Dog Friendly Bury St Edmunds celebrates five-year anniversary

A scheme letting people know where their four-legged family members will be welcomed is celebrating its fifth birthday.

Dog Friendly Bury St Edmunds lists 140 businesses that won’t turn away dogs. Branded dog bowls and paw print window stickers are used by those in the scheme – and the five-year anniversary is being marked with new-and-improved versions.

This updated branding was enabled through donations of £500 each by Our Bury St Edmunds, Camp Tails Doggy Daycare and Bury St Edmunds town councillor Richard Rout – who owns an impressive five dogs.

Cllr Rout said: “It’s fantastic to live in West Suffolk, where our towns and villages are so welcoming of canine guests.

“Dog Friendly Bury St Edmunds is a fine example of this. For the last five years, businesses that allow well-behaved dogs have stood out from the crowd with window stickers and water bowls, which are particularly useful on those warmer days.

“It’s a pleasure to support this brilliant initiative and give my congratulations to all those who have made it such a success.

“I’m sure it will continue to bring dog owners flocking to the town.”

The scheme includes a Dog Friendly charter, laying out the responsibilities of business owners and dog owners.

The charter explains that owners can refuse entry or ask someone to leave if a dog is unruly or out of control.

Mike Kirkham, business support manager for Our Bury St Edmunds , said: “Bury St Edmunds is a great place to shop, eat and relax.

“We want as many people as possible to enjoy their visit to our historic town, so we are really pleased that so many businesses invite customers to do this alongside their canine companions.”

Owner of Camp Tails Doggy Daycare, Jon Kay, has championed the scheme since its start in September 2018.

He has recently opened Bury St Edmunds’ first hotel for dogs at his Eastern Way home, which offers luxury care for pampered pooch-guests.

Mr Kay said: “This scheme helps assist dogs gain valuable social skills while supporting promoting local businesses.

“Bury St Edmunds is now one of the most dog friendly towns in the country.”

Find the businesses part of Dog Friendly Bury St Edmunds here.