LifecanbetoffThe ultimate guide to finding the perfect pet-friendly holiday spot.
Planning a UK staycation with your dog? You’re not alone. More and more people are choosing to holiday closer to home – and let’s face it, what’s a holiday without your four-legged bestie? Going on holiday with Toffee is one of my favourite things to do, showing her new places and getting to explore wider parts of the UK. We build our holiday around Toffee, so it’s crucial the accommodation is up to scratch – for her as much as it is us.
But not all “dog-friendly” stays are created equal. Some genuinely welcome dogs with open arms (and maybe even a treat or two), while others simply tolerate them. So, how do you make sure your chosen holiday home is truly suitable for both you and your dog?
Here’s our guide to what to look for when booking dog-friendly staycation accommodation in the UK.
Check the dog policy – read the fine print!
First things first: not all dog-friendly properties are the same. Some may allow one small dog; others welcome multiple dogs of all sizes. Some accommodations may even discriminate towards breed (yes having a Staffordshire bull terrier we are very aware of breed prejudice!).
Things to look out for:
- How many dogs are allowed?
- Are there breed or size restrictions?
- Is there an extra fee per pet? Is it per night or per pet.
- Are dogs allowed in bedrooms or on the furniture?
Top tip: Always read the property’s dog policy thoroughly – and don’t be afraid to ask questions before you book. You don’t want to arrive at your accommodation and find you’re faced with lots of rules that will make your stay stressful or uncomfortable.
For example, I recently asked the owner of a beautiful dog friendly glamping tent if it was nearby others as I was unsure how Toffee would respond to noise and her barking bothering our campsite neighbours.
A secure garden or outdoor space
Having outdoor space is a game-changer, especially for early morning wees or evening zoomies. But not all accommodation comes with safe and enclosed outdoor space. If this is something you need because you have a reactive dog or you just want to make sure your dog is safe to roam, then make sure you look for the following:
- Fully enclosed gardens or patios
- Secure fencing (especially for escape artists!) Ask to see gates or gaps under fences if your pup is likely to squeeze underneath (Toffee has and I know that particular accommodation has since upgraded their fencing!)
- Somewhere shaded and grassy to lounge
If the property mentions “shared gardens” or “not fully enclosed”, it’s worth clarifying what that actually means. Some places even offer access to dog enclosed fields or pastures. Don’t be afraid to ask accommodation hosts what they mean by this.
If you’re happy to tether your dog, or you’re confident with them loose and that they won’t bother neighbours or the owners, then that certainly opens up more options for you.
Dog-friendly interiors
Does the accommodation actually work for dogs inside? You’ll want somewhere that’s comfy for them and easy to clean if they get a bit muddy.
Look for:
- Hard floors (easier to clean than carpets) but look at getting paw wax to help with slipping if you have an elderly dog or one that’s not used to walking on hard flooring
- Pet-friendly furniture policies (or bring throws)
- Space for a dog bed or travel crate
- Warm and quiet sleeping spots if not allowed in bedrooms
If you’re bringing something like the Travel Dog Pod 2.0, make sure there’s space for it to be set up comfortably.
Location, location, walkies
Is the property in a truly dog-friendly area? The best staycations have scenic walking spots right from the doorstep. I also research the local area for lots of dog friendly activities a short drive away. Consider:
- Nearby dog-friendly beaches, parks or hiking trails
- Pet-friendly pubs and cafes in walking distance
- Access to off-lead areas or dog exercise fields
- Distance from busy roads (especially if you’re letting your dog out into a garden)
Some hosts even leave walking route suggestions, which is always a great sign of a dog friendly host.
Facilities and extras for dogs
The best dog-friendly stays go above and beyond to make dogs feel at home. Accommodation hosts that make your dog feel as welcome as you are, really are the best!
Look out for properties that offer:
- Dog towels, bowls, or beds
- Treats on arrival
- Outdoor hose or dog wash station
- Pet-safe cleaning supplies
- Local vet info or emergency contacts
It’s the little things that can make a big difference to your holiday experience.
Avoid the red flags
Watch out for signs that a place may not be quite as dog-friendly as it claims and is more dog tolerant. I have almost been caught out by this until I read the fine print.
Red flags include:
- Lots of rules and fines listed for pets
- “No dogs upstairs” or “dogs only allowed in the kitchen”
- No mention of dogs in guest reviews
- Photos that don’t show outdoor spaces clearly
Something I’m always cautious of too is when it mentions about the hosts own pets, if they are free roaming and likely to interrupt your stay it’s worth bearing in mind. Maybe not a red flag if your dog is fine, but if your dog is already going to be stressed about being somewhere new, they might not appreciate other dogs being within their space.
Trust your gut — if it doesn’t feel welcoming in the listing, it probably won’t in real life either.
Bonus tip: Read the reviews
I always give the reviews a good read and check out social media posts too, as dog-owning guests are often happy to share the reality of staying somewhere with their dogs and they’ll likely be honest about it too! Search for keywords like “dog” or “pet” in reviews to get honest insight.
You’ll quickly get a feel for:
- Whether the garden is really secure
- How welcome dogs were made to feel
- Tips on any great nearby walking or pet-friendly spots
Final thoughts: Find the perfect stay for you and your dog
A great dog-friendly staycation isn’t just about tolerating pets – it’s about including them; you want it to be their home from home as much as it is yours. With a little planning and some careful checking, you can find somewhere that truly welcomes your pup as part of your family.
There are some booking sites who have dogs in mind when it comes to offering dog friendly accommodation, they’ll consider all of the above and personally inspect accommodation to make sure it meets their requirements.
Want to make the most of your dog-friendly holiday? Don’t forget to pack your essentials!
Check out our article on why you should travel with your dog and Why We Love the Travel Dog Pod 2.0 for more dog travel tips.
