018 TRAVEL
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Barking BREAKS
Balancing the travel bug with the needs of a much-loved
four-legged friend can be a challenge. A new UK travel company is helping to widen choice and make the whole process
stress-free for you…and for Boris (or Benji, Bertie, Bella, FiFi…) David Leck
Canine Cottages
T
he UK has an estimated dog population of 8.9 million, with a quarter of us counting them as a non-negotiable
part of our lives. If you then consider we make around 72 million overseas visits a year and some 68% of us take a regular UK break, then clearly there are a lot of Brits having to carefully consider these four-legged treasures when planning our time away. We spoke to James Starkey who works for Canine Cottages, a UK travel company set up by sister business Holiday Cottages to cater for the growing demand for dog-friendly holiday accommodation.
When was the company set up? And how did the demand for dog-friendly accommodation influence the early days of the business? “We set up just two years ago in response to the ever-growing requests for dog-friendly holiday cottages and an increase in the amount of property owners offering this as an option. Word quickly spread, and we now feature more than 2,000 places in some of the most stunning UK locations.”
Give us a flavour of the breadth and type of accommodation you offer? “We feature everything from cosy shepherd’s huts deep in Welsh countryside to beautiful cottages in the Cotswolds, and romantic retreats in Devon to properties with everything for your puppy.”
How has demand changed and have you found property owners becoming more welcoming of guests with dogs? “We know dogs are a huge part of the family and having to leave them behind can be difficult, but we’ve found property owners more than happy to welcome at least one dog into their homes. Many lay on extra treats such as welcome hampers, tags for collars and special washrooms or areas. It’s now possible to enjoy a luxurious holiday cottage where your four-legged friend can easily join in the family fun.”
What do dog owners need to think about when booking accommodation? “Every dog is different and will come with its own set of needs but, as a rule, we would encourage people to consider: Is there any
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