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What makes a great Canine Critic? holiday cottages

Canine Critic

What makes a great Canine Critic?

Kate W 03 April 2023

Calling all travel-loving hounds! We’re on the hunt for our next Canine Critic – could it be you?

We were bowled over by applicants last year, with a huge number of dogs and their owners applying for our prestigious role as a Canine Critic. Thank you so much to everyone who entered.

Our 2022 Canine Critics have done a fantastic job exploring the finest dog-friendly destinations, reporting back to Canine HQ, and sharing their experiences with the world   check out their marvellous adventures here

We had such a fantastic response to our Canine Critics competition that we’ve decided to do it again, only this time it will be bigger and better than ever!

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Be our 2023 Canine Critic

Last year's Canine Critics, Darcy and DarlaDarcy and Darla are ready to pass on the mantle after a great year on the job

Last year’s Canine Critics, Darcy and Darla, have trailblazed their way across the UK, sniffing out the best places to go and things to do for dogs, and now it’s time to pass the mantle to our next adventurers.

This year, we will have one top winner and two runners-up all receiving holiday vouchers. Plus, a further five lucky runners-up will be randomly selected from a prize draw to win some holiday vouchers, too!

A panel of expert judges will pick one very special dog to be our Canine Critic for the year and this winner will get, not one, but four vouchers of £1,000 each that can be redeemed against four separate holidays in dog-friendly cottages of their choice, plus a bundle of goodies.

Second and third-place entries will also both receive a £1,000 voucher to be redeemed against a holiday in a pet-friendly property of their choice. And, five tail-wagging runners-up, who will be randomly selected from a prize draw, will also each receive a £1,000 voucher.

Travel to the enchanting Highlands of Scotland or head to Cornwall’s golden beaches with your four-pawed best pal by your side with a stay in one of our dog-friendly cottages.

Browse cottages

The Canine Critic winner will be our ‘paws’ on the ground, exploring the UK and taking in the best that our island has to offer.

Do you want the chance to travel around the UK? To register your interest, head over to our official Canine Critics page.


So, what makes a great Canine Critic?

We’re looking for a ‘real’ dog with character and a great story to tell. Personality is waaaay more important than pedigree for this gig!

Successful applicants will love to travel, enjoy sniffing out new adventures and not mind posing for photographs. They’ll also need to have a willing human or two on hand to accompany them and document their adventures for our website.

About the role

Canine Critics - Queenie, Hershey and Abby Queenie, Hershey and Abby were all part of our 2021 pack of Critics

You’ll be entitled to four free cottage holidays of your choice during the year, where you’ll be expected to act as a property inspector and sniff out the finest dog-friendly pubs, attractions and walkies in the area.

We’re counting on our Canine Critic to have paws on the ground and be ready for every adventure that comes their way. Are you and your human up to the challenge?

Duties and responsibilities:

  • Inspect our cottages – let us know the best bits from a dog’s perspective! 
  • Visit dog-friendly attractions, events and days out
  • Tackle walks on beaches, hills and in towns/villages
  • Always be ready for adventure!

Experience and requirements:

  • Must be a minimum of 6 months old (if you're a tiny pup, come back next year!)
  • A love of holidays, car rides, and walkies
  • Some experience with blogging/social media is preferable
  • Flexibility to holiday at off-peak times

Your human is essential - you’ll need to call on them for the following:

  • Helping to complete the application form and ensure all facts are correct before your paw hits submit
  • Documenting all holidays through blog posts and social media
  • Communicating with other humans at Canine Cottages HQ as needed
  • Transporting, feeding, and washing sand off the Canine Critic after beach outings
  • Tummy rubs and cuddles for the Canine Critic on demand!

Interested? Here's how to register

Canine Critics - Ember, Bandit, Rufus, and KodaEmber, Bandit, Rufus, and Koda are all keen to find out who this year's Canine Critic will be! 

The process is a walk in the park. For now, just head over to our Canine Critics page and click ‘register your interest’. We'll let you know as soon as applications open, so you can tell us why your four-pawed best pal deserves to win the role of Canine Critic.  

Good luck to every pup applying. We can’t wait to meet the newest member of our pack!

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.

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The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Canine Cottages is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts as an intermediary.
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