes dining out more enjoyable and convenient. They don’t have to worry about leaving their dog at home or finding someone to watch them. Going to pet-friendly eateries allows customers to socialize their dogs and spend quality time together. It can also be an opportunity for dogs to practice good manners in public.
Benefits for Pets
Welcoming environments give dogs mental stimulation, social interaction, and a change of scenery. The sights, sounds, and smells of a restaurant can provide enrichment. Being included in family activities helps dogs feel more bonded to their owners and prevents separation anxiety. It allows pets to learn how to properly behave around people in a real-world setting.
Concerns About Dogs in Restaurants
While many pet owners would love to bring their dogs everywhere, there are some valid concerns around allowing dogs in restaurants. Health regulations, misbehaving pets, and allergies are commonly cited reasons for not allowing dogs inside eateries.
One of the biggest worries is around health regulations and food safety. Restaurants have strict policies and procedures around food handling and preparation, and dogs can potentially contaminate surfaces, food, and dishes if not monitored closely. Dog hair floating around or paws on tables create hygiene issues in spaces where cleanliness is paramount.
Additionally, while most dogs are well-behaved, there is always a risk that a dog may act out of line inside a restaurant. Barking, jumping, begging for food, getting into trash, running around off leash, and other disruptive behaviors can ruin the dining experience for other customers. Unruly pets make many restaurant owners hesitant to open the doors to dogs.
Finally, dog allergies are a very real and potentially serious concern. For people with dog allergies, exposure to dogs in confined restaurant spaces could trigger miserable allergy symptoms or dangerous asthmatic reactions. Protecting customers from allergic reactions is a top priority for many eateries that choose not to allow dogs inside.
While dog lovers may point to the joys of dog-friendly dining, there are valid considerations on the other side too. By understanding concerns around health codes, obnoxious pet behaviors, and customer allergies, pet owners can better appreciate why some restaurants may limit dogs inside.
Conclusion
In summary, Pizza Express has no official nationwide policy on allowing dogs in their restaurants. Some locations may allow dogs in outdoor seating areas at the manager’s discretion, but this should not be expected or relied upon.
In general, the trend towards more pet-friendly dining options continues to grow. Restaurants must weigh the benefits of appealing to dog owners against concerns about cleanliness and diner preferences. Those hoping to dine with their dogs should call ahead to confirm policies, avoid peak times, and ensure their dog is well-behaved.
While Pizza Express locations may not always accommodate dogs indoors, there are usually alternatives in the area for patrons who want a meal out with their furry friends. With proper etiquette and reasonable expectations, dog owners can still enjoy the occasional meal out together.