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TOP OF THE DOGS: BRITAIN’S MOST DOG FRIENDLY VENUES HONOURED AT OPEN FOR DOGS AWARDS 2010

A pub that serves ‘dog beer’, a pet shop that offers customised collar fittings and a dog hotel with a ‘presidential suite’. These are just some of the businesses recognised as the UK’s most dog friendly venues in the Kennel Club’s Open for Dogs Awards 2010.

Open for Dogs is the Kennel Club’s campaign to make public places more accessible for dogs and their owners. The website, which is powered by Dog Friendly, lists more than 10,000 public places that are Open for Dogs throughout the UK. Now in its third year, the Open for Dogs Awards 2010 offers its winners national acclaim for their specialised services to our four-legged friends.

And it seems that more and more businesses are following the lead of the Open for Dogs award winners and recognising the importance of reaching out to the nation’s eight million dog owners.

According to research conducted by the Kennel Club, businesses are claiming that the key to success comes in the unusual shape of our canine companions. A staggering four out of five businesses claim that their dog friendly policy has helped them to draw in more customers in difficult financial times.

Speaking about the Open for Dogs Awards, Kennel Club Communications Director, Caroline Kisko, said: “We had a great response to the competition and are really heartened to see that so many British businesses are going out of their way to make dogs and dog owners welcome.

“Dogs are part of the family and it’s tough for their owners when they are unable to fully enjoy days out or holidays in the UK because their dogs are turned away.

“The Open for Dogs website helps dog owners to find dog friendly places around the UK and this competition really highlights the cream of the crop. From doggie beer to dog-print wallpaper - they have all pushed the boat out to offer facilities and services that ensure that dogs are not just tolerated but welcomed with open arms.

And the winners of the Open for Dogs competition have spoken about how being kind to their doggie customers is helping them to achieve good business results. Pete Dalton, from the Horse and Jockey Pub in Manchester, winner of the ‘Somewhere to DRINK” category, said: “We are delighted to have won the Kennel Club Open for Dogs award, and that the effort that we make to welcome dogs and dog owners has been recognised.

“I think businesses that aren’t catering for dog owners in this day and age are missing a trick. These aren’t the kindest of times for the ‘Great British Pub’, but by reaching out to dog owners we are expanding our customer base. The other customers also love having the dogs around – after all pubs are social places and dogs are great conversation starters – so it’s a win-win situation.”

The Open for Dogs Competition invited customers to nominate places that they thought were pulling out the stops to accommodate our doggie friends. The categories were: Somewhere to SLEEP; Somewhere to DRINK; Somewhere to EAT; Somewhere to VISIT; Somewhere you HOLIDAY and OTHER. Prizes of ‘Special Recognition’ also went to the Royvon Dog Hotel, Merthyr Tydfil, and the Huff Cap Pub, Warwickshire, for their innovative canine-centred services.

For more information about the Kennel Club’s Open for Dogs campaign, please visit: www.openfordogs.org.uk.

TO FIND CASE STUDIES OR DETAILS OF PLACES THAT ARE DOG FRIENDLY IN YOUR AREA, PLEASE CONTACT THE KENNEL CLUB PRESS OFFICE.

ENDS

22nd September 2010 [340.10]

Caption 1: A canine punter and his owner enjoying “doggie beer” at the Horse and Jockey Pub, Manchester.

Caption: Dalmatian enjoying the luxury of the ‘Presidential Suite’ at the Royvon Dog Hotel, Merthyr Tydfil. Credit: Royvon Dog Hotel.

For further press information or interview requests please contact: The Kennel Club Press Office 020 7518 1008 press.office@thekennelclub.org.uk www.thekennelclub.org.uk

Notes to editors:

Dog friendly businesses can publicise their business to dog owners for free on the Open for Dogs website. Dog owners can search the website for free, or pay a membership fee from just £5.99 a month, to receive added benefits such as the Dog Friendly book. Visit www.openfordogs.org.uk.

The winners of the Kennel Club Open for Dogs Awards 2010 are:

Somewhere to Sleep: Low Nest Farm B&B, Cumbria. Provides doggy bags for guests, welcome treats on arrival, dog towels and blankets, and a dog walking service. They also have dog agility equipment and provide packs including information on dog friendly places in the area. A visitor said ‘my dogs were not only accommodated but very much welcomed’. Also won the 2009 Open for Dogs Award.

Somewhere to Eat: Highdown Tearooms, West Sussex. Dogs are allowed inside and out, with a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. Described by visitors as a ‘haven in an anti dog area’. Provides bowls that are always full of water, and treats for the dogs. Also won the 2009 Open for Dogs Award.

Somewhere to Drink: Horse and Jockey Pub, Manchester. In addition to providing water and treats, this pub serves ‘dog beer’ to canine punters. Also holds an annual fun dog show on the nearby green.

Somewhere to Holiday: Thorney Lakes & Caravan Park, Somerset. Dogs welcome on the camping and caravan sites and can be walked off-lead in the surrounding large fields and grass verges bordering the lake. Set in beautiful location with wildlife trails and fishing lake.

Somewhere to Visit: Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary, Essex. Provides water bowls, and has an open door policy for all dogs across the whole site. Also runs competitions for dog owners, including a Companion Dog show in September and Scruffts heats in July. Also won the 2008 and 2009 Open for Dogs Award. Other: Haslemere Pet Company, Surrey. Customised collar fittings by trained staff and an ethical policy to ensure that no products are ever sold that will cause dogs distress, such as electric shock collars or check chains. Also won the 2008 Open for Dogs Award.

Special Recognition: Royvon Dog Hotel, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. Purpose built accommodation for dogs with themed rooms, including a ‘presidential suite’. Also has indoor and outdoor exercise areas with agility equipment where dogs can socialise and play. Rooms include webcams so owners can watch their dogs while they’re away.

Huff Cap Pub, Warwickshire. Situated in a prime dog-walking area, this pub has a designated room for dogs and owners that has been specially decorated with dog-print wallpaper. Complimentary dog biscuits and water bowls are always on hand and the staff are most welcoming to all canine customers.

Source : Kennel club

Date : 26/10/2010

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