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What 'dog friendly' actually means in practice
A property advertised as dog friendly tells you that dogs are permitted, but very little else. It does not mean your dog can go anywhere in the property, sleep on the furniture, or be left alone for the day. The label is a starting point, not a guarantee that the accommodation will suit how you and your dog actually holiday together.
The number of dogs allowed varies widely. Most holiday cottages and lodges accept up to two dogs, though some specialists welcome more and a few restrict it to one. Always confirm the limit before booking, especially if you have multiple pets or are sharing with another family who also has a dog.
- How many dogs are allowed (typically one or two, occasionally more)
- Whether there is a size, weight or breed restriction
- Which rooms or floors are out of bounds
- Whether dogs can be left alone in the property
- If an enclosed garden is provided and whether it is genuinely secure
Pet supplements and additional charges
Most dog-friendly accommodation in the UK charges a supplement. For holiday cottages, typical charges range from £20 to £25 per dog per week, though this varies by property and booking platform. Some operators include the cost in the overall price, whilst others, including specialist providers like Pack Holidays, charge nothing at all.