Dog-Friendly Holiday Rental Accommodation

Finding adequate holiday accommodation can be a challenge for any family, but for those bringing along their four-legged family members as well, it can be even tougher. By reading through this guide on how to find pet friendly holiday cottages, bungalows or even cabins, you can ensure that your vacation is enjoyable for everyone, including the family dog.

Outdoor Space: Most dogs need to spend at least part of their day outside. While you are on vacation, you will have more time than ever to include the dog on long walks, playing catch in an available space or just roaming freely and having fun. Be sure that any accommodation you choose has ample space for a dog to play outside. Some hotels or city dwellings don’t have private land for the dog to roam, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be an option. Simply find out if there is space nearby, such as a dog park or green space for animals to be let off their leashes.

Understanding Owners: When you consider renting from private owners, such as in the case of many vacation homes and cottages, try to find owners who understand about the needs of a dog. Whenever possible, try to find an owner who has a pet themselves. Not only will they be more tolerant of having a dog in the house, but they can help give you detailed information about where it is safest to bring the dog along, and comfortable places for him to sleep.

An example is provided below of a property advertised as dog/pet friendly. This holiday cabin is in Snowdon, Gwynedd, Wales and costs from £235 per week.

Flooring Choices: The flooring in a rental home should be a big factor in whether or not you decide to bring along your pet on a vacation. A cottage with white carpets or softer vinyl floors will likely end up scratched or stained by your dog, even when you pay close attention. The best choice is to stay in a home with hardwood floors or even tile. While the floors might get dirty, you can simply wipe them down upon leaving. Not only will this protect any deposit you have, but the owners will remember your stay fondly and allow you to return in future years. Before you set out on vacation, consider filing down your dog’s nails to protect the floor further.

Adequate Indoor Space: When choosing a dog-friendly holiday rental accommodation, be sure to locate somewhere with enough space for your own dog. A small, cramped location might save you money, but will be unpleasant for a pet to stay in, especially if the family plans on leaving for daytime outings alone. Whenever possible, opt for a space larger than what the dog is used to. Anything smaller might be frustrating, especially for a larger dog.

Be Specific: In both hotels and private rentals, even pet-friendly owners might ask for specifics about your pet before allowing them to stay. Be completely honest in these cases about what type of pet you have. It is better to be turned away months in advance than have owners or staff upset that you were dishonest about the size or type of dog brought along.

If you can find a dog friendly holiday rental that meets all of your needs, you can be sure to have a wonderful vacation with all of the family.

The author of this article was Alan Horton, he is a regular author of travel related articles on the web.