The best places in Scotland to take your four-legged friends have been crowned.
Scotland's “most dog-friendly” holiday destinations have been named. Three areas around the country have been ranked among the best for four-legged friends in the UK.
Pets are part of the family for the vast majority of dog owners, which means you need to take them into consideration when it comes to family holidays. While there is always the option for petsitting or putting them up in a kennel, some can’t bear to leave them behind.
Cottage holiday provider cottages.com has put together a list of the most dog-friendly UK holiday destinations, combing through the data on everything from accredited veterinary practices to accessible green space. The three Scottish destinations on the list are Dumfries, Pitlochry, and Fort William.
Dumfries, home to scenic beaches and lush forests, places second on the overall list with a total score of 96.79 out of 100. According to the experts, the market town and former royal burgh has five accredited veterinary practices, 34 dog-friendly eateries, and 15 accessible green spaces.
Meanwhile, it was also found that there are currently six dogs in Dumfries that are reported as lost or missing. There have also been four sightings of harmful plants within a five-kilometre radius of the town.
Following behind in second place for Scotland, and ninth overall, is Pitlochry in Perth and Kinross. The town, which is known for its easy access to many picturesque hikes, received an overall score of 45.17 out of 100.
According to cottages.com, there is one accredited veterinary practice in Pitlochry, three dog-friendly eateries, and nine accessible green spaces. There is one dog currently reported as lost or stolen and five sightings of harmful plants within a five-kilometre radius.
Finally, Fort William follows behind at number 10 on the list. Often referred to as a gateway to Ben Nevis, it was assigned an overall rating of 42.17.
Fort William was found to be home to one accredited veterinary practice, three dog-friendly eateries, and nine accessible green spaces. According to the experts, there are three reports of lost or stolen dogs in the town and three harmful plant sightings.
Elsewhere, topping the overall list with a perfect score of 100 is Penzance in Cornwall. It was praised for its dog-friendly attractions such as Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens and Trengwainton Garden.
To determine the best dog-friendly staycation locations across the UK, six key factors relating to dog safety and suitability were analysed. These included veterinary availability, the number of lost and stolen dogs, traffic safety, dog-friendly dining options, and proximity to parks and green spaces.
The experts also looked at reported sightings within a five-kilometre radius of six plants that are toxic to dogs. These were foxglove, yew, deadly nightshade, lily of the valley, giant hogweed, and daffodils.
CEO of Pets Let’s Travel Deepak Shukla commented: “When planning a staycation with a dog, owners should choose destinations with secure, pet-safe environments, think enclosed gardens, nearby parks, and accessible vet services.
“Not all ‘dog-friendly’ accommodations are equal, so it's important to ask about restrictions, fees, and on-site amenities like dog beds or fenced areas. Reading reviews can help identify truly pet-welcoming spots near dog-friendly trails, beaches, or restaurants. Apps like “Bring Fido” or tips from local vets and online communities are great resources for discovering places that welcome dogs.
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“To keep dogs comfortable, maintain familiar routines and bring comforting items like a favourite toy or blanket. Packing essentials, portable bowls, vet records, calming sprays, and a basic first-aid kit, helps prevent stress and emergencies.
“Owners should avoid overestimating their pet’s stamina and stay alert to environmental risks during outings. Ideal activities include relaxed hikes, beach paddles, and visits to dog-friendly cafés, ensuring the experience is safe, fun, and enriching for both dog and owner.”
Read on for the full list of the most dog-friendly holiday destinations in the UK. For more information, visit Cottages.com.
The most dog-friendly UK holiday destinations
- Penzance, Cornwall
- Dumfries, Scotland
- Whitby, North Yorkshire
- Matlock, Peak District
- Carmarthen, Wales
- St Ives, Cornwall
- Bakewell, Peak District
- Ambleside, Lake District
- Pitlochry, Scotland
- Fort William, Scotland
