Happy pawlidays for a growing number of dogs

It’s proving to be happy pawlidays in Scotland this summer as family breaks with their pet dogs in tow rise have risen by 56%.

The increase in people taking their dogs with them on staycations across Scotland will result in leading animal charity, the Scottish SPCA, enjoying a new wave of donations.

A group of four-legged friends were unleashed on Loch Lomond’s private dog beach yesterday (Sunday 29 July) as Argyll Holidays launched its new partnership which will see them raise a minimum of £2000 in the next year for the Scottish SPCA.

Holidaymakers are barking mad for dog-friendly staycations within the UK, with over 9000 pooches visiting Argyll Holidays since 2014. The holiday park operator has seen a 56% increase in dog holidays in the last four years, and is encouraging pet owners to take a paws and think about dogs that aren’t as fortunate as their own.

For every pampered pooch that stays with Argyll Holidays, a donation will be made to the Scottish SPCA to help keep dogs safe across Scotland.

A donation will be made to the Scottish SPCA for every dog that stays with Argyll Holidays (Photo: Paws Pet Photography)

Lisa Allan-Downie, head of marketing, at Argyll Holidays, said: ‘As a proud owner of two rescued Collies, Bonnie and Clyde, I understand that dogs are an important part of the family – and that means they’re part of the family holiday.

‘We’re excited to be partnering with the Scottish SPCA to promote our dog friendly breaks and give something back to furry friends that might not have the opportunity to go on holiday this year.

‘At Argyll Holidays, we’re welcoming more and more dogs to stay every year and we make sure that they have a pawsome time, with special dog bowls and some of the most spectacular dog-walking routes for them to enjoy.’

Sharon Comrie, superintendent at the Scottish SPCA said: ‘We’re delighted to have this exciting partnership with Argyll Holidays.

‘Dogs really are part of the family and it’s great that they are so welcome to stay at the holiday parks.

‘We don’t receive any government or lottery funding which means we rely on the public to be able to continue our work rescuing and rehoming animals in desperate need of our help. Partnerships like this help us fund vital projects and day-to-day costs of running our rehoming centres.’