Over 12 years ago, as owners of 4 dogs, we were faced with the annual problem again. Where can we find dog friendly holiday accommodation for all the family?
We disliked the expensive and unsettling option of putting the dogs in kennels for a week. We needed to search out hotels or cottages that would allow us to bring our dogs with us. They want to share our holiday too. Let’s be honest, when you go on holiday to somewhere like the Lake District with its fantastic variety of walks, it seems only natural to take your dogs with you!
12 years ago finding holiday establishments that were dog friendly was very much a hit and miss affair. Often brochures didn’t mention whether it was possible to take your dog with you. It also felt slightly uncomfortable at times asking that seemingly ‘dirty’ question….”are you dog friendly”?
The responses we had from holiday property owners ranged vastly including:
- “Of course you can, they’re welcome to sleep in the car”!
- “No problem, the more the merrier, we’ve got dogs and prefer them to people”!
With the hit and miss responses we had from holiday property owners, we thought there had to be a better way. So we set up Dogs Invited as a website resource for dog owners that would allow them to quickly and easily search out dog friendly holiday accommodation where both them and their dogs would be welcome.
And so we were born…..
From humble beginnings, Dogs Invited has grown and grown. Over 12 years we have become a favourite with thousands of dog owners.
It is true that the level of ‘dog friendliness’ will vary from establishment to establishment. We do stress that owners should always check that their chosen property meets with their requirements. Only allowing a dog to sleep outside in the car is not a dog friendly property. However it is not unreasonable for dogs to have limited access to certain areas of establishments eg dining rooms and not to be allowed on the furniture.
Thankfully over the last 12 years, the number of holiday establishments that welcome dogs has increased significantly. Dogs Invited now has Cottages, Hotels, B&B, Guest Houses and Camp Sites offering this facility.
It’s not just dog owners going away for a week in Cornwall that use Dogs Invited. Every year owners of show dogs and trial dogs use the website to source dog friendly accommodation near the show or trial eg Crufts
Some of our holiday property owners on Dogs Invited have really entered into the spirit of welcoming dogs to their property. They supply water and feed bowls and even some freebie treats for your four legged friend.
Now for the somewhat ironic part of this blog. Since we bought our farm we no longer have the time or the ability to go away on holiday ourselves with our dogs and enjoy all the dog friendly properties we have sourced, but hopefully you will continue to enjoy them and Dogs Invited has made finding your ideal dog friendly holiday accommodation that bit easier!!
Happy Dog Holidays!