More and more pubs around the Hunter are becoming dog-friendly, meaning patrons can bring along their pooch while they polish off a pale ale.

Bushranger’s Bar and Brasserie at Largs is one pub that welcomes canines in certain parts of the venue.

Co-owner Bruce Woods said with rising pet ownership and decreasing yard sizes, it made sense for people to take their dogs for a walk down to the pub. “It makes it a more family-based environment,” he said.

Newcastle Hotels representative Nikki Taylor agreed, saying these days dogs were almost considered akin to children by their owners.

“Gone are the days when dogs lived out in the yard and that’s where they stayed,” she said. “They are not so much pets anymore, but family.”

Other dog-friendly venues include The Belmore Hotel, The Commercial Hotel Morpeth, Paterson Tavern and Tattersalls Hotel, Greta.