For the last few months we’ve been working on the first phase of an access programme, persuading businesses, pubs and restaurants to allow dogs in. We’ve produced a door and window sticker so the scheme gains recognition.

We started in Lymington and to raise the profile are bidding to have the town voted the most dog-friendly in Britain. The national competition is run by Dogfriendly Britain who invite local people and visitors to vote for their favourite doggy town. 

Votes can be registered at www.nfdog.org.uk/lymington . A specially commissioned minute-long video promoting the scheme is on the same page. 

Lymington Chamber of Commerce, Lymington Town Council, and the harbour commissioners have supported us. The scheme has been co-ordinated by Sarah Morris of NFDOG, who has worked with the official bodies, and visited more than a hundred premises in the town.

“Many shops, coffee shops and pubs already welcomed businesses. But we’ve helped them identify themselves to do owners with a special window and door sticker.” says Sarah. “Other businesses listened and have now become dog friendly. It’s a great result – well over half the premises in Lymington welcome dogs and responsible owners.”

Businesses who welcome dogs have a 20-50% increase in footfall and turnover, according to the magazine Pets Business World. 36% of UK households own a dog. 

“Often the reason people visit, for example, is because they have a dog and can’t travel abroad” adds Sarah Morris. “Encouraging responsible owners to take their dogs out with them enhances their experience, and the dogs, as well an brining in new customers.”

As well as identifying stickers, NFDOG has also launched a guide on its website to dog friendly premises. Dog friendly shops and premises will also be promoted by NFDOG through its magazine, phone app and show stand. The New Forest Dog Owners Group is the largest user group in the New Forest with some 1300 members. 

“This is only the start, and we’ll be rolling out our dog friendly campaign to New Forest towns and villages including Fordingbridge. Ringwood, Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst in due course,” says David Bennett, co-Chair of NFDOG. “We’d really thank the businesses for accepting the challenge to become dog friendly, and we’ll support them if they have questions or queries, as well as practical methods such as the stickers.”