Pampered pooches will be slumbering budget style this week as hotel chain Travelodge has reported an all time high in dog bookings for Crufts. With the greatest dog show in the world just 24 hours away, hundreds of canines worth a cool million pounds will be checking into one of thirteen Travelodge hotels in Birmingham today.
In preparation of the influx of the creme de la creme of the canine world, Travelodge has beefed up its security and brought in the UK's famous Pet Detective, Tom Watkins to advise on pedigree pooch safety.
Tom Watkins, UK's Pet Detective and founder of Animal Search UK said: "It's great news that Travelodge welcomes dogs, as there are very few hotels in the UK that do. With room bookings being at all time high for Crufts 2010, it's sensible that Travelodge has taken the initiative to increase it's security as Dognapping is a growing issue in the UK. It's estimated that a value in excess of £1.2m of pedigree dogs are stolen in this country each year."
"Travelodge customers can be rest assured that there darling pooches are in very good hands whilst staying in a Travelodge hotel. Where owners need to be vigilant is when they are travelling to and from Crufts. Its vital that owners do not leave their dogs in the car alone, even though they believe its perfectly safe; as this is the most popular form of pet theft. My team and I are currently searching for 1685 missing dogs across the UK and most of these pets have been stolen from cars."
"My advice to pet owners is to microchip or tattoo their pets and most importantly when travelling away from home always carry a good selection of pet photographs. Images should be a series of 'pet portrait' style images which include a full face, side profiles and any close up shots of any distinguishing marks their pets may have. By carrying images, instant action can be taken if a pet goes missing. Also never leave your dog alone in a car or outside a shop."
Following the Pet Detective advise, Travelodge is offering a 'Pooch Portrait Service' for any customers who are not carrying photographs of their dogs to ensure their customers have total peace of mind whilst visiting Crufts. Travelodge reception staff will be on hand to take portrait style images of canine customers in case their owners need them.
Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge Spokeswoman said: "In order to attend the glamour and glitz of what is the world's biggest and greatest dog show, many pampered pooches have shifted from expensive five-star to low cost accommodation in order to participate at Crufts this year. With a record number of valuable dogs staying in our Birmingham hotels this week, we felt it was essential to seek independent advise from the UK's Pet Detective to ensure the safety of our VIP guests. Travelodge staff will be on hand to help with any pooch requests."
A selection of images showing canine guests checking into Fort Dunlop Travelodge and Dog Mug Shots are available by calling Shakila Ahmed on 01844 358 703.
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