Aaargh - Holiday accommodation has let us down

[DoginBoot]

Received a phone call last night from the place we are going to stay next week to say that we can no longer take the dog into the house. Besides the fact that I am livid that they have left it so late to tell us and I am madly looking for alternative accommodation, if we do have to go there, do you think the dog will be OK sleeping in the car for 4 nights? I have a friend whose dogs have slept in the car, but there are two of them to help keep each other warm. Apart from the sodding logistics of where to feed and water him etc, I am concerned that he may develop behavioural problems. What if he wails all night, or barks because he is in a strange place or there are strange noises he is not used?

I am so cross.

[anchovies]

What a nightmare! What was the reason for them changing their mind? I know my dogs wouldn't stay in the car all night (without making a racket and being generally miserable) Is finding a home boarder/dog sitter and leaving them at home not an option?

[DoginBoot]

Apparently people have complained of allergies when staying in the rooms where dogs have been so they have had to give them refunds . I think it is really odd as if I had a bad allergy I would check before booking somewhere if dogs had been in the room. It is on a farm with a working livery yard so you would think anyone with allergies would keep away. We could book him into kennels but then I would have a face like a slapped arse for the duration of our stay. And we only chose this particular place because it took dogs. The lady who works for my husband, in our house, usually has him when we go abroad, and brings him to the house every day with her, but we are having the kitchen floor resealed whilst we are away so there would be nowhere for him to go in the house.

Bloody people.

[iseenodust]

Our dog would not sleep in the car all night and I wouldn't want to try it.
Don't know where you live but you might get dog friendly accom more easily just into Scotland. They've gone back to school and are generally much more tolerant of dogs.

We're going to northumberland next week and the beaches there allow dogs on all year.

[DoginBoot]

We are going to Dorset for the Steam Fair.

[MothershipG]

I agree with the breach of contract, she needs to honour outstanding bookings and then change her rules.

Where did you find out about her? Can you complain to the website/company you booked her through?

[DoginBoot]

She is now claiming that she was on the pet friendly website without her knowledge and that her own website makes no mention of dogs. But that is why I mentioned it specifically on the booking form. She says she tried to contact me within days of the booking and then again last week - but she had my email address and did not bother to use that. She is now also saying (via email) that dogs have never been allowed in the house, despite mentioning people with allergies on the phone last night.

DH and I are now falling out about it. She has suggested leaving the dog in a stable over night - but it is a big working livery yard and any random person could open the door and let him out - or he could jump over the door.

Shit, shit shit.

[MothershipG]

Have you got a copy of the booking form? She accepted the booking so she can't just change her mind. If she couldn't contact you that's her problem, not yours, if she's on websites without knowing about it, again that's her problem, but I'd be reporting her to them any way.

I agree a stable is unacceptable, have you had no luck with finding alternative dog friendly accommodation?

[DoginBoot]

Yes I have a copy of the booking form, but I cannot force her to allow my dog in her house - all I can do is ask for my money back.

Glad you agree with me about the stable - DH thinks I am over thinking it and randomly worrying.

Found a place for one night, and have phoned my cousin to see if he would put us up - he is a bit unsure about the dog, but I have said I could crate him in the hall.

[ChickensArentEligableForGold]

I'd insist on a full refund and try and find somewhere else. Terrible business practice.

[DoginBoot]

Phew - DH has found us a lovely cottage so we are now going for an extra night as well

I have asked for a refund and she hasn't quibbled but said that as I booked through an agency I should approach them - but the booking form says all dealings should be with the farm. Grrrr. I will get it back though.

She sounds a bit flaky although the Trip Advisor reviews are good. Not when I have written mine they won't be.

[MothershipG]

Glad you've found something better!

Once you have your money back I would be complaining to the agency, the Pet Friendly website (surely it isn't free to advertise on there? She must have paid a sub?) and leave reviews where ever you can!

Hope you all have a lovely time!!

[theoriginalandbestrookie]

If you paid extra for the new cottage I would ask her for the additional costs for that. She has broken the contract so she needs to pay the difference. Advise her you will be going through small claims court if she doesn't. i would definitely speak to the agency and get your money back plus their thoughts on it.