Gone are the days when pet owners have to scramble for pet-sitting services when heading away. Today, an increasing number of hotels are rolling out the red carpet for pets of all shapes and sizes, and we share what to look for when booking accommodation to house four-legged friends.
We’re a nation of pet lovers! As more people consider pets a part of the family, and a part that doesn’t get left behind when it comes to holidays, hotels are opening up their doors to furry companions. With more travellers than ever looking to bring their four-legged friends along for the journey and the demand for dog-friendly breaks soaring, there is no surprise that the way dog owners plan their holidays is changing.
With a 13% increase in dog ownership in the UK[1] since the start of the pandemic, the UK staycation market is booming with those looking to holiday with their furry friends. Campsites and holiday parks are traditionally popular options for those looking for a relaxed atmosphere welcoming dogs, but, more recently, with hotels beginning to tap into this niche market, there is an array of stays available for whatever you desire!
With Brexit making it increasingly difficult to take dogs across the Channel to Europe, many dog owners are now on the lookout for dog-friendly staycations, with approximately 70% of owners taking their dog on holiday with them, according to Dogs Trust. With this in mind, we’re here to discuss what to look out for when booking a holiday for your furry-friend.
With the demand for dog-friendly accommodation soaring, it is easy to see why many hotels may jump on this trend without actual consideration for pets’ needs, and simply wanting to increase the likelihood of bookings. However, this often results in disparity between the pet owner’s desires and the hotel’s ability to deliver them, with many owners reporting that options can be less dog-friendly in reality. So, be sure to check reviews from previous guests to check out just how dog-friendly the accommodation actually is. Even if dogs are permitted to stay in rooms, they may not be accepted in social areas, making the stay much more restrictive for owners, who sometimes pay double the price for half of the access!
Booking a pet-friendly hotel involves more than just allowing pets on the premises. Guests are recommended to look for hotels that implement pet-friendly policies that prioritise the safety, comfort and well-being of both guests and pets. This includes providing clear guidelines for pet owners, maintaining clean and hygienic facilities, and ensuring that pet-friendly rooms are adequately equipped to handle the needs of furry guests.
Now, understandably, bringing furry friends does lead to an increase in costs, with deposits and cleaning fees, but are owners paying over the odds? Instead of accepting the increased price for pets while accepting the minimum service, look for hotels that have successfully integrated pet-friendly policies, including pet-friendly rooms, pet beds, bowls and welcome treats. Consider hotels that are also partnered with local pet services, like dog-walking companies or veterinary practices, to provide further peace of mind. The majority of hotels will add a dog-cleaning surcharge to the booking in order to prepare the room for the next guest. I’m sure you all can appreciate this additional cost incurred after cleaning up after dogs at home, but scout around for prices that don’t take the biscuit!
Location is also a vital consideration, both in the hotel and geographically! In the hotel, consider booking a ground floor room, if possible, with easy access to outdoor spaces for those night-time toilet trips; nobody wants to be traipsing down four flights of stairs for a midnight wee. Geographically, remember that the local area is an integral part of any dog holiday, so be sure to check out what facilities are nearby. It’s also well worth chatting to hotel staff and locals to find out any hidden treasures on their doorstep.
In a time when pets are considered as part of the family, hotels are redefining what it means to be pet-friendly. From offering specialised amenities to implementing pet-friendly policies, hotels are going the extra mile to ensure that four-legged guests feel welcome and two-legged guests feel at ease without the worry of pets left behind. As dog ownership and staycations continue to boom, one thing is certain: pets are no longer just companions—they’re valued guests.
[1] https://globalpetindustry.com/article/post-pandemic-shifts-in-pet-ownership/
