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 during next week’s half term break.
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 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: “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.”
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 most popular holiday destinations for dogs were also revealed, with Cornwall hitting the top spot (30%), followed by the Lake District (25%), the Scottish Highlands (24%), and Devon (20%).
Darren Seward continues: “From hotels in the Highlands to self-catering in Cornwall, our research shows there’s high demand for dog friendly accommodation in the UK. 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.”
