Wag those tails and bark with delight, the Dog-Friendly Pub Awards 2018 are officially open.

East Anglian Daily Times: Despite rigirous testing and demonstrations the DogBuddy think tank was inconclusive Picture: DOGBUDDYDespite rigirous testing and demonstrations the DogBuddy think tank was inconclusive Picture: DOGBUDDY (Image: Archant)

You can nominate your local dog-friendly pub online for your canine’s favourite watering hole to be recognised either through a regional or the ultimate national award.

• A list of 13 dog-friendly pubs in Suffolk.

To celebrate the launch of the third annual awards. DogBuddy, who run the event, held the first ever “dog think tank” to decide what our four-legged friends really wanted from a pub.

Lisa Hens, Senior Scientific Officer at the RSPCA, who is one of the judges of the Dog-friendly Pub Awards said: “Whilst letting dogs decide what they want from a pub in the ‘Think Tank’ is all just a bit of fun, it is important to consider the well-being of dogs in a busy, sometimes crowded, environment such as a pub, and to ensure that all their needs are catered for whilst there.”

East Anglian Daily Times: The Dog Friendly Pub Awards think tank in action Picture: DOGBUDDYThe Dog Friendly Pub Awards think tank in action Picture: DOGBUDDY (Image: Archant)

She continued: “It’s great to see establishments considering the needs of the dogs that might visit them and the Dog-friendly Pub Awards is a brilliant way to recognise this.”

Whilst the think tank results were obviously inconclusive, Suffolk’s most dog friendly pubs were keen to comment on the awards.

Lucy Bullard, general manager at the Crown in Hartest, Bury St Edmunds said: “We would love to win a Dog Friendly Pub Award.

She continued: “We have a massive pub garden, a separate dog-friendly dining area which means that if people bring their dog they won’t disturb who don’t want to dine with dogs.

“We’ve have dog treats behind the counter for our four-legged friends and we are on a lovely circular walk so people can come and park their cars go for a walk and finish with a lovely pub lunch here.”

Piers Skilton who works at the, aptly named, Dog pub in Grundisburgh was also interested in the dog-friendly pub accolade.

He said: “It would be a huge honour to win the award.

He continued: “To be recognised as a pub from a small place like Grundisburgh would be great.”

Voting is now open and you can nominate any dog-friendly pub for the awards by visiting the DogBuddy site.

Voting closes on Sunday 28th October 2018 and winners will be announced Friday 9th November 2018.

For every vote received DogBuddy will donate 50p to the RSPCA up to a limit of £5,000.