We've been travelling with our dogs for several years now. We have always managed to select pet friendly accommodation that have been welcome to us and our pets. Quite often, our pooch has even been left a treat to welcome him!

Most of the accommodation we have stayed in and most of them listed on our web site have some kind of rules or policy regarding letting your pet or dog stay in their accommodation. If it is not clearly stated, you should always ask about this policy before you book your pet friendly accommodation, or whilst making your booking.

Common Pet Accommodation Rules

Some of the more widely adopted rules or policies, when staying in pet friendly accommodation, are as follows:

• Only Small Pets Allowed - Some pet friendly cottages or hotels will only allow you to have small pets stay in the room (for example some will only allow small dogs, with no other types allowed).
• Owners with pets must stay in 'smoking' rooms - Some hotels will only allow pets to stay in designated "smoking" rooms. This is a trend which is slowly changing and more hotels allow pets in any room - not just smoking rooms.
• Pets can't be left alone in the room - This is quite a popular request and fairly reasonable. One of the problems faced by pet friendly hotels is barking dogs, which may disturb other guests. Even if your dogs are quiet when left alone at home, they may become anxious in an unfamiliar place and bark. Or you may even be blissfully unaware of the noise your dog makes when you are not there! You could ask if there are doggy day care businesses or a pet sitting service in the area, if you have to leave your pet on it's own for period of time.
• Pets not allowed on bedding or on the furniture - Another popular and reasonable request. Be sure to bring your own pet's bedding with you. Some hotels and cottages will let your pets on the furniture i.e. sofas, armchairs etc. if you use a cover sheet. (most places will not usually allow them on beds).
• Pets need to be put in a crate or kennelled for housekeeping services -Usually requested for the safety and well-being of the staff - whether you (or Rover) may think it necessary or not!
• Pets must be on a lead outside of rooms and while on hotel property - to ensure that dogs stay under control. Believe it or not, some people just don't like dogs or are afraid of them, so even a happy friendly dog running up to them may not be appreciated.
• Fees or surcharges apply for pets - Some hotels and cottages will charge an extra fee if you bring your pet. This may be charged as a one-off fee for the entire stay, or may be charged per night. Fortunately, most of our pet friendly listings for cottages do not charge a surcharge, however some do! So, check to see if a fee is charged and how much it is. Some places may also charge an extra cleaning charge or charge a deposit which may or may not be refundable. Make sure you ask!
• No unusual/exotic pets - Dogs are usually allowed in all pet friendly accommodations. Cats are sometimes allowed. Other pets are usually not. Always confirm if you can bring your pet to stay, particularly those of you with pet Giraffes!
• Guests must ALWAYS clean up after their pets - As with anywhere, this goes without saying!

Ask questions about the establishment's pet policy before you book. Some pet friendly accommodations may also have a written set of pet rules or a Pet Agreement that can be faxed or emailed to you in advance, nearly all will have a pet policy or instruction sheet at the accommodation for you to read and follow on your arrival.

That's all for now. Enjoy Your Stay With Your Dog!