The effect of the credit crunch has lead to an increasing number of Britons choosing to holiday closer to home. This means good news for our pooches who now get to avoid pet sitters and boarding kennels and can enjoy a break with you.
According to a recent survey conducted by Tripadvisor, 25% of pet owners say that animal stress was their biggest concern about travelling with a pet, yet over half of them have travelled with a pet before. It seems that the holiday industry has finally woken up to the fact that yes, we love spending time with our pets and more places now cater for dogs, eureka!
So if you’re one of many planning a staycation this year (that’s holidaying from home) then fear not as there are plenty of decent places you can go with your dog.
The paws-ibilities are endless. You can spoil your mutt to a luxury hotel break or just settle with the traditional outdoor holiday which will leave you with a bit of spare change.
Milo and I sniffed out a few dog friendly holidaying options.
Camping canines - This is a great idea especially for larger families with active dogs. The great thing about camping, besides being one of the cheapest ways to holiday, is that you can always be outdoors and you can move around as often as you like without being tied down to one place. Check out Dog Friendly Britain for a full directory on where to go camping and caravanning around the UK you will find some great places in picturesque Snowdonia and Yarmouth.
Beach breaks – Many UK beaches are closed to canines during the summer season so the last thing you want is to end up somewhere where your dog will be barred. Make sure you check that the beach you choose allows access to your dog. There are many beaches that do but they also come with strict poop scoop and lead regulations so don’t let your mutt run amuck. Designated beach areas of Bournemouth, Cornwall, Weymouth and Pembrokeshire will allow dogs to roam freely.
Countryside retreats – If you prefer to cut back on the pooch pound this summer and avoid 5 star hotels then a traditional rural cottage break is paw-fect for you and your canine companion. You can rent a cottage to get a good dose of flora and fauna whilst enjoying plenty of fresh outdoor walks and without having to worry about avoiding flocks of beach goers. Welcome cottages allow pets to stay free through a new Dogs Trust partnership so as well as booking yourself a holiday including your pet you will also be raising money for the trust.
In the lap of luxury – If you can justify a luxury retreat for you and your VIP (that’s very important pooch) then you can splash out on a dog friendly hotel for the weekend. There are plenty to choose from online. Most will typically charge a fee between £10 and £20 per dog per night. The Summer Lodge Country House in Dorset is a prime example of a place to get your paws onto for the ultimate short break. You can expect dog sitting and walking services, a range of pet beds to suit size and even an a la carte dog menu with room service included, how ruff can that be?
Next week Milo and I will be enjoying our very own doggy break so see you on the Pooch & Mutt blog when we get back!
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