UK Dog Owners Survey 2026 | Dog Friendly Retreats

Dogs are family, not an afterthought

Ask most dog owners how they feel about their dog, and you'll get an answer that goes well beyond "pet". They're companions, confidants, the first one you greet when you get home and the one you feel most guilty about leaving when you go away.

Based on a survey of 1,206 UK dog owners.

Our survey found that 95% describe their dog as part of the family, their best companion, or like a child, and 72% specifically used the word "family". It's a shift that's been happening quietly for years, but the numbers make it hard to ignore. The relationship most people have with their dogs has changed, and it's shaping everything from daily routines to how they plan their time off.

"If my dog is happy then so am I."

Survey respondent, UK dog owners survey

95%

see their dog as part of the family, their best companion, or like a child

85%

have prioritised their dog's comfort over their own

83%

feel guilty leaving their dog behind, always or often

95%

see their dog as part of the family, their best companion, or like a child

85%

have prioritised their dog's comfort over their own

83%

feel guilty leaving their dog behind, always or often

The holiday disruption gap

For most dog owners, the desire to bring their dog on holiday is almost universal, but making it actually happen is a different matter.

45% of owners have changed or cancelled a holiday because they couldn't find somewhere suitable to take their dog. It's a sign of just how much thought owners put into making sure their dog can come along, and how much it matters to them to get it right.

45%

have changed or cancelled holiday plans because their dog couldn't come

83%

feel guilty leaving their dog behind, always or often

90%

would pay extra for the right dog-friendly place

45%

have changed or cancelled holiday plans because their dog couldn't come

83%

feel guilty leaving their dog behind, always or often

90%

would pay extra for the right dog-friendly place

What dog friendly really means

While plenty of places describe themselves as dog friendly, owners know there's a real difference between simply allowing dogs and genuinely making them feel welcome. Our survey asked what actually matters most when booking, and the answer was clearer than you might expect.

68% of dog owners say a secure, enclosed garden is the single most important feature when booking a dog-friendly stay, putting it well ahead of hot tubs, sea views or other luxury additions.

68%

say an enclosed, secure garden is the most important feature when booking dog-friendly accommodation

68%

say an enclosed, secure garden is the most important feature when booking dog-friendly accommodation

UK staycations over holidays abroad

When it comes to choosing between a holiday abroad and a UK break, most dog owners already know which way they'll lean. If the choice comes down to taking their dog or leaving them behind, it's rarely a difficult decision.

86% of owners say they would choose a UK staycation over an overseas holiday if it meant their dog could join them, and for many, that's not even a reluctant compromise. A trip with the dog, somewhere with good walking routes and a place they can properly settle into, is often exactly what they're after.

86%

would choose a UK staycation over going abroad if their dog could come

77%

travel with their dog multiple times a year

60%

prefer coastal destinations, versus 32% who prefer the countryside

86%

would choose a UK staycation over going abroad if their dog could come

77%

travel with their dog multiple times a year

60%

prefer coastal destinations, versus 32% who prefer the countryside

Regional spotlight

Dog-friendly travel looks a little different depending on where in the UK you are, so here's how some regions compared in our survey.

98%

North East

North East owners were the most likely of any region to choose a UK staycation over going abroad so their dog could come too. With some of the best dog-friendly beaches and coastline in the country on their doorstep, it's easy to see why.

91%

West Midlands

West Midlands owners were the most likely to feel guilty about leaving their dog behind, with 91% saying they feel this way always or often. It's a strong sign of just how central dogs are to family life in this part of the country.

51%

East of England

More owners in the East of England have had to change or cancel a holiday because of their dog than in any other region, with 51% reporting disrupted plans. Plenty of opportunities for dog-friendly accommodations to offer those extra little treats.

33%

Yorkshire and The Humber

Yorkshire and The Humber recorded the lowest disruption rate of any UK region, with just 33% of owners reporting changed or cancelled plans. A good sign that dog-friendly options here are genuinely working for people.