The anticipated rise in dog-friendly holiday bookings continues as Canine Cottages, a leading provider of dog-friendly holiday cottages, reports a remarkable 36% increase in bookings compared to the previous year.

This surge aligns with a broader trend, with 94% more bookings than pre-pandemic levels in 2019, signifying a growing inclination among dog owners to integrate their furry companions into their UK staycation plans. A recent survey of 2,500 dog owners conducted by Canine Cottages indicates that 75% of them plan to holiday with their dogs in the next 12 months.

Top Dog-Friendly Destinations for 2024

Westward Ho!, Keswick, and Bude emerge as the top three booked destinations for dog-friendly holidays in 2024, based on an analysis of internal booking data by Canine Cottages. The company’s report highlights the prevalence of North of England, Wales, and Devon as the prime regions for dog owners planning their holidays in the UK for the upcoming year. Notably, Northumberland features thrice in the top 10 list, indicating the region’s consistent appeal to dog owners.

A deeper dive into holiday preferences reveals that multi-generational (40%), romantic (39%), and adventure (17%) holidays are the top choices for dog owners, underlining the perception of pets as integral family members. The study also notes that cottages in rural and seaside settings remain the preferred accommodation, with wooden lodges/cabins, barns, bungalows, and yurts gaining popularity among dog-friendly bookings.

While walking in towns and rural areas tops the list of activities during dog-friendly holidays (92% and 87% respectively), cooking in the cottage (81%) emerges as a significant pursuit for pet owners. Exploring local pubs/restaurants (79%) and visiting tourist attractions (74%) also rank high among priorities. Notably, different age groups exhibit varying preferences, with Gen Z favouring shopping and water sports, Millennials enjoying water and land sports, and Gen X/Boomers preferring walking and cottage cooking.

Sarah Pring, Digital PR Manager at Canine Cottages, remarked on the notable surge in dog-friendly bookings and the evolving holiday attitudes of pet owners. She said, “Although we already know that dogs love a walking holiday, we thought it was interesting that so many families take their pets with them on big multi-generational breaks, and that cooking at the cottage is such a huge priority. It’s lucky we have so many fabulous dog-friendly properties that don’t compromise on quality when it comes to kitchens, facilities, and equipment.”