Once upon a time, searching for a dog-friendly holiday wasn’t easy. Holidays with the hound used to mean compromise!
Not anymore. Paw-friendly holidays have changed a lot during our time. We’ve commissioned a survey to learn more all about dog-friendly travel in 2026, and it’s clear from the results that bringing the dog is no longer an afterthought. Our canine companions are a central part of our travel planning – influencing how, when and where we choose to holiday.
In 2025, more than 208,000 dogs holidayed with Canine Cottages. For 2026, almost 150,000 have already been booked to travel – and we’re only halfway through the year! Read on for more of our findings and discover how we are putting man’s best friend at the forefront of our holiday planning. Or click the button below to begin putting together your own dog-friendly getaway.
Skip to:
The rise of dog-first travel
Our canine sidekicks are increasingly shaping our holidays. We loved hearing that 83% of respondents consider their pup pal part of the family, with the dog’s comfort viewed as equally important as their own.
This is at the heart of what we’ve coined ‘dog-first’ travel behaviour. Holidays are no longer planned around people, with dogs slotted in where possible – they are planned with our four-pawed friends at the centre.
This mindset is influencing how often we go on holiday too. We had 68% of respondents expecting to take two or more holidays in 2026, while 28% say they will take their dog on at least two holidays during the year. For many, a holiday with dogs is expected.
It was good to find that only 3% of respondents struggle to find dog-friendly accommodation (there are lots of us dog lovers out there!), and only 1.66% believe they have more options if they leave their dog at home. It may have once felt like a holiday with the dog limited what you can do, but holiday activities that include both human and canine are increasingly popular and common as a result.
While 42% say they now take more UK holidays because of their dog, 31% say they don’t make any changes at all. This suggests that for a large portion of travellers, dog-friendly holidays are no longer seen as an adjustment. Owners know their canine friends so well that they can easily and quickly plan when bringing the dog.
Despite all the paw-sitives, there’s one area where dogs are still left out – travel abroad. 33% say their dog does not come with them on holidays abroad, making overseas trips the top reason our family pets miss out on holidays. As we offer holidays right here in the UK, we weren’t surprised to find it was the favourite option for many!
Overall, dog-friendly travel is becoming more and more popular and a very normal part of the holiday. Including our canine buddies is no longer an option, but considered by pup-parents a ‘must’ when planning.
Where are pet parents travelling?
Looking at booking data for 2026, the top dog-friendly destinations are:
- Northumberland
- The New Forest
- Dorset
- The Peak District
- The Lake District
In these regions, wonderful holiday destinations such as Beadnell, Keswick, Seahouses, Alnwick and Swanage stand out for their high proportion of dog-friendly bookings.
When asked about the most dog-friendly towns they’ve visited, these were the top answers:
- Keswick
- Whitby
- York
- Tenby
- Bude
Common themes emerged across these destinations. Dog owners really loved these factors:
- A welcoming atmosphere
- An abundance of dog-friendly pubs, cafés and attractions
- Easy access to walking routes
- Open spaces such as beaches, countryside and parks
A property that welcomed dogs used to be enough. Today, ‘dog friendly’ is not only defined by the accommodation, it’s also about the entire destination. Travellers are actively seeking places where dogs are not just allowed, but genuinely catered for.
When it comes to choosing destinations, dog owners are looking for big open spaces, access to nature, and a genuinely welcoming environment for their canine chums.
Coastal destinations are the most popular, with 62% opting for seaside breaks compared to 31% choosing rural locations. This may be due to the access to pet-friendly beaches, open spaces and scenic walking routes – providing a holiday that has flexibility and variety for both dogs and owners.
What do dog owners prioritise when booking?
As dog-friendly holidays become more common, expectations around pet-friendly cottages and accommodation are becoming more sophisticated.
Rather than prioritising novelty extras, dog owners are placing greater value on convenience and ease. The aim is to enjoy a relaxed break with useful features that reduce stress and ensure a seamless holiday experience.
Of those surveyed, 77% say an enclosed garden is very important when booking. A safe, secure outdoor space is a great way to ensure everyone relaxes while our canine friends roam freely during the holiday.
Access to walking routes is also a feature that’s highly valued, with 51% rating it as very important. Meanwhile, 28% prioritise proximity to dog-friendly attractions.
Freedom and convenience during a paw-friendly holiday is valued over and above any fancy features. Easy access to an enclosed garden, local walks and nearby attractions that welcome dogs are all important for ensuring a calm holiday. When planning, everyone wants to be certain the break will be as easy and stress-free as possible.
How people holiday with their pup pals
Dog-friendly holidays are increasingly all about the overall experience – the feeling of relaxation and ease enjoyed in the destination.
Access to dog walks is essential. A significant 77% of dog owners surveyed plan to go walking in rural locations such as national parks, lakes and mountains, while 57% will still go walking with the dog in towns and villages.
Other activities focused on food and drink (a big part of any break!) and visiting lovely locations.
- 74% of dog owners plan to cook for themselves in their holiday cottage
- 65% like to eat out in pubs and restaurants with their hound
- 33% will take their dog along to visit historic sites
Dogs love structure and consistency. When on holiday, these things can change, so it’s important to keep things like feeding times as consistent as possible for our pup pals. This can have a big influence on the pace of the holiday – slowing things down to a more relaxing schedule or keeping the day on track.
We asked our dog owners who they would travel with, aside from man’s best pal:
- 47% of those would holiday as a couple
- 23% are holidaying as a family
- 9% are multi-generational groups – perhaps big families or groups of friends
- 8% are holidaying solo with their favourite pup pal
The types of groups travelling are varied. No matter how your party is made up, there’s always room for the dog.
Emerging trends in dog-friendly travel
Several key trends emerge from the data:
The rise of dog-first holidays – planning is increasingly centred around dogs, from destination selection to daily activities.
Emotional connection drives decisions – dogs are viewed as family members, influencing both frequency and type of travel.
Increased planning and research – pet parents are more intentional; they understand flexibility and freedom are key to a relaxed holiday.
Demand for practical, outdoor space – secure gardens, walking access, and open environments are now baseline expectations.
Shift towards UK and experience-led holidays – international holidays are less practical, while flexible UK travel is becoming more popular for pet owners.
What does this mean for canine owners?
For those planning holidays with their waggy-tailed chum in 2026 and beyond, our findings suggest:
Flexibility is key: Look for accommodation that supports routine and offers easy outdoor access.
Destination matters more than ever: Choose locations where dogs are welcomed through every step of the experience – coastal and countryside breaks remain leading choices due to space, accessibility and variety.
Plan ahead: With growing demand for dog-friendly UK holidays, early booking ensures access to the best properties.
Conclusion
Our four-pawed best friends are playing an increasingly central role in UK travel. What used to be a niche requirement, meaning compromise and stress, is now a huge part of our holiday planning.
Expectations have changed. Dog owners now plan for their canine-friendly break to be a wonderful experience for every member of the pack – prioritising comfort and flexibility. Accommodation, destinations and activities are all being judged through the dog’s eyes as well as from the pup parents’ point of view.
As a result, dog-friendly travel is becoming more intentional, more experience-led, and more integrated into the holiday planning. We’re thrilled to see such pup-friendly results, and we bet your waggy-tailed best pal is too!
Plan your perfect dog-friendly break for 2026
Explore our collection of dog-friendly cottages across the UK and start planning your next holiday with your dog.
Methodology: Survey conducted in April with over 11,500 UK dog owners (11,965 respondents). Internal booking data sourced from Travel Chapter and Canine Cottages. Analysis combines survey insights with booking trends for 2025–2026.
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.