Can you leave a dog alone in a holiday cottage?

It varies by property, and the range is real. At one end, cottages that say "dogs must not be left alone in the property at any time". At the other, ones that allow it "for short periods, provided the dog is settled or crated". Very few give a blanket yes. Because it's set per property and forms part of the booking terms, the only reliable move is to read the specific listing's pet policy before you book — it's exactly the kind of small print we surface on our listings, and it's worth checking rather than assuming.

A dog left alone in an unfamiliar house is far more likely to be anxious than at home — and an anxious dog barks, chews, scratches at doors or has accidents. That risks damage the owner has to put right and disturbance for neighbours, which is the practical reason. But the bigger one is welfare: a dog distressed and alone in a strange place isn't on holiday, it's enduring one. Add that many owners' insurance and letting agencies require the rule, and the clause that looks fussy is really protecting the dog as much as the property.

Take them, mostly. The point of a dog-friendly break is that the dog comes along — to the beach, up the fell, into the pub. A dog-friendly pub within walking distance sorts out the evening meal without leaving anyone behind, which is why it's worth basing yourself near one.

For the outings that don't allow dogs — the odd indoor attraction or dog-free restaurant — line up a local dog day-care or home-boarding service, and book it ahead in peak season. And if you must leave them briefly where the cottage permits it, a familiar crate, a good long walk first and something to chew turn a fraught hour into a nap.

Choose the trip well and it rarely comes up: build the days around dog beaches, dog-friendly pubs and walks, and the dog is with you for the good bits anyway.