Website designer and dog lover Carl Warrent has gone the extra mile by developing dogfriendlynorfolk.com, a website which aims to serve the Norfolk dog-owning community. Here he explains how it came about after being locked out after a dog walk
I built my first website in 1994 and I’ve been building websites commercially since 1998. I love my job as it allows me to be creative and, working with so many varied businesses makes it very interesting – even after nearly 25 years!
Back in February 2022 I was out on a dog walk and got back a little later than expected so was then indirectly locked out. I needed to find somewhere that my dog and I could take refuge for a couple of hours, but I found it really hard to find good and accurate information.
A week later I then visited a great Norfolk-based pub that went above and beyond in how they welcomed dogs, so I felt it would be great to highlight such places.
Being a web designer, I felt it was well within my ability to kick start this into a real project, so I spent a solid four months (including many weekends) developing the website and getting venues onboard.
There are a few national companies doing this well but I wanted to include much more detailed venue information. The website and the social media accounts have been superbly received, so my biggest challenge now is getting venues to submit their details to me so the website can continue to grow.
I’m relatively new to being a dog lover. I mean, I’ve always loved dogs but only recently, in lockdown, did our family make the decision to get a dog. We had always wanted a dog but then, with lockdown affecting everyone so dramatically, we delayed no more – not being sure what the future may hold.
In those extreme times our dog gave us added companionship and a lot of laughter which continues daily. One thing I think that is special about dogs is that their mere presence in the company of strangers raises smiles and happiness. I know our dog is excited to see every new face she encounters and will then reacts mutually when an outpouring of attention is given her way.
You can currently search one of four categories: accommodation, beaches, cafes and pubs and restaurants. You can then optionally define a location in Norfolk if you want to narrow your search further.
You’ll be presented with individual venue listings for your chosen category in Norfolk and they’ll also be highlighted on a map so you’re aware of their precise location. Each fully verified listing will feature various photos, a detailed description along with a full lowdown of that that particular venue offers e.g. whether your dog is allowed only in certain areas of the venue, whether they offer a water bowl and even if free or paid for dog treats are on offer.
That’s the core functionality of the website really, being able to easily search and locate great dog friendly venues in the region. As the website matures and gains more venue listings, it will be an even better resource for everyone.
I think much of Norfolk, especially along the North Norfolk coast, has always been very dog friendly but the biggest change I’ve seen in the last few years is in Norwich. While Norwich has many places that have been dog friendly, I’ve seen an influx of great new venues popping up and declaring their venue as being dog friendly.
I’ve always had a plan to include a new section which caters for dog specific services such as dog walkers, groomers, trainers etc as I can see a great demand for finding these services locally but I wanted to continue to make the core categories more densely populated first. Once the core venue categories are better filled with great venues, I’ll then announce the addition of the new dog services category.
The aim was always to create a popular and useful resource for local and tourist visitor dog owners. Through lockdown there was a boom in new dog owners, so it feels like there’s a bigger demand than ever for dog friendly venues. While it takes a lot of effort to maintain the website, it’s always been run as a non-profit, so I hope as many people can help support the project, whether it’s recommending venues, or the venues getting in touch to be listed on the website.
If I was a dog, physically I would be maybe a greyhound or a whippet because of their long legs, though at my age I’m not anywhere near so fast!
If you would like your dog friendly venue to be listed for free on the website, please contact Carl via the website or send a direct message on Instagram or Facebook. Visit dogfriendlynorfolk.com.
Featured image of Carl Warrent (with Nelly) by Mary Doggett of Ett Photography
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