Welcoming Wagging Tails: How to Create a Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottage That Wins Hearts (and Bookings)
With pet ownership on the rise, more Brits are choosing to holiday in the UK alongside their four-legged companions. In fact, one in three families owns a dog — making dog-friendly holiday cottages a golden opportunity to boost bookings and increase your income by catering to this growing market.
In this guide, we’ll explore the perks and challenges of opening your doors to man’s best friend, plus top tips to make your holiday home a canine-approved haven.
Why Say Yes to Dogs? The Perks of a Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottage
Expand your audience: Allowing dogs can open your cottage to a larger pool of guests, helping to fill bookings all year round, even during the quiet seasons.
Guests willing to pay more: Many holidaymakers prefer to bring their pets rather than pay for kennels, which can be costly. Bringing a dog on holiday is estimated to be up to seven times cheaper than kennel fees. Plus, pet owners are often happy to pay a little extra for the convenience of a dog-friendly stay.
Repeat business and referrals: When your cottage ticks all the right boxes for pet owners, you’re likely to see loyal guests returning year after year — and recommending your place to fellow dog lovers.
Competitive edge: In some areas, being dog-friendly can set you apart from other holiday homes that don’t allow pets.
The Flip Side: Challenges of Hosting Pets
Not for everyone: Some potential guests may be allergic to or uncomfortable around dogs, which could limit your audience.
Extra wear and tear: Pets can cause more mess and damage, meaning extra cleaning costs and occasional repairs.
Flea worries: Fleas can be a real headache and may even require temporary closures for treatment.
Potential damage: Unfamiliar environments can stress pets, leading to chewing, scratching, or accidents.
Noise complaints: Barking dogs can disturb neighbors, so clear guidelines and communication are key.
Added responsibilities: Managing a pet-friendly property requires effort and diligence, which not every host may want to take on.
By preparing for these challenges and setting clear rules, you can create a positive experience for all your guests — two-legged and four-legged alike.
Do Dog-Friendly Cottages Really Bring More Income?
The big question on every host’s mind: Will allowing pets actually boost bookings and revenue?
According to Sykes Holiday Cottages, dog-friendly properties see about 9% more bookings than those that don’t allow pets. Pet owners tend to be less price-sensitive and often pay extra pet fees to cover cleaning and wear.
However, location matters. Urban properties without outdoor space, or those near dog-restricted beaches, may not attract many pet owners, no matter how dog-friendly you advertise.
Also, consider your furnishings. Expensive rugs and delicate soft furnishings might make welcoming dogs more costly in the long run. In these cases, extra bookings might not outweigh higher maintenance expenses.
Top Tips for a Successful Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottage
1. Charge a pet fee: A typical charge of around £20 per dog helps cover extra cleaning and wear — a fair price compared to kennel costs.
2. Request a security deposit: This protects you against damage beyond normal wear and tear.
3. Create a doggy welcome pack: Help furry guests settle in with goodies like treats, towels, blankets, food and water bowls, toys, poo bags, a leash, and calming sprays. Including an ID tag with your cottage details is a thoughtful safety touch.
4. Provide a dog-friendly local guide: Highlight nearby parks, walks, dog-friendly cafés, restaurants, pet stores, taxis, and emergency vets. Offering tips on traveling with dogs and connecting with local dog-sitters or walkers adds extra value.
5. Design a secure outdoor space: A fenced garden where dogs can play safely is a major selling point. Include an outdoor tap or hose for washing muddy paws.
6. Choose pet-proof furniture and flooring: Opt for durable, easy-to-clean surfaces like tiles or laminate, and washable throws for sofas. Avoid carpets in pet-accessible areas to minimize damage.
7. Eliminate odors: Use pet-friendly sprays and fresheners to keep your cottage smelling fresh.
8. Set clear pet policies: Define how many dogs are allowed, age and behavior requirements, no-go zones, cleaning responsibilities, and flea treatments. Have guests agree to these terms to avoid misunderstandings.
Check Your Insurance
Many holiday home insurance policies exclude damage caused by pets. Review your policy or consult your insurer to confirm coverage, especially for damage beyond your deposit.
Our policy covers damage caused by domestic pets but be sure to clarify your own coverage before welcoming furry guests.
Spread the Word: Marketing Your Dog-Friendly Cottage
Once your cottage is ready to welcome pets, shout about it! Inform your letting agency and update listings with clear ‘dog-friendly’ keywords. Highlight all your pet-focused amenities and features.
Professional photos featuring dogs help catch the eye — consider borrowing a friend’s pet for the shoot if you don’t have one yourself.
Encourage guests to share photos of their pets enjoying their stay on social media to build authentic, engaging content.
Keeping Everyone Happy
While catering to dog owners, ensure non-pet guests also enjoy a spotless, fresh environment. Thorough cleaning between stays is essential.
Remember, you cannot refuse assistance animals — they are protected by law and should be welcomed without extra fees.
To Sum It Up
Opening your holiday cottage to dogs can be a rewarding way to boost bookings and income year-round. Understanding pet owners’ needs, creating a welcoming space, and marketing effectively will help you tap into this enthusiastic and loyal market.
Most dog owners are responsible and respectful — and their wagging tails just might become your best advertising!
A Little Food for Thought: “Dogs Welcome”
A man once wrote to a small hotel asking, “May I bring my dog? He’s clean and well-behaved.” The owner replied, “I’ve run this hotel for years. I’ve never had a dog steal towels, linens, silverware, or pictures. Dogs don’t get drunk and disorderly, and they never skip out on the bill. Your dog is welcome here — and if he vouches for you, so are you.”