Growing up I was always surrounded by pets, horses, dogs, cats and even the odd goose. However, when I worked in London it wasn’t really practical to have a dog so we always said when we retired we’d get a dog. And, although we didn’t get one straight away we did welcome Bramble, a Fox Red Labrador, into our home in 2022.
Until we got Bramble I’d forgotten how wonderful it was owning a dog and also how much hard work.
In the first couple of years it’s like having a boisterous toddler around and everything you do takes a bit more planning, including choosing a dog friendly holiday.
What to look for when choosing a dog friendly holiday
There are so many options now if you want to take your dog on holiday with you. We own a camper van and lots of sites are dog friendly and have things like dedicated spaces to exercise your dogs and wash stations.
There are also lots of Hotels that welcome dogs and have dedicated facilities for them. However, I think one of the most practical solutions when booking a dog friendly holiday is to book a self-catering property as these can be great for you and your dog.
There are lots of great websites to help you find the best dog friendly holidays and one of my favourites is Dorset Hideaways as they have handpicked dog friendly properties.
These are my top xx when choosing a dog friendly holiday:
Location
Obviously, location is important for any holiday but when you have a dog with you it’s even more important. I don’t want to have to get in the car every time we go for a walk so for me it’s important to have great walks straight from the door. And, if there’s a dog friendly beach or a river within walking distance that’s even better.
Large Secure Garden
When we go away with Bramble, I want him to enjoy it as much as us so for me having a large secure garden is a must as this gives him the freedom to explore and also means I don’t have to worry every time he goes out.
Utility Room
Bramble being a Labrador means he likes nothing more than getting very wet and muddy when out on walks so it’s important to have somewhere when I can rub him down and dry him off before letting him into the house.
Dog Friendly Pub
One of the great things about being on holiday is not having to cook every night but when you have a dog with you it’s more difficult to eat out in restaurants. Having a good dog friendly pub nearby is a great solution.
If you’re looking for a dog friendly pub or café and you don’t know the area you can check out the Good Dog Guide for places to go.
Dogs allowed on the sofas
I do understand why some properties say no dogs on the furniture. However, I have to admit Bramble is totally spoilt and loves snuggling up next to me on the sofa in the evening so when we go away I don’t want to have to constantly be telling him to get down. And, I’m more than happy to take a couple of throws with me to pop on the sofas.
So there you have it, my top 5 things to look for when choosing a dog friendly holiday and if they have a little doggie welcome hamper with treats that makes Bramble very happy.
What to pack for your dog friendly holiday
Now you know what to look for when choosing your holiday accommodation here’s a handy checklist of what to pack for your dog:
- Dog food and treats
- Food and Water bowl
- Dog bed / blanket
- Drying towel / drying coat
- Poo Bags
- Lead
- Dog toys
- Dog shampoo – just in case they decide to roll in something smelly
Enjoy your dog friendly holiday.
