Sønderjylland’s Dog Friends scheme welcomes holidaymakers’ dogs

More than 30 shops, cafés and accommodation providers have joined a dog-friendly scheme in Sønderjylland during its first year, DR reports. The Dog Friends initiative, launched by tourism organisation Destination Sønderjylland, lists places where dogs are particularly welcome.

The scheme’s online map has been viewed 25,000 times since its launch, despite the organisation not spending money on marketing, said Gerda Bouma, deputy head of Destination Sønderjylland.

Holidaymakers interviewed by DR also welcomed the initiative.

“It is nice to be welcome when you arrive with your dog, instead of having to sneak it in through the back door or sit with it on your lap,” said Jette Thygesen, who was holidaying at Vikær Strand Camping south of Haderslev.

Thomas Thomsen said he had not seen the concept before but thought it was a very good idea because visitors could immediately know whether dogs were welcome.

Visitors can identify participating cafés, museums and other establishments by a small brown sign at the entrance. A sign with a roof indicates that dogs are welcome indoors, while a sign without a roof means they are allowed outdoors on the premises, such as on a terrace.

Dogs are also welcome indoors at the Frøslev Camp museum, which is part of the Dog Friends scheme.

Bouma, who came up with the initiative, said her ambition was for visitors to see the signs throughout the streets and find water bowls for dogs, so they would genuinely feel welcome.