Finding
the best multi-dog accommodation for you...
 As an owner of not just one
or two but more dogs, Gail Adams knows firsthand
that it can be a
real nightmare trying to find truly dog welcoming accommodation when you are
away on holiday or at an agility event or a show. She has written the
following guide to what to look for and the questions you should ask before booking. Read on to the end to find out
more and why she's written this article.
Let's face it. Our dogs
are everything to us. Their
comfort and safety come before ours. The reason you are
reading this is probably because you have several dogs and you know that the challenge of
finding accommodation for more than one dog is significantly higher than for pet
owners with just one dog. The truth is that many
UK cottages accept only a limited number of what they call 'well-behaved' dogs -
often meaning small fluffy dogs.
Do
your research
Step one in finding the
perfect holiday place for you and your dogs is to do your preparation. That way, you'll
stand a better chance of finding exactly
what you want for both you and your dogs.
First, ask your friends and club mates
for recommendations. They know you and
your dogs and, no doubt, they'll be happy to talk about their good experiences.
Another option would be to join a Facebook group.
There are several that actively promote multi-dog accommodation.
If there are no
appropriate suggestions, start searching the internet for accommodation, using
terms such as 'multi-dog accommodation' or 'multi-dog friendly accommodation' or 'unlimited dog accommodation.' Make a shortlist
of those companies and those places that actively promote their cottages for
owners with several dogs. But do be careful as some of the larger
online travel agencies put these search terms in to come higher up the search and don't
always tell the exact truth. Do check out the smaller providers/small agencies who are bespoke and might cater to your specific needs.
Before you go
Be sure to check out the website for details of
location, security and rules. Read the Terms & Conditions carefully. If
there are rules about dogs, you'll find them there. For instance, does the owner charges for
dogs? Sometimes this can only be found in the Terms & Conditions which
may be held separately on their website. Don't forget to do your financial research,
too. Not all cottages that say they accept dogs welcome any number free of charge.
Once you've short-listed your search, here are some other things I would advise you to
do. Please note that I use the word 'welcoming,' not friendly.
There is a difference. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Email or phone the
company or owner. Ask whether the owners have dogs
themselves and thus can truly understand your questions and why you need
the answers. A truly dog welcoming provider will be happy to
answer questions about their property and what they offer.
Book in advance as soon
as you know your dates and destination. Multi-dog welcoming
cottages tend to book very quickly. If it's a short break you are looking for, do
check that they offer this option. Don't assume that they will be able to offer you an any day
arrival or a one or two night stay.
And don't forget to take
out travel insurance in case of cancellation.
 Be
aware
This is where
you will find out whether the cottage of your choice really is dog welcoming or
just dog tolerant.
Best to check the rules
carefully before booking. Some cottages accept dogs, but they are restricted to
certain areas of the cottage and have rules regarding dogs on beds or on
furniture. In my opinion, a truly dog welcoming cottage
should welcome dogs in any area of the cottage and have transparent and detailed
information about outside space, how secure that space is and highlight whether
the cottage is suitable for dogs.
To summarise, here are some
of the things to
check before booking your dog-friendly holiday:-
-
Are dogs allowed in bedrooms?
-
Are dogs allowed on furniture?
-
How secure is the garden?
-
Is the garden grassed?
-
How busy is the location?
-
Does it have farm animals next to the
cottage?
One of your primary concerns may be security. Some
dogs need six feet high, solid fencing or a grassed garden (no patios), and mesh and post and rail fences are
not good for
a jumping dogs, Whatever your dogs' requirements do ensure you check with the owner what
the garden is secure.
 If
your dog is reactive or noise sensitive, you'll want to know things like if the cottage of your choice has other
dogs on staying nearby or if it is a more built-up area with
lots going on. If so, it might not be suitable for your pack.
Other examples of
dogs with special
needs are those that don't like to walk on laminate flooring such as older dogs
and certain
hounds. Or possibly one of your dogs have an aversion to a certain layout
or style. It is
best to check with the owner to see whether something can be done to assist.
It is also worth checking
what the cottage provides beforehand. This should help enormously with your
packing. For instance, does the cottage
provide throws for the furniture and beds and do you need to bring your own bed
linen. Some cottage owners would
probably prefer that you bring your own bed linen if your dog(s) sleep on the bed
with you.
Most dog welcoming
cottages will provide dog bowls, poo bags and dog beds, but don't assume this is
always
the case. It's a good idea to ask how many of each item they have, just in
case there aren't enough for your pack.
If you crate your dogs,
some cottages will provide crates upon request so ensure you book crates well in
advance - and don't forget to tell them what
size you need for your stay. Some owners will also
provide dog buggies if one of your pack is elderly. It's definitely worth checking as it
saves quite a bit of space when packing.
And importantly, remember to check with the owner
that they have a list of emergency vets and local vets visible in the property –
just in case you need it!
 During Your Stay
Now that you have found
your perfect holiday place, it's time to relax and enjoy. Hopefully your pack
will be welcomed with some tasty doggy treats on arrival!
On the practical side, the cottage should provide you with cleaning equipment, a good vacuum cleaner and
some cleaning supplies. I know you will leave
the cottage as you found it. Don't forget to do that last minute 'poo check'
in the garden.
Why did I write this
article?
Yes, I own a number of
dog-friendly holiday cottages, but it's more than that. I have several dogs of my
own - not just two small dogs but active, noisy and reactive border Collies -
so I understand the challenges of staying away with your dogs. I do
not want other people to experience the same problems that I did.
After 10 years
of experience, I feel confident that I know what my guests require, and I really
want to make
their holiday happy, Managing their expectations is my life's work!
By doing your preparation
and questioning in advance, you have a better chance of enjoying your holiday from
the day of arrival. Ultimately it should make your life and mine - as well as
those of other multi-dog welcoming cottage owners - easier.
Have a great holiday.
 About
the author...
Gail Adams came to dogs in
her mid-30s with a Retriever, but she found her calling with rescues and with
Border Collies. And she has not looked back.
She currently has two
rescues from Ireland - one from Ainmithe and one via Norfolk Greyhound Rescue as
well as a rescue cat.
Gail has run Pack
Holidays since 2014. She currently has 40 properties to offer, ranging from
coast to rural cottages to those on the outskirts of market towns - all of which
are super dog friendly.
She tries to give
back as much as she can with donations to Ainmithe, PPBC, She also does home
checks.
Gail is a plant-based
lady.
 Pack
Holidays
Most of Pack Holidays' cottages are in the Norfolk area but there are some in
Staffordshire, the Peak District and Scotland.
All are assessed for security, dog safety and provide reactive friendly ratings - which
are
explained on the website - to allow guests to make the best informed decision
about the cottage of their choice. All dogs free of charge and provide a
crate and buggy delivery service. Dogs are welcome
everywhere on the premises. Throws, dog towels, poo bags and bowls etc. are all
provided as well as some Mud Daddys. There are showers in some cottages.
If you are thinking
about a multi-dog holiday, ring Gail on 07935 375899. Quote Agility5 for a 5% discount on your booking.
www.packholidays.co.uk : Says what it does – it's all about bringing your
pack with you!
First published
7th May 2024
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