The UK is home to more dog owners than ever before. According to Statista, 36% of UK households own at least one dog.
Our dogs are more than just pets; they’re family members. For many, the idea of leaving their dog behind while they go on holiday is simply not an option. So, it’s no surprise that more and more holidaymakers are searching for getaways where their four-legged companions are welcome too.
And that’s great news if you let out your holiday home because with just a few simple adjustments, you can attract more bookings and increase your income by welcoming pets.
Set within a stunning nature reserve in Dorset, Silverlake’s dog friendly holiday homes are perfectly suited for dog owners looking for a getaway.
In this article, we’ll look at how to make your home dog friendly and how a dog friendly guide can help to create a stress-free, memorable stay for both guests and their four-legged companions.
Benefits of allowing pets in your holiday home
If you’re considering letting out a holiday home in Dorset, ensuring it is dog-friendly could be the smartest decision you make - it not only appeals to a wider range of guests but can also help boost year-round income.
Increase year-round occupancy
Dog owners are always on the lookout for rural escapes where they can enjoy long walks and fresh air all year round. Dorset is the perfect destination for off-season walks, with most beaches allowing dogs over the winter season and with plenty of heathland walks, lakes and coastal trails to explore.
Build repeat business
A great stay means repeat bookings. If dogs and their owners feel welcome, they're far more likely to return year after year - and tell their friends and family too. A few changes can make a real difference to your year-on-year occupancy.
Gain a competitive advantage
Properties that welcome pets tend to outperform those that don’t. According to Habitat Escapes, their most searched-for holiday homes in Dorset are either dog-friendly or those that have a hot tub!
How to dog proof a house
Pet proofing your home is relatively simple and any expenses involved can often be recouped, as most holidaymakers are happy to pay a bit more for pet-friendly accommodation - especially when it helps them avoid the cost of kennels or pet sitters.
Create a dog friendly garden
Simple changes to the outside of your holiday home can give your guests peace of mind and help you maintain a cleaner, more damage-free property, here are some tips to make a dog friendly garden:
- • Ensure your garden is securely enclosed.
- • Repair any gaps in fences to avoid escapes.
- • Fit an outside tap and hosepipe to rinse down muddy or sandy paws.
- • Avoid using harmful pest or weed control products.
Create a dog friendly house
Making your interior of your holiday home pet-proof doesn’t have to mean compromising on style. With a few smart choices, you can create a durable, welcoming space for both dogs and their humans:
- • Lay hard floors, which are hard-wearing and easier to clean.
- • Add rugs for warmth and comfort.
- • Provide washable throws and covers to protect furnishings and pick colours that will hide marks.
- • Use pet-friendly cleaning products and air fresheners.
Provide a doggie welcome pack
Guests love it when their furry friends are made to feel just as welcome as they are. A simple dog-friendly welcome pack shows thoughtfulness and helps set a positive tone from the moment they arrive. Include a few practical essentials and a couple of little extras:
- • Food and water bowls
- • Towels and blankets
- • Poo bags
- • Treats
- • A ball or toy
Provide a dog friendly guide
Providing a dog-friendly information pack for the local area can make a big difference to your guests' experience and will save them time having to undertake their own research on arrival. Consider including the following:
- • Local walks in parks and on dog-friendly beaches in Dorset (including Silverlake’s Knighton Reserve with its nature trails and doggy swimming pond!).
- • Contact details for pet-friendly restaurants, pubs and cafes (including the Hurricane Terrace restaurant at Silverlake).
- • Local pet stores, taxis that accept pets, pet-sitting services and details for emergency vets.
Pet guidelines
Establish clear rules for guests with pets to ensure your holiday let remains clean, safe and welcoming to current and future guests.
- • State the main rules which might include:
- • No dogs on furniture
- • Maximum number of dogs allowed
- • Dogs should be house trained, well-behaved and not left unsupervised.
- • Consider asking guests to sign and agree to your pet policy.
- • Clarify any additional dog-related fees or deposits.
- • Share the information at the time of booking, within the booking confirmation and in the welcome pack.
Check your insurance
Before welcoming pets into your holiday home, make sure you check that your holiday let insurance covers pet-related damage and liability. Adjusting your cover will offer peace of mind to both you and your guests.
Promoting your dog friendly holiday let
After pet proofing, it’s time to promote your beautiful dog-friendly holiday home!
Habitat Escapes specialises in marketing Silverlake’s Dorset holiday homes and can help showcase your dog-friendly features to the right audience.
Discover how you can buy a ready-made dog-friendly holiday let at Silverlake
Explore the range of properties available at Silverlake that you can offer as dog-friendly options and speak to our team to find out how they’ve been designed with dogs (and their humans) in mind.
The experts at Habitat Escapes are on hand to take the stress out of holiday letting, supporting you from purchase through to promotion.