Visit Belfast has officially named Best Bark as its Dog Friendly Partner, recognising the rising demand from visitors who want to explore Belfast with their dogs. This partnership places Belfast firmly among the most dog-welcoming city break destinations in the UK and Ireland and positions Best Bark as the trusted authority behind that growth.
Best Bark launched in January 2025 as Northern Ireland’s first dedicated dog friendly directory and verified dog services hub. Since then, our platform has become the go to place for dog owners searching for dog-friendly places and trusted dog service providers. Visit Belfast chose to partner with us because our listings are credible, verified and consistently updated, something traditional travel content rarely offers.
This collaboration arrives at a time when dog friendly travel is exploding across the UK. Recent studies show that the majority of dog owners now plan holidays around their pets and actively choose destinations that welcome them. Belfast is leaning into this shift and Best Bark is leading the way.
For businesses listed with us, this partnership means increased visibility and stronger reach. As Visit Belfast promotes dog friendly Belfast across its new digital channels and social first website, Best Bark will be the official source they direct visitors to. When travellers search for where to stay, eat, shop or explore with their dog, they are guided straight to our platform and therefore straight to you.
For our growing community of dog owners, this partnership gives them confidence that the information they receive is accurate and genuinely dog friendly. Our Best Bark decals are now seen across Northern Ireland as a clear signal that both dog and owner are properly welcomed.
Amée Spence, Co-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.”
Gavin McKenna, Head of Marketing, Digital and 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.”
This partnership is a major step forward not just for us, but for the entire dog friendly landscape in Northern Ireland. It strengthens the promotion of our listed businesses, grows the reach of our community and helps ensure that Belfast continues to evolve as a genuinely dog welcoming city.
If you want to be part of this movement, make sure your business is listed and verified. The demand is only getting stronger and visitors are now being guided straight to Best Bark.
