A dog sitting website has launched awards to celebrate pubs which welcome pooches, as Wetherspoons announced it will ban all canines this week.

The country’s largest pub chain said it had made the decision because “even well behaved dogs can be unpredictable”. The ban is set to come into effect on Monday, September 10.

Meanwhile, DogBuddy has kicked off its annual awards and is asking people across the country to vote for their favourite dog-friendly watering hole.

With recent research showing that as many as 18 pubs are closing every week, Richard Setterwall, CEO and founder of DogBuddy believes welcoming pooches can help boost business.

He said: “We believe that dogs are a big part of your family, and a big part of the pub experience – not only because they add to the existing charm and community feel of a local pub.

“Already, 34 per cent of dog owners struggle to find a dog-friendly pub.

“Now, with one of the UK’s largest pub chains banning dogs, it seems, it's going to become even harder.”

Wetherspoons says guide dogs and assistance dogs will still be allowed on its premises.

Voting is now open and will close on Sunday, October 28. The winners will be announced in November. To vote, visit www.dogbuddypubs.com.