Dogs and their owners are being encouraged to explore the top National Trust places for dog days out, with the arrival of the new Pooch Passport.
Launched in partnership with natural pet food maker Forthglade, the Pooch Passport has been unveiled exclusively at 29 National Trust places across London and the South East, including Cliveden, Stowe, Basildon Park, Greys Court, Hughenden and Waddesdon.
The 29 places have been specially selected because they have been awarded a two pawprint or three pawprint rating, which means that they provide good or very good facilities for visiting dogs. This may include dog-washing areas, drinking stations, dog zones in cafés, waste bins and downloadable walks for dog walkers. Pawprint ratings can be found on property web pages and in the National Trust Handbook.
From 1 September 2023 to 29 February 2024 dogs who enjoy walks at participating properties can have their Pooch Passports stamped. Once they have collected unique stamps from six different places they’ll receive a special Forthglade treat. And if they visit 12 locations they’ll receive a second Forthglade treat.
National Trust Dogs Welcome Project Manager Ceinwen Paynton: “We’re delighted to be able to say ‘thank you’ to our dog-loving supporters in London and the South East with our Pooch Passport, developed in partnership with Forthglade. We know how much it means to people to be able to bring their dogs when they visit our places and not leave them home alone. Our paw print rating makes it easy to plan a visit with your dog, and the Pooch Passport provides the perfect reason to explore new places with them.
“However, we’re also aware that not everyone loves dogs. Our Pooch Passport includes Canine Code tips to help dogs and their owners behave responsibly and courteously, and the access information provided by the pawprint rating will be of help to all our visitors.”
Bucks resident, Koda, a cavapoo and his owner Emma were two of the first to snap up a Pooch Passport at their local National Trust place, Stowe Gardens: "Stowe is ideal for exercising and playing with Koda. We feel very welcome there; there’s loads of dog-friendly space to roam in - on the lead of course. The facilities are also really good with dog waste bins and water bowls, and I recently heard there’s a monthly dog walk to socialise with other dog owners and even a dog wash and dog first aid kits. It’s great that there’s an area for dogs next to the cafe inside so that we can get a drink or some lunch after our walk. The Pooch Passport is a great idea and it'll definitely get us exploring further afield!”
For more information about where dogs can go at the places we look after, there’s a dedicated web article for dog owners on the website of each property.
