Scottish Highlands a top choice destination as 95% of dog owners look to take their pet away

Research from hospitality insurer NFU Mutual today reveals that 95% of dog owners are considering taking their dog on holiday, as thousands of canine guests are expected to accompany their owners on autumn breaks.

Against a backdrop of pandemic puppies and a surge in staycations, nearly two thirds (60%) of dog owners say they will always take their pet away with them. Eighteen percent will sometimes be taking their dog, while 17% are considering it. Only 5% of dog owners said they would never take their pet on holiday.

The Scottish Highlands are the third most popular destination for people to take their pooches (24%), with Cornwall (30%), the Lake District (25%) and Devon (20%) taking the other top spots.

The research also revealed that self-catered accommodation is the most popular option for those looking to take their dog away (considered by 85%), followed by hotels (43%) and B&Bs (34%), with camping (32%) and glamping (18%) becoming emerging trends.

The main reason for including pets in holiday plans was wanting them there as ‘part of the family’, with 89% giving this reason. Their dog not being suited to alternative care, such as kennels, was the next most common concern (30%).

The trend goes further than places to stay and extends to other hospitality venues such as restaurants, pubs and cafés, where 84% of dog owners having taken their pet and a further 10% want to in the future. Even dog friendly weddings are becoming common, with nearly a quarter (23%) of dog owners saying they have attended or held a wedding where dogs made the guest list.

Darren Seward, Hospitality Sector Specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “Boasting mountains, lochs, islands and beaches, it’s easy to see why the Scottish Highlands are a popular choice for dog owners looking to take their pet away.

“Dog friendly holidays were popular before the pandemic but the jump in dog ownership and surge in staycations have pushed the trend even further.

“For many dog owners, ‘dog friendly’ doesn’t just mean that their dog is allowed on site. Welcoming staff (86%), a guide to local walking routes (70%), dedicated outdoor areas (67%) and water bowls (63%) are now key requirements. Sixty-two percent also look for awards, commendations or positive reviews about the business’s canine credentials.

“Dog owners are also keen to understand what is expected of them and their pet, with clear communication of rules listed as a top requirement (77%).

“Some businesses go past ‘dog friendly’ into ‘dog enthusiastic’, working above and beyond to put the needs of dog owners and their pets at the heart of their business. In recent years, this trend has seen features like dog menus, dog welcome packs, doggy day care and dog grooming becoming part of some hospitality venues’ business offering.

“With the PDSA estimating over a quarter (26%) of UK adults now own a dog^*, it’s important for hospitality businesses to consider whether to extend their welcome to dogs, or risk excluding their owners altogether.”

Calum Ross, owner of the Loch Melfort Hotel in Argyll, said: “We’ve welcomed dogs from the start. Being dog owners ourselves we could see that the property lends itself perfectly to guests with dogs, and we’ve seen a definite increase in demand over the last couple of summers.

“We offer comfortable, ground floor rooms with direct access to large grounds and plenty of options for dog walking, with the fields and bay on your doorstep. The National Trust’s Arduaine Garden is also very close by, offering a further 20 acres of dog friendly ground to explore.

“Each room has patio door access to private decks, providing the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing time outside with your pet. We make sure guests bringing dogs are supplied with essentials like dog towels, treats and bowls.”