Dog-friendly cafes and pubs are on the rise, and it might surprise you how many there are in the region that allow for dogs to tag along.

A list released by the Australian Hotels Association last year noted that 22 pubs in the Newcastle area are operating as dog-friendly, so take your pick (check out ahanewcastlehunter.org).

Miwa Haas, owner of Cafe Inu at Carrington, opened the doors of her dog-friendly cafe almost six years ago and decided to appeal to dog owners after she discovered it was difficult to find places that would allow her to bring along her pet.

“I have a dog and there were not many places I could take my dog for coffee, so I thought maybe it was a good idea to start one up,” Haas says. “When we first started, some customers didn’t like it having dogs in the cafe, but we have lots of good, regular customers and everyone knows the dogs are really friendly."

43 Denison Street, Carrington. The warehouse cafe is arguably Newcastle’s pick for pups. The name “Inu” itself means dog in the Japanese language, and there are doggy treats such as kangaroo jerky available to buy, too. Dogs are welcome to wander around any part of the cafe - inside or out - and there’s always a bowl of water at the door to keep them hydrated. Cafe Inu also has its own resident dog, Bear. The friendly, eight-year-old three-legged American staffy even has his own namesake item on the menu - the decadent Bear’s hot chocolate, which is made from rich Belgian chocolate. The cafe's Japanese-influenced menu is worth the trip even if you don't have a pooch with you - the Hugo Burger is a must-try, as is the teriyaki pizza which is loaded with cabbage, Kewpie mayonnaise and dried seaweed.

635 Hunter Street, Newcastle. In the heart of Newcastle West, the Family Hotel (once known as the Ducks Nuts) is proudly dog friendly - huge hand-painted lettering on the walls outside the venue reading ‘DOG FRIENDLY’ reminds you. Dogs are welcome any time, day or night, at the pub, and there’s a solid choice of great beers on tap and pub grub for the humans - schnitzels, burgers, and - of course - hotdogs.

98 Glebe Road, The Junction. Plant-based cafe Pickled and Pressed is so happy for you to bring along your fur baby that they’ll even share a snap of them on their Instagram account. The cafe, located just around the corner of the main entrance to The Junction Fair, has an outdoor courtyard where dogs can soak up the sun while you try out one of the cafe’s healthy dishes or range of drinks, including its popular cold-pressed juices. Just venture down the drive and through the gate for access with pups in tow.

Lee Wharf C, Honeysuckle Drive Lot 31, Newcastle. Further proof that dogs probably have a better social life than some people, canines are set to have their very first dedicated day at Honeysuckle Hotel this weekend, when the harbourside hotel teams up with charity organisation Pound Paws for Honeysuckle Dog Day 2019 on Sunday. The event will feature a range of pet stalls, dog rescue groups and entertainment, including massages for dogs, vet health checks, a best dressed competition and best dog trick contest judged by Newcastle Knights star Shaun Kenny-Dowall. There’s even doggy ‘beer’ on the menu. Check it out from midday to 4pm. 

102 Darby Street, Cooks Hill. There’s no shortage of pubs and cafes on the Darby Street strip, and one that is selling itself as dog-friendly is the renovated Wil&Sons. Previously known as craft beer pub The Hop Factory, the space has undergone a revamp and is now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dogs are welcome to tag along and hang out in the front bar or sit out front at the seating on the footpath. It’s true - Wil&Sons occasionally stock a dog beer - a non-alcoholic brew made by Capital Brewing Co that combines bone broth, grains and fish oil. Word is it’s a huge hit.