Lodge preferences are saved.Gone are the days of luxury lodges being solely for relaxing retreats, adults-only escapes and romantic weekends away. They’re no longer thought of as being private getaways for grown ups, having transformed into family-friendly holiday spots that welcome pets – particularly, dogs.
Demand for pet-friendly luxury lodges for sale has skyrocketed in the UK, and this has changed the way owners, developers and holidaymakers think about high-end accommodation.
Today’s dog-friendly luxury lodge experience combines comfort and convenience, even going as far as having private hot tubs, outdoor seating, beautiful walks nearby and personalised welcome packs for pets.
But, why is this trend growing so quickly and what does it mean for people who go on holiday with their furry friend or buy luxury lodges for sale? We’ve taken a look at why luxury lodges holidays are becoming more dog-friendly than ever.
Table of Contents
- The Growing Demand for Dog-Friendly Luxury Lodges
- Why More People Want Dog-Friendly Luxury Lodge Holidays
- What Makes Dog-Friendly Lodges Feel Luxurious?
- Dog-Friendly Luxury Lodges for Sale: The Ultimate Checklist
- Are All Luxury Lodges Suitable for Dogs?
- What to Check Before You Book a Pet-Friendly Luxury Lodge
- The Impact on Holiday Home Owners
- Luxury Lodges and Dogs: Answering Your FAQs
The Growing Demand for Dog-Friendly Luxury Lodges
According to the University of Surrey, the COVID-19 pandemic drove an increase in the number of UK households with a dog, which led to tourism companies needing to provide options that accommodate four-legged family members.
Dogs are increasingly seen as family members, instead of just pets and with 53% of travellers taking holidays with their pets, pet-friendly accommodation is a significant trend to tap into.
However, traditional holiday accommodation options don’t always allow pets, and many hotels charge owners extra for the privilege. But, pet-friendly luxury lodges break the mould.
With private areas, secure gardens and decking, access to the outdoors, walking trails and space away from other guests, luxury lodges are appealing to dog owners who want a relaxing getaway, without having to give up comfort or style.
Why More People Want Dog-Friendly Luxury Lodge Holidays
Part of the Family
According to Sykes Cottages, 27% of bookings in 2025 included pets, highlighting that people are increasingly prioritising experiences they can share with their pets.
Many owners don’t like leaving their dogs in kennels or with sitters, but luxury lodge holidays provide the best of both worlds with premium finishes and comfortable spaces, balanced by the freedom of staying in a private home.
Outdoor Travel is Booming
With outdoor travel booming and holidaymakers keen to soak up the great outdoors, dogs accompanying owners on trips makes a lot of sense.
After all, dogs love to be exploring the woods, splashing around in the sea and cooling off in tranquil lakes.
Luxury lodges for sale in the UK fit this trend because they’re often found close to beaches, forests and countryside, making it easy to enjoy an active, outdoorsy holiday with pets around.
The Popularity of UK Staycations
Staycations have become extremely popular over the years, as more people are keen to visit local areas and see the best of what the UK has to offer.
To do this without having to leave dogs at home, accommodation needs to be flexible and dog-friendly, which many luxury lodges are.
Luxury lodges in the UK are quickly changing to embrace this demand by offering:
- Dog welcome bags
- Grooming areas
- Pet-safe flooring and furniture
- Local walking guides for the area
- Partnerships with nearby vets and pet services
Rising Expectations in Premium Travel
People who travel in luxury expect things to be tailored to them and that now includes thoughtful pet-friendly features like:
- Dog beds
- Safe, secure outdoor spaces
- Pet menus or treat bags
- Washing stations for after muddy walks
- Blankets, bowls and toys
Luxury isn’t just about the location or premium decor anymore, it’s about making life on holiday easier, and that includes providing everything owners need to bring their dogs along without any additional stress or inconvenience.
What Makes Dog-Friendly Lodges Feel Luxurious?
Not all holiday homes that allow pets are considered to be luxurious and, for a dog-friendly lodge to fit the bill, it needs to be designed with both people and dogs in mind.
Dog-Friendly Luxury Lodges for Sale: The Ultimate Checklist
- High quality dog beds and blankets
- Bowls and feeding stations
- Toys and treats on arrival
- Long-lasting floors that are easy to clean
- Enclosed decking or outdoor spaces, keeping dogs safe
- Spacious, open-plan layouts
- Direct access to walking trails, beaches or countryside
- Dog-safe plants and landscaping
- Washing areas for removing mud, sand and sea
- Dog sitting recommendations
- Guides for pet-friendly activities in the local area
Are All Luxury Lodges Suitable for Dogs?
This is a question that a lot of holidaymakers ask, and the answer is often yes. A lot of luxury lodges allow dogs, and a lot of luxury lodges for sale are dog-friendly.
Here’s what makes them well suited to holidaying pooches:
- There’s more room than in hotel rooms
- Luxury lodges tend to be less noisy and distracting for pets
- There are fewer people coming and going, helping dogs to remain calm
- Luxury lodges boast direct access to the outdoors
- Dogs are likely to relax in a home-away-from-home environment
What to Check Before You Book a Pet-Friendly Luxury Lodge
There’s no shortage of luxury lodges in the UK, but not all holiday parks are dog-friendly.
- Check whether the holiday park or luxury lodge has limitations on the size or breed of dogs.
- Determine how many dogs are allowed, as many bookings are limited to one or two.
- Find out if there are extra fees for cleaning or damage caused by pets.
- Ask if any pet amenities are included, such as beds, bowls and treats.
- Make sure the lodge location is suitable for dogs, including not being too far from home.
When these things are in place, luxury lodges are often better for dogs than hotels and other types of holiday accommodation.
The Impact on Holiday Home Owners
Having pet-friendly luxury lodges is no longer a niche strategy that a handful of lodge owners and holiday parks are using, it’s a way to tap into a growing market demand.
With luxury lodge holidays becoming more dog-friendly, lodge owners can expect:
- More Bookings – Dog owners actively look for places to stay that allow pets, which raises demand.
- Longer Lasting Stays – Pet owners often choose longer stays because they don’t need to factor in dog sitting or kennel costs, bumping up occupancy rates.
- Loyal, Returning Customers – People who find a good dog-friendly luxury lodge are more likely to return, knowing it’s accommodation that works for them.
- Appeal to a Wider Market – Families, couples and retirees all seek out holiday lets that are pet-friendly, meaning dog-friendly luxury lodges appeal to a wide market.
Luxury Lodges and Dogs: Answering Your FAQs
Are luxury lodges suitable for dogs of all sizes? – A lot of lodge owners and holiday parks allow dogs, but some only allow certain breeds or sizes. Before booking, be sure to read individual pet policies. Some lodges might limit pets to one or two per stay, and others might prefer guests with smaller breeds.
Do dog-friendly luxury lodges charge extra? – Though a lot of hotels, self-catering apartments and B&Bs charge extra for dogs, luxury lodges rarely do. The majority let dogs stay for free, as long as owners abide by the pet policy.
Is it better to stay in a luxury lodge or hotel with dogs? – Usually, lodges end up being more comfortable for both dogs and owners, simply because they have more space, privacy and outside access.
Dog-friendly travel is becoming more and more popular in the UK, and this has changed the way people book holidays. Premium lodges in 2026 aren’t just about beautiful views and high-end finishes, they’re about making memories as a family, pets included.
