How to Choose the Best Dog Friendly Cottage for Your Next Getaway

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Editor’s Note

In this Guest Post, Annabel from UK company Dog Friendly Cottages, shares some down-to-earth advice for picking the perfect holiday cottage for you and your canine companion.

Planning a dog friendly UK staycation? We know that not just any cottage will do. Every dog and owner is different, so figuring out what matters the most to you is important.

It’s all in the little details – whether it’s an enclosed garden, nearby walkies or a dog shower. Here’s how to choose a dog friendly cottage that ticks all the right boxes – for both two and four-legged family members.

Top Tips for Choosing a Dog Friendly Cottage

1. Match the Cottage to your Needs

Think about the type of holiday you’re after. Are you dreaming of peaceful rural walks in the countryside? Then a rustic cottage in the Lake District or Yorkshire Dales might be up your street. Or, is a seaside getaway with sandy paws and salty air more your thing? Consider Cornwall or Norfolk for their beautiful, extensive coastlines.

You’ve also got to think about your dog. Are they young or reactive? If so, you’ll want to look for properties that are set back from roads or away from busy areas, so you don’t have to worry about any incidents. Meanwhile, older dogs might need single-storey bungalows or cottages without steep stairs.

Here's a quick list of things to consider before booking:

✅ Travelling with kids in tow? Look for dog friendly accommodation with plenty of outdoor space - for both human and furry guests

✅ Bringing more than one dog? Double check pet limits before you book

✅ Don’t fancy cooking while on holiday? We don’t blame you! But you might want to check how close the cottage is to dog friendly pubs and cafés, so you’re not caught out with any lengthy drives

✅ Is your dog raw fed? You’ll want to keep an eye out for freezer size and make sure there’s enough room to store their food. Or, if you’re not sure, it’s always worth reaching out to check

2. Use Filters to Help Tailor your Search

Before you fall head over heels (or paws) for a property, it’s better to filter out the unsuitable places. On Dog Friendly Cottages, you can refine properties in just a few clicks using their filters:

🐾 Pet policy – for example, number of dogs or ones with ‘pets go free’ policies

🏡 Property type – sort by cottage, lodge or apartment

🚗 Facilities – like parking, hot tubs, a fireplace, or games room

⛱️ Location – find secluded properties, ones close to the pub, or by the sea

🎣 Keyword search – there’s also the option of trying your own keywords, like sauna, sea view or fishing

This way, you’re only browsing cottages that tick your most important boxes, so there’s no time wasted.

3. Look out for Dog Friendly Features

Put it this way, not all dog friendly cottages are created equal. Some are equipped with thoughtful features that can make your escape as easy as a walk in the park. We’d recommend looking out for those with:

⭐️ Enclosed gardens - a secure garden is a must to make playtime and early morning or late-night toilet breaks safe and stress-free

⭐️ Hard floors - not one you might’ve thought of, but who wants to be scrubbing muddy pawprints out of carpets?

⭐️ Doggy amenities - some cottages really go the extra mile for their VIPooches, offering doggy showers for getting clean after muddy walks, towels, treats, dog beds and bowls.

4. Make use of Map View

When whittling down your holiday base, the map view on Dog Friendly Cottages is your best friend.

You can scan for cottages close to the beach, national parks, or nearby towns. Or, check for nearby attractions and draw up a rough itinerary of how you’ll spend your days. It’s an essential if you’re travelling with pets (or kids!) who might not enjoy long car rides.

Plus, if you’ve got an area in mind, there’s even the option to draw your search zone on a map of the UK.

5. Read the Reviews

Want one of the best ways to gauge a property’s dog friendly factor? Reviews from other dog owners, of course.

They’re most likely to reveal any perks or pitfalls of staying there. Think stuff like whether there’s livestock nearby, low fencing, bonus surprises, or how secure the garden really is.

They’ve been there, done that. It’s a great place to find tips on where to head for a bite to eat or drink, as well, or any hidden gem walks.

6. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Once you’ve found your holiday cottage, it’s time to start thinking about packing. Here are some of the essentials to add to your list:

✅ Dog bed or blanket – even if your place provides one, it can better to bring your own as familiar smells = comfort for your pup

✅ Bowls, treats and any medication

✅ Leads, harnesses, poo bags

✅ Towels (for muddy paws or any post-fox-poo baths…)

✅ Food and supplements

✅ Water bottles and a collapsible water bowl for walks

✅ Favourite toys or chews

✅ Emergency kit – tick remover and antiseptic wipes can be a lifesaver

✅ Raincoats or cooling jackets, depending on when you’re travelling

✅ Details of emergency vets – research and note down before you go, in case of an emergency

And there you have it, your stress-free route to a tail-wagging trip in the UK.

Whether you’re dreaming of a seaside escape, rural retreat or buzzing town stay, Dog Friendly Cottages can help sniff out the perfect match for you.

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Annabel Jackson, Content Lead at Dog Friendly Cottages, loves discovering new parts of the UK with her family, which includes Frenchie, Albie. Some of their favourite memories have been made in Snowdonia, Norfolk and the Cotswolds.