We’re barking Britain!

And there’s no better time to do it than today, August 26 – National Dog Day.

That’s the message from The Eastbury Hotel & Spa in Sherborne and Greenwood Grange holiday cottages near Dorchester.

They’ve joined dog-friendly travel company PetsPyjamas’ campaign, designed to help get the UK’s hospitality sector back on its four paws.

Encouraging owners to flex their ‘hound pound’, ‘We’re Barking Britain’ is based on encouraging at least ten per cent of the nation’s 9.9m dog owners to take their holiday in the UK in 2020.

That would generate more than £2bn for the country’s hospitality industry.

The Eastbury Hotel & Spa and Greenwood Grange join more than 120 hound-picked hotels and self-catering properties offering Barking Britain petaways.

They range from two to six nights, with local produce or a local experience being part of the break.

Some of the Barking Britain perks at The Eastbury Hotel & Spa include:

• A special (and daily) breakfast sausage for the dog and a three-course evening meal on each night, with dine with your dog available.
• Complimentary doggie grooming session.
• Welcome letter and toy for a best furry friend.

Meanwhile the Barking Britain perks at Greenwood Grange include:

• A doggie welcome pack with treats, bowls and towels.
• Guides to the area with places to go and walks to take a four-legged friend.
• Gift of specialty local biscuits for the humans.

Additionally, all Barking Britain packages come with up to £120 worth of benefits including no charge for dogs (saving up to £50 per trip), 24/7 free vetline from PawSquad worth £20 and up to £50 off a first trip with PetsPyjamas.

There’s also access to the PetsPyjamas VIP club, Priority Paws, unlocking perks such as a free night’s stay, exclusive offers, treats and more.

Ian Crighton, General Manager, The Eastbury Hotel & Spa said: “We joined PetsPyjamas ‘We’re Barking Britain’ campaign because it’s another great excuse to welcome our four legged friends.

“Not only do we surprise dogs with treats on arrival but we also surprise their owners too.

“It’s a great campaign to show the forgotten wonders of the UK.

“We have so much to offer in Dorset for staycations that we wanted to be a part of reminder to the nation as to why they don’t need to go abroad to enjoy the most memorable holiday yet.”

Zoe Belcher, General Manager, Greenwood Grange, added: “Dogs are part of the family, so we make sure they’re welcomed at Greenwood Grange along with everyone else.

“Half our cottages are dog friendly, our enclosed walking paddock onsite is great for a quick runabout or we’re a stone’s throw away from Thorncombe woods with hectares of wonderful walks.”

Karen Hanton, PetsPyjamas Co-Founder and CEO, said: “The hospitality industry has been particularly hard hit in recent months.

“With summer abroad lacking its usual appeal, there’s never been a better time to discover all the UK has to offer.

“Through our ‘We’re Barking Britain’ campaign, we hope to rally up the nation’s dog owners to help get the country back on its four feet and reward our dogs for their emotional support during the lockdown with new adventures with their favourite human.”