Member Article

Pet-loving Brits skip holidays to put dogs be-fur friends

• 37% would take a break more often if we could take our pets too – with the UK travel industry losing out in a potential £324[i] million a year from lack of pet-friendly stays
• Brits would rather go away with a pet than a friend
• Sadness and guilt at leaving fur babies behind stops people enjoying a much-needed break
• Mercure Hotels welcomes pets and has launched ‘Happy Tails’ stays for pets to enjoy a break too, along with an exclusive menu for dogs

Dogs really are a man’s best friend, as new research from Mercure Hotels reveals that Brits would rather go away with a furry friend than a human pal. A third (33%) have missed out on going on holiday because of their pet, with 41% feeling guilt when they do travel away. Shockingly, almost a fifth (19%) admit they regret having pets as it stops them from taking breaks and 37% agreed that they would take more trips away if they could take their pets with them. The British travel industry is losing out on up to an estimated £324 million a year by not catering to the 33% of Brits who said having a pet means they have missed out on going away.

However, fear of leaving fur babies behind is a thing of the past as Mercure Hotels introduce an exclusive ‘Happy Tails’ package at selected dog friendly hotels around the country, where dogs will receive an exclusive gift when staying for a limited time only [ii]. Owners can book for their dogs to join them at 42 selected Mercure hotels for up to £15 per night, and a special snack will be delivered to canine visitors wanting to chow down. With plenty of wonderful retreats across the UK, there is a destination for every pet and owner including idyllic city breaks, spa hotels and country locations.

To launch the ‘Happy Tails’ package, Mercure Warwickshire Walton Hall Hotel & Spa is introducing an exclusive canine-cuisine menu designed by Head Pet Nutritionist at AniForte, Katrin Scholz. The specially designed dog menu features a range of on-trend and nutritionally balanced meals for pooch pals, including Salmon Sashimi and Beef Tartare, to ensure that pups are given delicious food choices which appeal to both owner and hound. The menu will be available at the hotel until 31st October for just £7.50.

Laila Abdin, Marketing Director Midscale Brands, UK & Ireland said: ‘We’re delighted to be launching our exclusive ‘Happy Tails’ offer into selected Mercure Hotels, where we welcome a range of four-legged friends every day to enjoy our hotels and grounds. We know how important pets are to our guests, and how hard it is to leave them behind so we hope that both canine and human guests will love the new menu. We love having dogs to stay at our pet-friendly properties, but of course also welcome humans too!“

Katrin Scholz, Head Nutritionist of natural pet brand AniForte said: ‘I’m delighted to be working with Mercure Hotels to create their ‘Happy Tails’ canine menu. Research has shown that so many people across the UK struggle to go on holiday as they don’t want to leave their pets behind, so it’s brilliant to see the hotel brand helping to solve the problem. I have created raw and cooked options so every dog owner can choose something they know their dog can digest well. The menus are fresh and healthy and human food grade so this special holiday dinner is a real treat but full of carefully considered nutrition as well.’

The research also exposed Brits are put in the doghouse when they leave their pets home alone as they feel sad (35%), guilty (41%) and even stressed (16%). In fact, 37% of Brits said they think daily about their pets missing them, but just 20% thought as often about our friends and family, and only 10% about work as regularly.

Those wanting to book and enjoy the pet friendly package with Mercure can view the full list of participating hotels at www.mercure.com . Please call ahead to the hotel to ensure that you and your furry friend aren’t left disappointed as the offer is available at participating hotels only. www.mercure.com

Mercure Hotels ‘Happy Tails’ Menu – available at Mercure Warwickshire Walton Hall Hotel & Spa We welcome four-legged friends at many Mercure Hotels across the UK and we’ve worked with leading pet nutritionist, Katrin Scholz at natural pet brand AniForte to develop a delicious and nutritious menu just for canines.

Choose from the below at £7.50 each:

Fun: Raw Steak Tartare Finest raw beef tartare, seasonal fruits and vegetables, AniForte Meat & Bone supplement, served with a herb dressing.

TASTING NOTES: Raw diets are free from additives, chemicals and artificial flavouring and provide plenty of protein, vitamins and minerals to your dog. Grain free diets help with digestion and avoid gluten allergies and intolerances. Meat & Bone Meal can be used to ensure dogs receive enough calcium.

Creative: Salmon Sashimi Fresh raw salmon sashimi, mashed banana, AniForte Meal & Bone supplement and fresh herbs.

TASTING NOTES: Salmon contains Omega 3 to promote strong bones, prevent hair loss, boost metabolism and stimulate growth. Dogs also find it delicious! Bananas are packed with potassium, vitamin B and C as well as fibre.

Health & Wellbeing: Clean Eating Chicken Protein Immune Booster Fresh chicken breast, seasonal carrots and apples, AniForte Meal & Bone supplement and fresh herbs.

TASTING NOTES: Fresh chicken will provide plenty of tasty protein for your pet, while vitamins C found in carrots, and vitamins B1. B2 and B6 in apples will ensure plenty of delicious nutrients.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by BDaily .