Girvan is aiming to be the most dog friendly town in Scotland

The Ayrshire town is encouraging people to visit the area with their dogs this summer

Girvan is opening up businesses and parks to families who want to take their dogs with them
Author: Molly TulettPublished 21st Jul 2023

An Ayrshire town is aiming to be the most dog friendly place in Scotland.

Girvan has started a new tourism campaign encouraging businesses to open their doors to families and their four-legged friends this summer.

The town is inviting businesses to put a sticker in the window to let people know they’re keen to have dogs inside.

Go Girvan’s Susanne Arbuckle said: “We know dogs are very much a part of the family and we are aware that an increasing number of dog owners want to take their pet on holiday with them.

“They don't want to compromise on what activities they are able to do during their break so we have been working with local businesses in Girvan to make sure dogs can enjoy their time here just as much as humans.”

The Go Girvan stickers will let people know where they can take their dogs this summer

Furry companions can also join families in Girvan’s Community Garden to enjoy the live music there, or take a ride in the dog trailers with Biosphere Bikes.

Susanne hopes the stickers will remind people they can take their dogs with them everywhere.

She added: “I’m a dog owner in Girvan and I didn’t know, when I first started doing this I had no idea of all the places that were dog friendly, even the fruit and veg shop.”

To help raise awareness of the scheme, Go Girvan is encouraging visitors to share photos of their dogs enjoying the summer on Instagram with the #DogFriendlyGirvan, to be in with a chance of winning a doggy hamper from Girvan Pet Store.

Anyone who wants to check for dog friendly activities and accommodation can do so on the Go Girvan website.

The Go Girvan website has a list of everywhere pooches can enjoy this summer

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