The poll of more than 2,600 dog owners found that local dog walks and access to dog waste bins came top of the list, along with dog-friendly accommodation.
The survey was carried out jointly by DogFriendly Magazine and WCF in a bid to discover what makes a destination truly dog-friendly rather than just dog tolerant. It found that 76% of dog owners always travel with their pet and 85% were happy to travel more than two hours to the right dog-friendly accommodation.
Pet owners said the three most important factors when booking a dog-friendly break were access to nearby dog walks, a safe, enclosed space for dogs to rest and play, and local pubs and restaurants which allow dogs. The most important facilities guests looked for when booking a dog-friendly campsite were pet-friendly accommodation, dog waste bins, and a secure exercise area or dog walk on site.
The main challenges cited by dog owners when looking for a pet-friendly holiday were excessive charges for dogs, limited accommodation options, and a lack of clarity on the rules surrounding dogs, such as keeping pets on leads in case they react to other dogs or whether dogs were allowed in bedrooms or not.
While the pet owners polled praised the increase in dog-friendly facilities in recent years, many pointed out that being pet-friendly was about more than providing dog waste bins and accessible accommodation.
Jo Ritzema, Executive Chair of WCF, said: “The survey gives a real insight into what makes a true dog-friendly destination, and just how important it is to provide the right facilities and information for dog owners.
“A recurring theme was the difference between dog tolerant and dog-friendly destinations, with owners saying that some venues claiming to be dog-friendly in practice have strict rules around where dogs are allowed, and inadequate security such as low gates or fences through which dogs could escape. One of their biggest fears was their dog escaping and getting lost or coming into contact with other pets off the lead.
“While all our sites are already dog-friendly with facilities such as allowing dogs to stay for free on all our tent and touring pitches, secure dog lead hooks on our pitches, hot water dog washes, dog walks, welcome packs and fenced areas, the results of the survey will help us ensure that we are giving dog owners exactly what they need for a great holiday with their pet.”
The online survey polled DogFriendly Magazine readers and visitors to WCF’s three five-star campsites at Drummohr Camping and Glamping Site, near Edinburgh, Herding Hill Farm in Northumberland, and Longnor Wood Holiday Park in the Peak District. It also quizzed customers who shop at WCF Pet & Equestrian, which is part of the WCF family of businesses and includes eight stores across the North of England and south-west Scotland offering pet food, accessories and equipment both in store and online.
James Waters, from DogFriendly Magazine, said: "It was great to work with WCF on this survey because they understand the importance of asking dog owners what they would like for their dogs and of using this to make the best holiday experience they can.
“It was also good to see that 76% of dog owners always take their dogs on holiday and interesting that many are very happy to travel quite a distance to find the perfect break for their pups. Businesses that focus on pet satisfaction can be confident to get guests from all over the UK."
