Dog-friendly moteliers gear up for show influx

Pet-friendly motels are filling up fast ahead of the National Dog Show coming to Blenheim in October.

The 65th Black Hawk National Dog Show will take place in Blenheim from October 2-5, the first time it has ventured outside one of the main centres.

About 1400 dogs, of 120 different breeds, are expected in Marlborough.

And a number of Marlborough accommodation providers have reached out to event organisers to say they are happy to take dogs over the four days.

Phoenix Motor Inn owner Sharon Kennedy said her motel allowed dogs anyway, and they were ‘‘just about’’ fully booked for the dog show.

‘‘We haven’t had any issues and I don’t think we will because the people who bring dogs, their dogs are usually very well looked after and very well behaved,’’ Kennedy said. ‘‘We’ve got two little dogs of our own and we know when we go on holiday it’s very hard to find dog-friendly places. Most people really appreciate it and won’t ruin the aspect of people coming back with dogs.’’

Grove Park Motor Lodge owner Hamish Watson said being dog-friendly was tricky, as a lot of guests expected to be able to travel with pets these days. Their general policy was animals were not allowed in motel rooms, but there was some flexibility.

‘‘We’re taking each case on its merit. If they’re small dogs and they don’t shed hair, maybe,’’ Watson said. ‘‘I like dogs but not viscous dogs or intimidating dogs or dogs that are going to yap and keep other guests up. If someone turned up here with a couple of rottweilers, I’d tell them to go away.’’

Colonial Motel owner Shona Etheredge provided pet-friendly accommodation but said it was a lot of extra work, which was why there was a surcharge. ‘‘There’s a lot of work involved in being pet-friendly. You’ve got so much extra washing, carpets to be cleaned – everything has to be stripped and made and washed. Everything has to be all fresh from one pet to another . . . there can’t be any allergy [risk] for incoming people after pets.’’

Asure Sundowner Motel was also fully booked for the dog show. Owner Carol Mason said the motel was dogfriendly year-round and mostly had no issue.

‘‘Being dog owners ourselves, we always prefer to have dogs with us rather than left elsewhere,’’ Mason said.

‘‘We’ve got the grounds and there’s a good running area for them that is fenced off that they can go and do their toileting and have a run around and things like that.’’

The Marlborough District Council had also decided to lift the Dog Control Bylaw to allow dogs in the Blenheim town centre for the month of October to coincide with the Black Hawk National Dog Show.