Visit Belfast has announced Best Bark as its official Dog-Friendly Partner, responding to the rapidly growing demand from travellers who want to explore the city with their four-legged companions. The partnership positions Belfast as one of the most welcoming city-break destinations for dog owners across the UK and Ireland.
Best Bark, which launched in January 2025, is Northern Ireland’s first dedicated dog-friendly directory and verified dog services hub, providing comprehensive information covering accommodation, attractions, dining and outdoor experiences across the Belfast City Region and beyond. Visit Belfast has partnered with Best Bark to leverage a trusted, specialist source and ensure all dog-friendly content shared with visitors is credible, reliable and consistently up to date.
The collaboration comes at a time when dog-friendly travel has become one of the fastest-growing segments in UK tourism. Research from Away Resorts shows that 85% of dog owners now prefer a staycation with their pet rather than a holiday abroad without them, while research from Mars and Tripadvisor found that 79% actively choose destinations specifically because they welcome dogs.
Best Bark was founded by Amee and Warren after their own experiences as dog parents to Vito highlighted a gap in the market. Frustrated by outdated blogs, vague information and the challenge of finding places where dogs were genuinely welcomed rather than merely tolerated, they created the resource they wished had existed.
The platform’s distinctive Best Bark decals now appear in venues and with service providers across Northern Ireland, acting as a stamp of approval for dog owners. If you see the decal, you know you and your dog are truly welcome.
Amee Spence, Founder of Best Bark, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to partner with Visit Belfast as their official dog friendly partner. Belfast is embracing the dog friendly movement in a way that genuinely makes a difference for dogs and their owners, and it is fantastic to see so many businesses getting behind it. At Best Bark, we are proud to be leading the pack and connecting dog owners with trusted places and verified services that help make Belfast one of the most dog friendly cities in the UK and Ireland.”
The partnership reflects a significant shift in travel behaviour, with Mars and Tripadvisor research showing that 73% of dog owners say holidays are better when their pet is by their side, and three-quarters admit to feeling guilty about travelling without them. Northern Ireland already ranks highly for dog ownership, with an average of 1.43 dogs per household – the highest of any UK region, according to the Dogs Trust National Dog Survey 2024.
Gavin McKenna, Head of Marketing, Digital & Communications at Visit Belfast, added: “Dog owners are a highly engaged, growing audience who are actively seeking destinations that welcome their pets. Through Best Bark, we can connect these visitors with dog-friendly experiences across Belfast’s neighbourhoods, from our award-winning parks and coastal trails to pet-welcoming cafés and accommodation. This partnership strengthens our visitor offer and supports local businesses looking to welcome our four legged friends!”
Best Bark will be integrated across Visit Belfast’s digital channels, including the recently launched social-first website, providing dog owners with inspiration, planning tools and practical information to explore Belfast with their pets.