The search is on to find the UK’s most dog-friendly places, as the Kennel Club launches its Be Dog Friendly Awards 2016.

The competition, now in its 10th year, is part of the wider Be Dog Friendly campaign which aims to break down barriers for man’s best friend by encouraging more businesses and public spaces to welcome dogs.

With around 8.5 million dogs in the UK, and around one in four households owning a dog, the great British public are always on the lookout for places where their four-legged family members are also welcome. The Be Dog Friendly Awards recognise businesses and places to visit that go the extra mile for our canine companions.

The Be Dog Friendly Awards 2016 are held in association with dogfriendly.co.uk, the UK’s leading directory with over 32,000 entries including dog-friendly pubs, cafes, hotels, beaches and towns.

There will be 10 categories plus a Special Recognition prize at this year’s awards: Town/City - Great Outdoors - Pub/Bar - Hotel/Hostel- High Street - Day Out - Beach - Café/Restaurant - Camping/Caravan Site - Large Organisation.

Each winner will be determined by public nomination and vote. The Special Recognition prize will be awarded to a place or business that the Kennel Club and Dog Friendly identifies as going the extra mile for their canine customers and owners.

Speaking about this year’s awards, Kennel Club secretary, Caroline Kisko said: “The Be Dog Friendly Awards are a great way to acknowledge the businesses and public places that go above and beyond to make our canine companions feel welcome.

"Despite being a nation of dog lovers, many owners struggle to find restaurants, shops, accommodation and even outdoor spaces where they can take their pet; therefore pubs that provide treats, beaches that allow dogs to roam off-lead and hotels that offer dog beds should be recognised and rewarded.”

The competition runs until September 30.

To recommend and vote for your favourite dog friendly places or businesses, please go to bedogfriendlyawards.co.uk Everyone who makes a nomination or votes will be entered into a free prize draw to be in with a chance of winning a £500 voucher towards a dog friendly holiday or a pair of tickets to Eukanuba Discover Dogs or Crufts 2017.