Wednesday, 21 August 2019

It’s long been known that dogs are man’s best friend, so it will come as no surprise that there is an entire day, which is dedicated to our canine companions. Now in its 15th year, National Dog Day is celebrated annually on August 26th to highlight the number of rescue dogs in need of a forever home, while also recognising the love dogs bring into people’s lives.

While there are already over *9 million dog owners in the UK, pet ownership was down 7 percentage points between 2012 and 2017 as a result of shrinking household sizes and the shift towards privately rented accommodation. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a dog owner to celebrate this national day or enjoy all the benefits of a four-legged friend.

According to house and pet sitting company TrustedHousesitters, dog sitting has grown in popularity across the UK in recent years. Angela Laws, Community Manager of TrustedHousesitters says: “Between 2018 and 2019, we have seen a 27% increase in the number of dog sits available in the UK and a 35% increase globally which shows just how popular dog sitting is becoming as a new travel trend.

“It’s the perfect way for dog lovers, longing for the company of a canine companion, to sit and stay in a home away from home. With members in over 130 countries, we are creating connections across the world while helping to keep more dogs happy at home when their owners travel.”

Dog lovers like Chris and Suze from Brighton, UK, are among the thousands of sitters spending National Dog Day in the company of other people’s dogs. Suze said: “We’ve now cared for well over 60 dogs - from Terriers to Chihuahuas, Spaniels to Salukis, Labradors and Great Danes - all of whom had their own quirks. We cared for a dog called Jessie who was a 3-year-old Chihuahua German Spitz cross who knew the command “Be cute!’ which meant to stand up like a meerkat in exchange for a treat.

When we started dog sitting, we were hoping it would help us decide which breed we’d like to have in the future, but it’s just made it more difficult for us - we want to take them all home! Fortunately, as full-time house sitters, we get to travel to all kinds of places we wouldn’t ordinarily get to go to and spend time with some adorable dogs.

Dogs really do make the perfect companions. Whether enjoying some playtime, getting you out to explore a new city or town, or just cuddling up on the sofa, there’s never a dull moment when you’re dog sitting!

We’re planning on spending National Dog Day reminiscing about our housesitting adventures, going through photos of previous sits and falling in love with the furry friends we’ve made all over again.”

To celebrate National Dog Day, we’ve rounded up some of the most adorable dogs and their exceptional homes both here in the UK and overseas available on TrustedHousesitters. Whether you’re after a city escape in London, a relaxing retreat on the beaches of Spain or a getaway in the hills of Italy, these beautiful homes will guarantee dog-loving travellers an unforgettable experience in the company of some seriously adorable new friends.

London, United Kingdom
Let Ele and Gus take the lead and show you the city
https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/house-and-pet-sitting-as...

Little Waltham, United Kingdom
Cosy country retreat in a village taking care of Ludo the Welsh Terrier
https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/house-and-pet-sitting-as...

Brooklyn, United States
Discover the fairytale city this Christmas with Riley the puppy
https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/house-and-pet-sitting-as...

Kuranda, Australia
Soak up the sun in your own private pool with Cookie the English Staffordshire-X
https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/house-and-pet-sitting-as...

Ko Samui, Thailand
Take in views of the island with Raffa, Bella and Gandhi - a trio of Terriers
https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/house-and-pet-sitting-as...

Sitges, Spain
Sink your feet in golden sands with Loulou the Daschund
https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/house-and-pet-sitting-as...

Kula, HI, United States
Spend lazy days beside the ocean with Ruger the German Shorthaired Pointer
https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/house-and-pet-sitting-as...

Ripatransone, Italy
Head to the hills and admire the views with dogs Buttercup and Gidget and Luna the cat
https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/house-and-pet-sitting-as...

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About TrustedHousesitters

TrustedHousesitters is the pet care solution keeping pets happy at home while helping people to travel since 2010. Its members pay just once a year to connect and exchange home and pet care for the chance to stay with pets in unique places. With neither owner nor sitters charging money, it’s a special exchange that helps pet owners travel with peace of mind while pet-loving sitters get to experience life somewhere new.

Based in the UK, TrustedHousesitters has members in over 130 countries and is the largest house and pet sitting platform of its kind.

To download high-res imagery from the above listings, please visit:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/dnmmqjt9gsk6z4i/AACGOQNDzgqx5D32K...

For more information, please contact TrustedHousesitters:

Angela Laws: angela@trustedhousesitters.com
Amanda Fenby: amanda@trustedhousesitters.com
Contact number: 03302 232 544

*Dog ownership statistics -

https://www.mintel.com/press-centre/social-and-lifestyle/pet...