{"id":6201,"date":"2026-02-10T10:08:37","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T10:08:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestofsuffolk.co.uk\/blog\/?p=6201"},"modified":"2026-04-09T10:35:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T09:35:20","slug":"get-more-dog-friendly-bookings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestofsuffolk.co.uk\/blog\/get-more-dog-friendly-bookings\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get More Dog Friendly Bookings for your Holiday Cottage"},"content":{"rendered":"

As a nation of dog-lovers, the search for pet-friendly accommodation has been steadily on the rise.\u00a0 The dog friendly holiday cottage market is a lucrative one to appeal to.\u00a0 Often resulting in more bookings for your holiday let as you appeal to a wider audience.<\/p>\n

Read on to find out why you should accept dogs in your holiday cottage. Plus, tips on how to get more dog friendly bookings for your holiday cottage.<\/p>\n

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Dog-Friendly Holidays\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"More<\/p>\n

According to the National Coastal Tourism Academy<\/a> (NCTA), there are more than 8.5 million dogs in the UK and 24% of households have a dog.\u00a0 What\u2019s more, 72% of dog owners would take more holidays if there was a better attitude towards dogs<\/strong>. So there has never been a better time to showcase how dog friendly your holiday cottage is.<\/p>\n

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Why should you accept dogs in your holiday cottage?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Less price-sensitivity<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Another reason to get more dog friendly bookings for your holiday cottage is that dog owners tend to be less price sensitive.\u00a0 This can for several reasons, including that they tend to be from a higher income threshold due to the cost of dog ownership.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s more, as they have specific requirements such as the need for an enclosed garden for example, they are more willing to pay for those requirements to be met. \u00a0Interestingly for the holiday let market, 16% of those questioned by the NCTA are willing to pay at least \u00a3200 extra to bring their dog on holiday.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Bookings searches<\/strong><\/h2>\n

More than 60% of guest searches across the Sykes Family group so far in 2023 are looking for a dog friendly holiday cottage.\u00a0 This tells us that more guests are looking for a holiday cottage that accepts dogs than not. To appeal to a wider market segment, you should make your holiday let as inclusive as possible, and that includes four-legged friends.<\/p>\n

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Dogs influence property bookings\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

30% of dog owning holiday makers told the NCTA that their entire holiday choice is based on how suitable it is for their pet<\/strong>. \u00a0You will get more dog friendly bookings if you accept dogs in your holiday cottage, and showcase that throughout your property and it\u2019s promotion.<\/p>\n

Loyal, repeat customers<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dog owners tend to be high repeat visitors<\/strong> as well as more likely to recommend<\/strong> as they are delighted to find a holiday cottage that caters for their dogs needs.\u00a0 It is worth investing the time and effort to win their custom by accepting dogs in your holiday cottage, as you will be sure to welcome them back time and time again.<\/p>\n

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Dog Friendly Suffolk<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Dog<\/p>\n

Suffolk is the ideal county to have a dog friendly holiday cottage<\/a>.\u00a0 With over 30 miles of heritage coastline, combined with forests, woods and footpaths a-plenty there are so many places for walkies!<\/p>\n

What\u2019s more, a huge number of pubs, restaurants and attractions welcome dogs and dog owners with open arms.\u00a0 Plus there are several festivals and events dedicated to dogs in the region such as Strutt your Mutt<\/a>, Suffolk Dog Day<\/a> and the annual Southwold Sausage Dog Walk<\/a> to name but a few! Each will be bringing visitors to the area, as well as their four-legged friends!<\/p>\n

As a well-known dog-friendly county and tourist hotspot, it makes commercial sense to accept dogs in your holiday cottage.<\/p>\n

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How to get more dog friendly bookings for your holiday cottage<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Let your letting agency know<\/strong><\/h3>\n

First things first, however you market your holiday home, make sure you let those who manage it know you would now like to start welcoming dogs to your property.\u00a0 This includes your local letting agency, or your online travel agent (Airbnb for example) if you market your property this way. If they don\u2019t know, how can they let guests know?<\/p>\n

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Provide the Basics<\/strong><\/h2>\n

By providing basic items it will mean your guests will feel well-catered for and that their dog is being made to feel welcome. Here\u2019s our suggestions for things to provide to get more dog friendly bookings;<\/p>\n