If you’ve ever had to choose between a fun night out and quality time with your dog, here’s some good news: that choice is becoming a thing of the past. A new hospitality report just confirmed what dog owners have known all along – people want their pups by their side, even when they’re out grabbing a drink.
According to a May 2026 report by FOX Local, nearly half of all restaurant-goers say they would support letting customers bring their dogs along, whether it’s an indoor spot, an outdoor patio, or both . And it’s not just a passing fad. This is part of a bigger shift in how people want to socialize, eat, and spend their time off.
At Paws On Tap, we’ve been ahead of this trend since day one. Here’s what’s driving it, why it matters if you’re a dog owner in the Whitestown area, and why our taproom was basically built for this exact moment.
The numbers don’t lie. The FOX Local report found that a large share of restaurant customers now say they’d welcome more pet-friendly policies, with many saying it wouldn’t matter whether the space is indoors or strictly outdoors . That’s a big deal for an industry that has traditionally kept pets out of the picture entirely.
There’s also a generational story here. The same report highlights that younger diners — especially Gen Z – are significantly more likely to want their dogs included in social outings compared to older generations . But this isn’t just a “young people” thing. It reflects something bigger: people across the board are rethinking what makes a night out actually enjoyable, and increasingly, the answer includes their dog.
This same wave of diners is also leaning into more social, shared experiences when they eat and drink, favoring group-style setups over solo, sit-and-leave visits . They’re more likely to turn a simple outing into a longer, more relaxed hang. Sound familiar? That’s basically the entire vibe at Paws On Tap.
So why now? A few things are colliding at once.
First, more people brought dogs into their homes over the past few years than ever before, and those dogs have become a real part of daily life; not just a pet that stays behind when plans are made. For a lot of owners, leaving the dog at home isn’t just inconvenient. It can mean cutting an outing short or skipping it altogether.
Second, the rise of outdoor dining cracked the door open. Once people got used to bringing their dogs to a patio, it was only a matter of time before they started asking, “why not somewhere with more going on?” A patio table is fine, but it’s not exactly an experience.
And third, expectations around going out have changed. People aren’t just looking for good food and drinks. They want a space that fits their actual life and for a lot of folks, that life includes a dog who’d rather come along than get left behind. The FOX Local report makes clear that the bar for what counts as a “fun night out” has moved, and dog-friendly spaces are a core part of that new standard .
Here’s the thing: not every “pet-friendly” spot is created equal. Slapping a sign on the door that says dogs are allowed is one thing. Building a space where dogs and their humans actually want to hang out is a whole different story.
A truly dog-friendly bar needs plenty of room to roam, tight indoor spaces packed with tables aren’t fun for anyone, two legs or four. It needs outdoor space that doesn’t feel like an afterthought: a real beer garden, not just a couple of sidewalk tables crammed next to a parking lot. It needs staff who genuinely like dogs, because a grudging “I guess that’s fine” energy changes the whole vibe. And it needs something for the humans too – a great drink selection, things to do, and a reason to stick around longer than one round.
This is exactly the kind of space we set out to build from the ground up.
At Paws On Tap, your dog isn’t just tolerated, they’re the guest of honor. Bring your pup on a leash, no forms, no waivers, no hassle, and let them hang out while you relax.
Our self-pour system means you’re never rushed. Sample from 40+ beers, ciders, wines, and cocktails by the ounce, find something you love, and settle in. No standing in line, no committing to a full pint of something you might not even like. Just you, your dog, and a glass in your hand.
Step outside to our beer garden and you’ve got shuffleboard, bocce, cornhole, and plenty of shade for your pup to chill while you play. Add in trivia nights, live music, and seasonal events – like our recent Bring Your Corgi Day to celebrate International Corgi Day – and you’ve got a spot that feels less like “going out” and more like hanging out with your community, dog included.
We built Paws On Tap because that combination… good beer, good people, and good dogs, didn’t really exist anywhere else nearby. So we made it ourselves.
While the FOX Local report shows that younger diners are leading the charge on wanting dogs included in social spaces , the appeal at Paws On Tap stretches across every generation.
Whether you’re a young professional unwinding after work, a retiree who treats their dog like family, or a couple looking for a low-key date night that doesn’t require leaving the dog behind – the experience works the same way: good drinks, good company, and your best friend right there with you.
That’s part of what makes a space like ours different from a typical bar. It’s not built around one type of customer. It’s built around one shared thing: not wanting to leave your dog behind for a good time. (And just a reminder, Paws On Tap is a 21+ establishment, so leave the little ones at home, but absolutely bring the dog. 🐾)
If this report is any indication, dog-friendly spaces aren’t going to stay a niche category for much longer. As more restaurants and bars start paying attention to what diners actually want, expect to see more pet-friendly patios, more relaxed leash policies, and more spaces designed with both humans and dogs in mind.
For Whitestown and the North Indy area, that future is already here. Paws On Tap was designed from day one around the idea that a great night out shouldn’t mean choosing between your favorite drink and your favorite dog.
The data is clear: people want more spaces where their dogs are part of the plan, not an exception to it. At Paws On Tap, that’s been the whole idea from the start.
Plan your visit at pawsontap.com, grab your self-pour glass, and bring your best friend along.
The future of a night out has four legs – and it’s already here in Whitestown!