Perfect holidays for your pooch

Dogs are said to be man’s best friend and they’re shaping up to be the ideal travel companion too.

Brits wanting to venture on holiday have always been reluctant to leave their four-legged friends behind, facing the ruff prospect of staying with strangers or bedding down in not-so-comfy kennels.

Research shows that 90% of dog owners would consider changing their travel plans to accommodate their animal.

In fact, a quarter of those surveyed by Holiday Cottages said they’d pay the same amount to take their dog on holiday as they would to take another adult!

The growing power of the ‘puppy pound’ has led to more and more hotels opening up their doors to dogs and an increase in the number of Brits opting for staycations so their pet pooch can come along too.

So if you don’t mind skipping the sun abroad, why not book into a dog-friendly hotel?

Many will make sure your pet has a holiday too with plenty boasting dog beds, special canine menus and, most importantly, lots of options for walkies!

There are also pubs, cafs and restaurants that are happy for you to bring your dog in and will even provide you with a bed and a bowl of water.

Scotland is the perfect destination for going on holiday with your dog. You can explore ancient forests and shaded glens, take a walk along an award-winning beach and discover fascinating history in castles while your dog gets lots of exercise in the great Scottish outdoors.

Here are some hotels offering the perfect place to bring your furry friend along …

Trigony House, Dumfries & Galloway

This isn’t just a dog-friendly hotel, it’s basically a hotel for dogs that also happens to welcome people!

Canine customers at this Dumfries hideaway get a welcome pack and a letter from Bess, the resident black lab, detailing her picks of the best walks the area has to offer.

It’s cheap at the price, with an additional charge of just £5 per stay for dogs and drying towels, dog beds and food are available on request. Sounds like the lap of luxury!

Dogs are allowed in all public rooms apart from the dining room, but should you want to eat with your dog, you can dine in the bar while your four-legged friend curls up in front of the open fire. Rooms for humans start at £110 per night. trigonyhotel.co.uk.

Caddon View Guest House, Innerleithen

As dog lovers themselves, owners Lisa and Steve know only too well the difficulties of finding dog-friendly accommodation, so they took that on board in their own hotels.

One of the rooms at Caddon View (pictured above, left) is completely dog-friendly, meaning guests are welcome to bring their four-legged friends to stay along with resident labradors Tilly and Lola.

Lisa and Steve can provide towels for dogs to be dried should they have muddy paws and they guarantee many stunning walks in the area. caddonview.co.uk.

Loch Melfort, Oban

They’re barking mad for dogs at this hotel as long as they’re well-behaved!

Resident canines Hector and Toby say it’s a pooch’s paradise, located in the Scottish Highlands in one of the most magnificent areas for long coastal or hill walks.

Dogs are allowed in certain public rooms, as well as your own bedroom, and are charged at £8.50 per night.

If you’ve forgotten your four-legged friend’s luggage, staff can provide you with the essentials from dog beds to food and water bowls. And if they’re extra good, maybe a biscuit or two as well.

This hotel even hosts dog-friendly weddings! Pet-friendly rooms start at £74. lochmelfort.co.uk.

The Four Seasons, Perthshire

This hotel is so pet-friendly, it has its own canine reservation manager.

Dogs are actively encouraged at The Four Seasons, so there’s no extra charge and pooches are welcomed with a special Bonio treat on arrival.

Four-legged guests have free reign of most of the hotel and are even allowed on beds and sofas provided there’s a special dog covering underneath, which staff can supply.

Dogs visiting this hotel will be hoping their owners left home without packing their food as there’s a special doggy menu!

Food and water bowls are available on request and if you wish your dog to be kept company while you dine, there’s even a pet sitting service. thefourseasonshotel.co.uk.

Raasay House, Raasay

This hotel has always been dog-friendly, mostly due to one of the founders of the company, Lyn Rowe, having a personal love of dogs and a small ‘pack’ herself.

Staff at Raasay House have found an increasing amount of people wishing to travel with their dogs and they have such a fantastic environment for dog walkers on Raasay that it’s no wonder guests want to bring them along.

There’s a small charge for canine customers and there are some reasonable restrictions about pets on furniture, but other than that they’re very welcome.

Dog bowls and towels can be provided on request for post-walkies rub downs, as well as detailed info on the best walks around the island. raasay-house.co.uk.