It’s the final countdown for dog-lovers who want to nominate businesses to win the Kennel Club’s Open for Dogs competition for the most dog-friendly services in the country.

Amongst this year’s nominations are the Royal Oak at Easterton, Wiltshire, who are nominated for the ‘Somewhere to DRINK’ category. The pub boasts having their dog called Gary as boss, meaning that fellow dogs are of course welcomed with open paws! With plenty to eat and drink for both dog and humans, customers have highlighted this family run pub as a great place to go with man’s best friend. 

Speaking about their dog friendly policy and being nominated for the competition, Steve, Mo and Phil, owners of the Royal Oak, said: “It’s great when people come to the pub with their dogs - everyone loves it and it makes for a great atmosphere. It’s so nice to get recognition from our customers with this nomination.”

And it is not just the Royal Oak’s four legged customers that are benefiting. With the credit crunch putting more and more pressure on struggling businesses, and the dog owning public accounting for approximately 25 percent of the UK population, hundreds of shops and services are starting to see the advantages of implementing a dog friendly policy.

Staff at ArcelorMittal FCE UK Ltd in Birmingham have also put forward their place of work for the Open for Dogs ‘Somewhere you WORK’ award for making their premises such a dog friendly environment. Staff are allowed to bring their dogs into work as it is seen that they de-stress the work environment, improve the atmosphere, and therefore make staff more productive! Employee Aline Bardet says “Every office should do this – its great for morale and my dog loves it!”

Since launching the Open for Dogs competition in July, the Kennel Club has heard from dog owners who have been impressed by companies – from hotels and coffee shops to office spaces and holiday cottages, visitor attractions and restaurants – that are pulling out all the stops to accommodate our four-legged friends.

Caroline Kisko, spokesperson for the Kennel Club, said: “We are delighted that more and more businesses, are starting to offer first class facilities for dogs and their owners. There are 8 million dog owners in the UK, many of whom are holidaying at home instead of abroad in order to save money, and it is great that their dogs can now be included in their activities. Shops and services are also clearly reaping the rewards, both in terms of financial gain and a better all round atmosphere, so it is a win-win situation.'

Customers of all businesses are encouraged to take this final chance to nominate those places that they think are pulling out the stops to accommodate our doggie friends, with innovative services or simply a bowl of clean water and the promise of a friendly smile. The categories are: Somewhere to SLEEP; Somewhere to DRINK; Somewhere to EAT; Somewhere to VISIT; Somewhere you WORK; Somewhere you HOLIDAY and OTHER.

The winners of the competition will receive national recognition and be announced in September, when they will receive winners’ certificates and a Champion Dog Bowl, and all recommended venues will receive an Open for Dogs certificate and sticker.

To nominate a dog friendly business in your area visit: www.openfordogs.org.uk and complete the nomination form.

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