Holiday with friends and their dog

[MumSparkle24]

Hey, we are planning a UK holiday this year with some close friends, I have just found out they intend to bring their dog which in principal I don't have a problem with but am worried this will then limit what we can do whilst we are away? Will we have to get back to the cottage early, can you leave the dog in the cottage? can we only visit dog friendly places? etc. Should I speak to her, will I offend her, how do I say it in the right way?

I used to run an Airbnb which was dog friendly. Never had a problem with any of the many dogs that stayed. I was happy for the owners to leave them although for most people bringing their dog is part of their holiday and they prefer to take them with them. Having dogs in a property does not mean they will smell “doggy”.

I think if you aren’t close enough to these friends to anticipate that they would take their dog on a UK holiday, then you’re probably better off staying in separate accommodation anyway.

The dog does put limits on what you can do - in the same way as if you take your small children with you. Unless you are going child-free there is unlikely to be much clubbing involved!

What we found was that it did mean there were more split activities. Eg Dads took the kids to the swimming pool while the mums stayed and ‘looked after the dog’ while catching up with a bottle of wine.

I think whether it spoils the holiday will depend on how well-behaved the dog is though - as long as the dog can settle quietly while you have a pub meal then it will be fine! Again much like posts where people have found their friend's kid’s behaviour can ruin a holiday.

I wouldnt even bother to go. Holiday will revolve around the dog. Long walks with dog, going to dog friendly places only. Evenings & nights out could be tricky. Some dog owners are mad like this, latching onto friends then only last minute, telling you dog is coming too. I wouldn't be afraid of saying its not for me. Theres no way you can say it that will sound oh so lovely anyway. Leave them to go on holiday with dog

My family includes 3 dogs. If I can thry come on holiday with me in the UK.

We always try to holiday so someone's at home with them cos kenneling is outrageously expensive.

Dogs def limit what you can do on holiday, but a well behaved dog can go in pubs, many shops and even some restaurants.

I don't know what sort of holiday plans you had but you need to discuss it with your friend.

Of course you don't need to be in each others pockets either, so if you want to eat out at ABC and that doesn't allow dogs, eat at ABC but not with your friends unless their dog can be trusted on its own for a few hours.

We have left our dogs for a few hours when we go away with them eg when we go shopping or sight seeing but tend to always spend the afternoon and evening with them taking long walks and chilling...

I think if you aren’t close enough to these friends to anticipate that they would take their dog on a UK holiday, then you’re probably better off staying in separate accommodation anyway.

It’s not about being close enough to “anticipate”. As @DeeCeeCherry said some dog owners just drop it on their friends last minute. I have close friends with dogs and not so close friends with dogs, but because ALL my friends are decent and considerate people I’d know if they wanted to bring a dog from the outset simply because they’d be upfront about it.

I am child free and don’t go clubbing but I’d still find a dog more limiting on holiday than my friends kids.

Children are allowed in more restaurants/hotels and any kind of attractions like museums etc. dogs are often not.

Fwiw my friends with kids would make it clear to me if the kids were coming along too from the start. I actually don’t mind being “limited” by other people’s kids. Dogs are a different matter altogether and it’s a no from me on that .

I do agree staying in separate accommodation is better though as you
a. Don’t know how the dog will behave on holiday and b. You weren’t asked about it. The fact you weren’t consulted doesn’t bode well for how your friend will be on the holiday so it’s best to have your own space.

@MumSparkle24 are you coming back? 👀 did you have the chat?