UK online accommodation booking website, iknow-uk reported today that it received 132,000 booking enquiries last year for pet friendly accommodation, amounting to 28% of its total 2007 enquiries.

Pets accounted for over £19 million in holiday booking enquiries out of a total of £60 million says the company, from 5 million visitors.

Commenting on the figures, owner of iknow-uk, Marcus Simmons said:

"Historically it's been difficult for people to find a place that will welcome their much-loved pooch, but we have seen an increase in accommodation providers accepting animals in some of their rooms.

"As more providers realise the size of this lucrative market, I'm sure increasing numbers will accept pets. Many people choose to holiday in the UK because they can take their pet with them, so providers who don't accept pets are missing out."

Iknow-uk also reports some slightly bizarre enquiries from pet owners:

"I am coming up to Halifax to look at a yearling filly and I would like a double bed. I am a celiac so cannot eat anything that the horse can eat."

"I'm looking for pet friendly holiday accommodation in Harrogate and will be accompanied by my 3 Yorkshire terriers - if sellotaped together [!?] they amount to the size of a Spaniel............"

"I would like to bring my much loved pet parrot in a cage."

"My pet ferret needs to accompany me, he is house trained and will have all his own bedding."

Submitted by: Steve O'Malley      

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