As a holiday let owner, deciding whether to make your property dog-friendly can feel like a big decision.
On one hand, it opens your doors to a wider audience and can boost your income. On the other hand, there’s the consideration of extra cleaning, potential wear and tear, and managing guest expectations.
The truth is, demand has never been stronger. Since the Coronavirus pandemic, pet ownership has risen significantly (by around 62%), and more holidaymakers than ever want to bring their dogs along for the trip rather than leave them behind.
So, is it worth it?
Let’s take a closer look at the pros, the considerations, and how to make your Welsh holiday let work brilliantly for both you and your guests…
Should I Accept Pets Into My Holiday Let?
Pet-friendly holidays are continuing to grow in popularity across the UK.
In 2025, around 27% of our bookings were for dog-friendly properties, showing just how strong and consistent this demand is. With an estimated 12 million dogs in the UK, this market isn’t going anywhere.
By allowing dogs in your holiday let, you give yourself access to a large and loyal audience, and that often translates into more bookings and stronger returns.
Many dog-friendly properties earn around 11% more annually, with some owners seeing even greater gains depending on location and facilities.
Benefits of Allowing Pets in Your Holiday Let
If you’re considering making your Welsh holiday let dog-friendly, here’s how it could benefit you:
1. Increase Your Income
A large proportion of holidaymakers actively filter for dog-friendly properties when searching — meaning if you don’t accept dogs, you may not even appear in their search results.
By welcoming dogs, you:
- Expand your audience instantly
- Improve your booking potential
- Make your property more competitive
🐕At Coast and Country Holidays, over 50% of our properties accept dogs, and many owners see clear financial benefits as a result.
Head to our latest Holiday Letting Market Insights Report for more insights on how to boost bookings and increase your holiday let income.
2. Boost Low-Season Bookings
Dog owners tend to holiday all year round, not just during peak summer months.
Autumn (especially October) is a particularly popular time for pet-friendly stays. During this period:
- Many beaches lift dog restrictions
- Walking conditions are ideal
- Destinations are quieter and more appealing
By accepting dogs, you’re more likely to see an increase in bookings during quieter seasons — helping to smooth out peaks and troughs in occupancy.
This is especially true in destinations like Pembrokeshire or the Brecon Beacons for example, where outdoor space and dog-friendly beaches make it hugely appealing to pet owners.
3. Encourage Longer Stays
Dog owners often prefer longer breaks so their pets can properly enjoy the holiday too.
Additionally:
- Many prefer not to leave dogs in kennels
- Travelling with a dog makes short stays less appealing
- Guests are more likely to “settle in” for longer
This can result in:
- Higher booking values
- Fewer changeovers
- More consistent occupancy
🐕Longer stays can also reduce operational workload, with fewer cleans and check-ins.
Considerations for Making Your Holiday Let Dog-Friendly
While the benefits are strong, it’s important to go in with a balanced view.
1. Wear and Tear
Although most dogs are well-behaved, accidents can happen. Preparing your property properly will help minimise any risk.
Simple ways to protect your property:
- Install child gates to block off certain areas
- Use pet-friendly flooring like tiles or lino in high-traffic spaces
- Create a mud room or utility area for drying off
⭐ TOP TIP: A dog towel by the door is a simple but thoughtful touch — especially after muddy countryside walks or beach trips.
Our guide on spring cleaning your holiday let, for expert tips on keeping your holiday let spotless for your guests.
2. Allergic Guests
While allergies to pet hair are relatively uncommon, it’s still important to maintain a high standard of cleanliness for all guests.
To manage this:
- Deep clean after every stay
- Regularly wash soft furnishings
- Invest in a high-quality vacuum cleaner
⭐ TOP TIP: Make sure to set clear expectations in your listing e.g. “pet-friendly property” helps guests make informed decisions.
3. Dog-Proof Your Property
Ensuring the property is safe for dogs is just as important as protecting it.
Key things to consider:
- Enclosed gardens (check regularly for gaps or weak points)
- Add chicken wire where needed for smaller dogs
- Remove toxic plants (such as daffodils, ivy, and lilies)
- Avoid recent use of chemicals or pesticides before guest arrival
You can also enhance the guest experience by providing:
- Dog bowls
- A dog bed or blankets
- Waste bags
⭐ TOP TIP: A small “dog welcome pack” with treats and a list of local dog-friendly spots is a great way to stand out — and often leads to better reviews.
Why Mid, South and West Wales is Perfect for Dog Friendly Stays
Mid, South and West Wales are ideal locations for dog-friendly holidays, offering a mix of coastline, countryside and open space that guests (and their dogs) love.
With the Wales Coastal Path, wide sandy beaches and scenic rural areas, there are endless opportunities for walking and exploring. Many beaches also become dog-friendly outside peak season, helping to drive off-peak bookings.
From the coastline of Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion to the countryside of Carmarthenshire and Mid Wales, these regions naturally attract dog owners looking for space, scenery and a slower pace.
⭐ TOP TIP: Highlight nearby dog-friendly walks, beaches and pubs in your listing or in your welcome pack — it’s often a key factor when guests are choosing where to stay.
Why Work with Coast and Country Holidays?
Managing a dog-friendly holiday home can be a lot of work, but at Coast and Country Holidays, we make it easy for you. Our full-service management includes:
- Housekeeping and Maintenance: We ensure your property is thoroughly cleaned and well-maintained after each guest.
- Inspections and Feedback: Our team carries out regular inspections and provides detailed feedback to ensure your property stays in excellent condition.
- Health and Safety Compliance: From fire risk assessments to ensuring your property meets all necessary legal requirements, we’ve got you covered.
- Regulations Support: Stay on top of compliance and avoid the stress of keeping up with legal regulations.
By partnering with us, you can enjoy the benefits of running a dog-friendly holiday let without the hassle of day-to-day management!
For more information about letting your cottage with us, complete the form below to request contact from our team. You’ll also receive a copy of our FREE Owner Guide.
