Voting is now open to crown Bury St Edmunds as one of the UK’s most dog friendly towns for the second year in a row.
The town was named England’s most dog friendly town in the National DogFriendly Awards 2023 and now it has its sights set on being the UK’s most dog friendly town after missing out on the overall UK title to Girvan in Scotland.
The awards recognise and celebrate dog friendly places and pet businesses that go the extra mile for the benefit of the UK’s 12.5 million dogs and their owners.
Jon Kay founded Bury’s dog friendly scheme with help from Bury St Edmunds Town Council, Our Bury St Edmunds BID and Bury St Edmunds and Beyond.
He said: “I am proud to support the new dog friendly version of the Bury St Edmunds tour, it was such a great idea that I gladly offered my help and advice to ensure its success.
“This tour is another example of how and why our town is recognised as being so dog friendly. It’s a real collaborative effort that benefits not only dogs and their owners, but also local businesses and Suffolk’s wider tourism economy.
“I couldn’t think of a more wonderful association for our town and I really hope we go one step further this year and gain the UK title.
“However, this does require support as it is reliant on public votes, so we are asking if you enjoy and benefit from our Dog Friendly BSE scheme please take a few minutes to register a vote”.
Voting in the 2024 Awards will close on October 13, with the winners announced at a ceremony in London on November 21.
To cast your vote, follow this link: https://www.dogfriendly.co.uk/town-city/listing/bury-st-edmunds-89871
Bury has developed its own dog friendly scheme with around 140 participating shops, eateries, accommodation providers, and attractions displaying the blue paw print logo and water bowls around town.
Additionally, the Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides has introduced a new dog-friendly tour, allowing owners and their pets to explore the town’s welcoming spots. The 90-minute tour accommodates up to 20 people and 10 dogs, covering the 1,000-year-old Abbey and the town centre.
Looking ahead, a new ‘Dogs of the Cathedral’ calendar for 2025 will soon be available at the St Edmundsbury Cathedral shop.
