By Ambarish Awale

Copyright dailyrecord

A pub in Dundee has been crowned the best pub in Scotland to go with your pup. The Tinsmith has secured the title of Scotland’s Best Dog-Friendly Pub, following an extensive nationwide review carried out by Rover.com , the world’s largest online marketplace for pet care. The accolade comes after the company’s self-styled Public House Officer toured more than 110 establishments as part of its “Great British Pub Crawl”, judging how well each catered to four-legged visitors. From the moment dogs arrive at The Tinsmith, they are made to feel at home. A ball is waiting to play with, fresh water is served immediately, and canine visitors are even offered treats, with fish fingers proving a particular favourite. Combined with a cosy atmosphere and staff who clearly enjoy welcoming dogs as much as their owners, it was enough to put the Dundee venue ahead of the pack. The Drovers Inn in Inverarnan, a historic pub with its own strong reputation for hospitality, was named runner-up. Rover’s team said its efforts also helped set a high standard for dog-friendly venues across Scotland and the wider UK. Pubs were judged on criteria that left, in Rover’s words, “no bone unturned”. Each was rated on booking systems, dog accessibility, atmosphere, staff communication, canine facilities, safety, and the overall experience for both pets and people. Luke James, Rover’s Public House Officer, said: “After visiting dog-friendly pubs all over the country this summer, a few really stood out above the rest. These were the places where pups weren’t just welcomed, but truly celebrated, with thoughtful touches that made both dogs and their humans feel right at home.” Adem Fehmi, the company’s Canine Behaviourist, added: “Our scoring criteria looks at everything from safety and comfort to staff knowledge and atmosphere. “The very best dog-friendly pubs create a calm, secure environment where dogs can truly relax, showing exactly what best-in-class hospitality should look like. “What’s great is that every pub has the opportunity to do the same, by thinking carefully about dogs’ needs, they can make visits more enjoyable for everyone and turn first-time guests into returning customers.” The research comes as Britain’s relationship with pubs continues to evolve, with dog ownership on the rise and changing social habits reshaping how people spend their leisure time. Rover’s survey found that nearly a third of dog owners still struggle to find venues where their pets are welcome, despite growing demand. Figures show that almost half of owners (45 percent) would go out more often if their dog could join them, while 30 percent said they would willingly pay extra , an average of £4.26 more per pint, just for the privilege of having their pet by their side. Around 34 percent even confessed that their dog seemed to enjoy pub visits as much as they did. Dogs also help boost the social side of pub culture. Six in ten pub-goers said spotting a dog had sparked a conversation with a stranger, while 78 percent felt canines improved the atmosphere overall. Two-thirds admitted they preferred the company of dogs over children in the pub. Given that 78 percent of Britons said they would like every pub in the UK to welcome dogs, Rover believes embracing canine customers could play a role in keeping pub culture alive.