Taking a dog with you to a vacation home can be a challenging experience. Everyone in the family wants to have a good time, but it’s not as simple as getting in the car and driving off into the distance. There are a host of rules and regulations that you need to be aware of even before you leave home and it is advisable to do your research before making an inappropriate reservation.
standards
Over the last decade, the standard of holiday home furnishings in the UK has improved dramatically and, naturally, owners have become much more picky about who they let keep them.
So even though the product is much better, the level of choice has been reduced. Some of this decline has been offset by more properties coming onto the market, but leaving it late can lead to panic booking the wrong property for your needs.
Trip
Like you, your pet probably doesn’t like long car trips. Simply taking regular breaks, heeding the call of nature, and stretching your legs will take away a lot of the stress.
damage
Once on vacation, the booking guest is responsible for any damage to a vacation home for as long as they occupy it, so bringing an unruly pet could have financial consequences. The property itself is usually owned by a private individual, who is unlikely to accept damages above reasonable wear and tear. Remember to bring your own pet basket with you and your pet will be much more settled in itself.
Costs
There is also the additional cost of bringing your pet, very few allow pets free of charge. It is reasonable to assume that there is additional cleaning involved and charges are generally around £20-£30. Please note if this charge is per booking or per pet.
Availability
However, at the end of the day, many people don’t like to think that their pets are left behind and are an integral part of the family. The good news is that there are still plenty of country and coastal cottages willing to accept pets (different rules for assistance dogs) and a little planning before you set out can make all the difference.
Most websites have special sections for pet-friendly properties, helping you find suitable properties with ease. Availability can stretch a bit during the peak summer weeks, but the intervening months of May, June, and September provide ample opportunity for good-value breaks.