Dorset dog-friendly holiday cottages
are very popular with guests. They take the hassle of bringing their pets abroad away and eliminate the need for kennels. On average, a pet-friendly cottage will have two more bookings per year, with off-season bookings increasing by 18%. Owners who offer a truly well-thought-out pet-friendly experience can corner this expanding market. Dorset Cottage Holidays enable guests to search by holiday type, with ‘pet friendly’ being the biggest search enquiry year on year.
The RSPCA estimates there are 9 million dogs in the UK, and around a third of these will go on holiday with their owners. This is a market you should not ignore.
To help guests follow rules like keeping pets off furniture or out of certain areas, provide tools like a moveable stair gate (useful for kids too) and blankets for sofas.
Do we get a lot of damage from pets? Office Manager Blake Langhorn says, “Absolutely not, most pet owners are very responsible and will go the extra mile to look after their accommodation. I can’t remember the last time we received a damage report due to a visiting dog.”
Pets are family too! Going beyond simply accepting pets to actively welcoming them encourages return visits. Consider adding items like doggie treats to your welcome pack, such as those from
Pawfect Trading. Bio-degradable poo bags encourage guests to clean up after their pets.
Providing blankets for sofas, a washable dog bed, and a place to hang leads can enhance the experience. Check how often guests with pets return and adjust your offerings accordingly.
Hardwood floors are beautiful but not pet-friendly. Laminate or tile is easier to clean when dealing with muddy paws, and your housekeeper will thank you. If you must have hardwood, opt for durable woods like mahogany or oak.
Provide metal water and feed bowls with rubber bottoms. Guests will appreciate one less item to pack for their self-catering holiday.
For carpeted areas, provide a vacuum with a brush (Miele vacuums are recommended) and pet fabric spray for odors. Consider charging a small pet fee to cover cleaning costs, but ensure pets are genuinely welcome.
Ensure your garden is secure, especially for small dogs, with regularly checked fences and gates. Avoid using toxic items like slug pellets, and secure garden sheds. Consider how seasonal changes (e.g., dying foliage) might affect the garden’s security.
Include local vet details in your welcome information. Going the extra mile to make guests with pets feel special can lead to excellent reviews and repeat bookings.
Dorset is very dog-friendly. Provide information on pet-friendly places to eat, walks, and beaches. Help guests follow house rules (like not leaving pets unattended) by offering plenty of pet-friendly activities.
Make sure your property is safe for pets. For example, provide a fire guard if you have an open fire, and ensure blind cords are safely out of reach of pets and toddlers.
Pet-friendly cottages should offer comfortable, durable furnishings. Avoid white sofas and rugs; opt for darker, hard-wearing alternatives. A washable throw can protect furniture from pets and is easy to clean.
Ensuring that pet owners feel welcome and valued is key to securing repeat bookings and good reviews.
Property Manager Domi conducted a pet-friendly audit for
Forest Edge near Wareham. We recommended tiled floors for high-traffic areas and darker sofas with washable throws. A secure garden fence and removal of a pond enhanced pet safety.
Guests are now provided with poo bags and a water bowl along with treats in the welcome pack, receiving positive feedback. A stair gate was also added to prevent dogs from accessing carpeted areas. Additionally, an information folder with local pet-friendly walks, restaurants, and attractions has helped increase bookings from pet owners.
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