One of the many joys of a UK cottage holiday is you can bring everyone with you… including your four-legged family members! Your canine companion will love the opportunity to join you on your break and, with our collection of delightful dog-friendly properties, there’s no need to leave them behind. We’ve done our best to make sure our holiday cottages have all you need to ensure you and your dog have a comfortable and enjoyable stay, from enclosed gardens to places to rinse off muddy paws!
However, there are some things that dog-loving holidaymakers need to keep in mind when preparing for a holiday with their pet. To help make sure you both have everything you need during your cottage break, we’ve put together a list of things to make sure you pack...
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Collar with name tag: The law states that any dog in a public space must be microchipped and wear a tagged collar with the owner’s name, address and postcode. This means your beloved pet can be easily traced back and returned to you should they make an escape attempt.
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Leads: It’s a good idea to bring both a short and long lead with you while you’re away. Long leads are great for letting your dog make the most of those open country walks and days on the beach, while short leads are best for busy towns or places where dogs must be kept on footpaths or under close control. Make sure to check the restrictions wherever you’re exploring.
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Travel harness/container: If you're driving to your holiday with your dog, make sure they are secure and comfortable in the car. The law requires all dogs in vehicles to be restrained; seat belt harnesses, pet carriers, dog cages or dog guards are the best methods and will keep you both safe.
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Food & water bowls: Not all cottages will come with feeding equipment and some dogs like something familiar during their break, so it’s a good idea to pack their normal food and water bowls for mealtimes. This is especially true if your pup has a big appetite and eats from a slow-feeding bowl!
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Travelling water bowl: All that exploring can be thirsty work, especially in the summer. It’s just as important to keep your canine family members hydrated as the rest of the group, so make sure to pack a portable water bowl which you can whip out when it’s time for a rest (or a picnic). There are some great ones on the market, from those with a water bottle attached to some which fold completely flat.
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Dog bed: Your dog will need somewhere cosy to curl up after a long day exploring the local area, and where better than their own bed? Many of our properties do not allow dogs on the furniture, so it’s a great way to make sure they have somewhere cosy to relax at the end of the day. It’s also a familiar and comfortable space for them, helping them to settle into their new environment.
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Dog food: There’s bound to be a pet shop within easy reach of your holiday cottage, but we cannot guarantee that they’ll stock your pup’s favourite type of kibble! To make sure everyone can enjoy a satisfying meal during your holiday, make sure to bring enough dog food for the length of your stay.
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Treats: Whether it’s a tasty titbit or a hearty chew, make sure you pack some of your pup’s favourites for them to snack on. After all, they deserve to be treated during your break as well! They’re also great for keeping them occupied and for getting their attention while you’re out and about.
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Medicine: If your four-legged friend has been prescribed some medication, make sure it’s the first thing you pack for your holiday. It’s also a good idea to look into the area you’re travelling to, in case you need to bring some tick-removing products.
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Toys: If you’re visiting one of the UK’s many beaches or beautiful country spaces during your break, you’ll want to make sure you pack a tennis ball to make the most of those wide, open spaces. Toys are also great for keeping your furry friend occupied during the evening, while the rest of the family is relaxing around the fire.
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Poo Bags: It’s an inevitable part of dog ownership, and picking up after your dog is just as important during your break. Any mess must be cleared up from around our holiday properties during your stay, while the majority of local attractions and walks will require you to clean up after your dog, so make sure you have a good supply of biodegradable poo bags with you!
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Towel: The great British weather in notoriously unpredictable and not many dogs are able to resist a muddy puddle or a dip in the sea! Make sure you pack a few old towels to towel off and wipe down muddy paws before you get inside your cosy cottage or local pub.
- Jacket: Many beaches lift their dog restrictions during the winter months, making it a great time to escape with your dog. However, it can get a bit wet and cold! Some dogs may require a coat to keep them happy, dry and warm during their adventures, so make sure you pop it in the car for those brisk winter days.
- Pet insurance details: Of course, you hope you’ll never need them, but it’s a good idea to bring your pet insurance details in case of accidents, illness or damage. It’s also recommended to research a local or emergency vet for the time you’re away.
The aim of our dog-friendly accommodation is to ensure that both you and your dog enjoy a wonderful holiday together. With this packing list and our selection of over 250 properties to choose from, you’re all bound to have a fantastic time.
Just to get you started, we’ve picked some of our favourite dog-friendly holiday cottages that might catch your interest:
39 Foxtail Cottage, Gloucestershire – Find out more
Coach House, Worcestershire – Find out more
