Taking pets (especially dogs) on holiday is now becoming more and more commonplace. There are many pet friendly cottages available throughout the UK, so if you’re planning on travelling in the UK this year there really is no need to leave your pet to be cared for at home, or to put your pet in a kennel or cattery. Whilst it is possible to travel abroad with your pet if they have a pet passport, most people find that taking their dogs on such a long journey is unfair or too much for their pet to handle comfortably, so they stick to holidays in the UK.
Dog friendly cottages are very popular in places that attract walkers and ramblers, such as in the Yorkshire Dales, the Highlands, Cornwall and Devon, and Norfolk. However, it is important to act responsibly when taking your dog or other pet on holiday. Some holiday homes that have previously advertised themselves as ‘pet friendly cottages’ stop doing so because of the mess that has been left behind by irresponsible dog or pet owners. Pet friendly cottages can only continue to exist if they are treated with respect.
Before you book with a pet friendly hotel, make sure you tell them what sort of pet (and/or how many pets) will be travelling with you and check that they will be happy to accommodate you. If you have several particularly large dogs, for example, you might find that the dog friendly cottage you had hoped for is rather reluctant to let you stay. It is better to book into somewhere that knows what to expect than to hide information and make things awkward later.
You should be asked for proof that your pet is free from disease or parasites before your visit, so that any future pets are not infected – if you are not asked, then beware that whoever visited the cottage before you might have left behind some unwanted pests!
If you are staying in a pet friendly cottage, don’t leave your pet behind when you go out because your pet could get up to all sorts of mischief (and may spend the day annoying the neighbours with barking or other noise). Make sure you clear up any mess left behind in the garden (or inside, of course!). Keep dogs on a lead when near other people and if you are travelling on public transport keep your pet close to you and contained in a suitable pet carrier.
Make sure that whatever happens, you know that the people who have rented their cottage to you would be happy for you to return. If you act irresponsibly then you may make them decide not to accommodate any pets in future, which spoils it for everyone.
Dog friendly cottages are very popular in places that attract walkers and ramblers, such as in the Yorkshire Dales, the Highlands, Cornwall and Devon, and Norfolk. However, it is important to act responsibly when taking your dog or other pet on holiday. Some holiday homes that have previously advertised themselves as ‘pet friendly cottages’ stop doing so because of the mess that has been left behind by irresponsible dog or pet owners. Pet friendly cottages can only continue to exist if they are treated with respect.
Before you book with a pet friendly hotel, make sure you tell them what sort of pet (and/or how many pets) will be travelling with you and check that they will be happy to accommodate you. If you have several particularly large dogs, for example, you might find that the dog friendly cottage you had hoped for is rather reluctant to let you stay. It is better to book into somewhere that knows what to expect than to hide information and make things awkward later.
You should be asked for proof that your pet is free from disease or parasites before your visit, so that any future pets are not infected – if you are not asked, then beware that whoever visited the cottage before you might have left behind some unwanted pests!
If you are staying in a pet friendly cottage, don’t leave your pet behind when you go out because your pet could get up to all sorts of mischief (and may spend the day annoying the neighbours with barking or other noise). Make sure you clear up any mess left behind in the garden (or inside, of course!). Keep dogs on a lead when near other people and if you are travelling on public transport keep your pet close to you and contained in a suitable pet carrier.
Make sure that whatever happens, you know that the people who have rented their cottage to you would be happy for you to return. If you act irresponsibly then you may make them decide not to accommodate any pets in future, which spoils it for everyone.
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