Why Allowing Pets Could Boost Your Bookings
For many holidaymakers, a trip to Cornwall wouldn’t be complete without their four-legged friend. Dogs are a much-loved part of the family, and demand for pet-friendly holiday homes shows no signs of slowing down.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
Across bookings in recent years, dog-friendly stays consistently account for 20–30% of bookings throughout the year, but in the quieter months of October and November, this figure rises as high as 45%.
Just over half of our properties currently accept dogs. That means nearly half may be missing out on a significant share of the market. It’s also worth noting that our Dog-Friendly Cottages page is consistently among the top 10 most-visited pages on our website, making it one of the strongest drivers of enquiries.
Why It Matters for Owners
Choosing to make your property dog-friendly can:
- Widen your audience – reaching the large number of guests who won’t book unless their pet can come too.
- Boost off-season bookings – dog owners often travel outside of peak times, particularly in autumn when coastal walks are at their best.
- Increase guest satisfaction – pet-friendly options regularly receive positive feedback, as guests appreciate the chance to holiday with the whole family.
Concerns About Welcoming Dogs
We understand not every property is suitable for dogs, and it’s important that you feel comfortable with your decision. However, our experience shows that issues are very rare. The vast majority of dog owners are responsible, respectful, and simply grateful to find a welcoming property.
If you are considering making your property dog-friendly, there are practical steps that can help:
- Setting clear house rules (e.g. no dogs on furniture, maximum number allowed).
- Providing a designated outdoor area for pets where possible.
- Charging a small fee per pet to cover additional cleaning.
We provide a reference page for guests with some useful information and to set some basic rules out, and we also cover pets in our Booking Terms & Conditions:
🔗 Pet Information for Dog-Friendly Holidays
For Guests Who Prefer Dog-Free Properties
While demand for dog-friendly homes is strong, we also recognise that some guests specifically seek out dog-free accommodation. To make the search easier, we’re working on adding a ‘dog-free’ filter to our website. This will give reassurance to those who prefer properties where pets are not usually allowed.
Making the Right Choice for You
Whether or not you choose to welcome pets is entirely your decision. But the figures clearly show that dog-friendly properties have a booking advantage which could help increase your property’s visibility and income.
Thinking of letting your property as dog-friendly?
We’d be happy to talk through the options, share examples of what works well, and help you decide if it’s right for your property.
📞 01326 240 333
✉ Enquiries@CornishCottages.co.uk

Posted: 21/08/2025
Categories: Blog, Owner News