And Fido (Tiddles, Hammy and Percy) came too

Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, with miles of wonderful dog-walking coastline, plus many beaches and pubs which welcome dogs, it is easy to see why South Devon is considered by many to be the perfect destination for a holiday or short break with man’s best friend.

And it’s not only dogs, a surprising number of other pets have been included in the travel plans of holidaymakers. From cats to goldfish, from hamsters to even a parrot, enquiries have been received from those looking for the perfect holiday retreat with their special pet.

Whilst many properties are ‘pet-friendly’, many are not and it is vital that all intended occupants of a property, whether human or otherwise are declared prior to booking. A typical holiday booking form requires the completion of all names and ages of the party, plus whether a dog is included, together with breed. We had to chuckle, though, when a form was received for one of our properties listing, as part of the party, ‘Rover aged 8’!

Joking aside, the rising incidence of allergies today means that it is imperative that those who are allergic to pets check that a property is not dog friendly or that it has not been so in the past. At those which accept pets, for the comfort and enjoyment of all, it should be stressed that dogs must be kept under control at all times and never allowed in bedrooms or on furniture. Dogs staying in holiday properties should also not be left unattended and exercised away from the property. With the choice of wonderful walks around here, this is not too difficult!

The vast majority of dog-owners are very responsible and actually leave their properties cleaner, in many cases, than those without dogs. I remember taking a call from a lady planning to book a certain property for herself, her husband and her two dogs. Having visited South Devon before and having experienced our brownish/red mud, she was keen to check the colour of the carpets at the property – whilst stressing that she was extremely careful to wipe her dog’s paws after walks, she told me that she did not want to be confronted with cream carpets upon arrival! Another enquirer, when being told that, regrettably, a certain property she wanted to book was not ‘dog-friendly’, tried to persuade us (unsuccessfully, of course) to accept her dog, as he was ‘from a good home’!! Luckily suitable dog-friendly accommodation was soon found for this customer and her well-mannered canine offspring.

Nevertheless some property owners are reluctant to accept dogs due to concerns of greater cleaning requirements and potential damage. When advising on a new letting programme it is important that the owner decides whether or not to accept dogs. If, however, the property is suitable for dogs, has it’s own garden, a large kitchen perhaps with a separate utility area, tiled flooring downstairs and is ideally placed for dog walking it is worth investigating the potential benefits of so doing.

Extra charges (typically charges for dogs vary from £10 – £20 per dog per week depending on agency) can cover any additional cleaning, such as regular carpet cleaning to keep the property smelling and looking fresh and welcoming. As many visitors with dogs tend to visit the area out of season the letting programme of a property can be extended considerably by accepting a four-legged companion too. A property overlooking a Start Bay beach popular with dog walkers, for example, is let almost all year round. And of course more revenue from letting means that any extra wear and tear on the property should be comfortably covered too.

Targeted marketing of this lucrative sector of the market can include websites, magazines and publications aimed at dog lovers as well as special offers and short breaks and promotions at key times of the year. With more bookings being taken than ever before for four-legged visitors, more Fido’s, Bruno’s and Patch’s are set to enjoy wonderful ‘walkies’ around our stunning coastline and glorious countryside in the years to come.

http://www.coastandcountry.co.uk/