A surge in dog-friendly holiday bookings across the UK reflects a post-pandemic boom in pet ownership and Brexit-related travel complications, industry data shows. Haven, which operates 38 holiday parks, saw a 15% rise in pet-friendly bookings last year, reaching 85,000, and expects over 100,000 in 2024. Smaller operators report similar increases.
About 70% of dog owners now take their pets on holiday, according to the Dogs Trust, with many opting for UK breaks after Brexit made taking dogs to Europe costly and bureaucratic. Pet passports are no longer valid, and rabies vaccination certificates cost up to £300 per trip.
Martin Cox of the British Holiday and Home Parks Association noted that dog-friendly bookings at his Dorset parks rose from 31% to 40% last year. Haven has invested in dog-friendly accommodation and ‘bark-yards’ with obstacle courses. Simon Palethorpe, Haven’s managing director, said the company anticipated the trend after the pandemic pet boom.
However, not everyone welcomes the rise. Michelle Foulia, a former animal welfare worker, described it as a 'fad' and argued that poorly trained dogs disrupt cafes and pubs, particularly affecting neurodivergent people. She suggested establishments should require dogs to complete the Kennel Club’s Good Citizen scheme.
Vicky Saynor of Bethnal&Bec luxury retreats said her business balances dog and non-dog guests, charging a surcharge for extra cleaning. ‘It’s important that places have non-dog areas,’ she said.
