We are a nation of dog lovers and want our holidays to be memorable experiences that every member of the family will love; including the four-legged ones. One of the most popular search criteria for UK staycations is for pet-friendly holidays.
Here at Lake District Lodge Holidays, we have noticed that our pet-friendly lodge search category has increased each year since Covid.
Holiday let owners can maximise their rental income by allowing pets, with pet-friendly properties earning up to 18% and on average 4 extra bookings a year, than those that don’t.
We’ve rounded up our top 6 ways to make your holiday let pet-friendly below, read on to find out more.
Choose Pet-Friendly Furniture
It’s crucial to remember that animals have sharp claws and do shed fur. Consider this when outfitting your home, and select materials that are sturdy, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. To protect your cushions, think about washable blankets, throws, and sofa coverings. Also, choose colours that will hide stains well.
Yew Tree Cabin, Hutton John Estate nr Ullswater Ref. 1135276
Eliminate Odours
The smells that come with some dogs are one of the main reasons owners may be reluctant to let them inside. To make sure your property always smells as fresh, purchasing fabric fresheners and sprays that are pet-friendly will be useful. Always have some spare too.
- Helpful tip – You could remind guests to open windows (if they are in) or leave windows on the latch to air the lodge (subject to weather/season)
Secure your Decking, Patio and Outdoor Areas
If your lodge has a decking area or any outdoor space, make sure it’s safe and secure. Many dog owners will appreciate a space to let their pet wander freely outside and many holiday parks we feature do have designated dog areas for exercise.
Black Dog Lodge, Windermere Ref. 1076799
Hard Flooring vs Carpet
We recommend pet-friendly lodges to have have hard flooring in the main living area where pets are welcome to roam! Carpets are acceptable in the bedroom areas but not necessary. Be mindful, carpets and rugs are more difficult to clean and are prone to damage from gnawing and clawing. Additionally, fur attracts fur, which makes it challenging to clean effectively on changeover days. Vinyl and other hard floors require very little upkeep and are less prone to breakage.
Snuggledown, Windermere Ref. 1145195
Lock Up Your Cupboards
If you store cleaning materials on your property, it’s important to keep in mind that these can be harmful to our furry friends. Make sure to lock them safely away. You might also want to consider using lockable kitchen cupboards, as many foods can be toxic to dogs & cats. This will ensure that these items are safely out of reach for any curious guests.
Keep Boredom at Bay
Our canine companions can become easily bored. By providing a selection of dog toys, treats and chews you will greatly minimise the risk of damage to your furnishings. Plus, it will help our four-legged friends to settle in better and have an enjoyable holiday. Many of our guests consider their pets as an extended family member so you’ll likely win some bonus points for with them too!
** Remember to include in your welcome folder helpful tips and advice for guests staying in your lodge e.g no pets in the bedroom areas, or please use the outside tap to wash muddy paws, plus any other information you think is useful, i.e best dog walks from the doorstep. dog friendly pubs, cafes etc
Image credits; Shutterstock, Main header image Alan Sheers
We hope the above helps if you are considering the pet friendly option. If you require more information please contact the local team on 015394 46748 or email owners@lakedistrictlodgeholidays.co.uk
