Pet friendly accommodation in Scotland

Scotland is a place to be enjoyed by all, even your furry friends! Next time you’re organising a trip, plan in your favourite companion coming with you and explore a range of pet friendly accommodation in Scotland that suits everyone. From budget-friendly youth hostels and city hotels to cosy self-catering, rustic cottages and more.

Dog at Rowardennan Lodge Youth Hostel

© Yvette Webster

Where your pets are welcome

Whether you’re looking for a short break or want to take your pet away for a longer getaway, there are plenty of hotels, cottages, hostels, guesthouses, and even castles warmly welcoming pets. It’s always best to check ahead with your desired accommodation for availability and terms and conditions.

The Pierhouse Hotel

© The Pierhouse / James Anderson

Hotels

From the charming boutique Malmaison in Dundee to the beautiful Pine Trees Hotel in Pitlochry and Kingsmills Hotel in the Highland capital of Inverness, your four-legged friends are just as welcome as you are.

Find more pet-friendly hotels in Scotland

Dumyat Hill, Clackmannanshire

© Discover Clackmannanshire / Damian Shields

Cottages

Enjoy a stay at Ardlearag – a contemporary cottage in Ullapool with lots of nearby trails and routes to explore, or book an escape to The Bothy in Dunning, Perthshire where you have an option to have an enclosed garden. Your furry companions might also enjoy a stay at South Segganwell Cottage in the grounds of Culzean Castle in Ayrshire or opt for the Viking Cottage in Fort William – the possibilities are endless.

Find pet-friendly cottages across Scotland

Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel

© SYHA

Hostels & guesthouses

You’re not short on choice for dog-friendly hostels and guesthouses that are budget-friendly too. Both Hostelling Scotland and Scottish Hostels offer welcoming treats your pooch can enjoy like dog treats on arrival, water stations, cosy rooms to dry off in and relax after a day of exploring, and some even have a roaring log fire to enjoy too. 

Find more pet-friendly hostels & guesthouses

Braemar Hills, Aberdeenshire

© VisitScotland / Jakub Iwanicki

Self-catering and unusual places to stay

There are plenty of scenic spots for you and your well-behaved companion pup to enjoy. Choose a spot of luxury with a stay at the elegant Dungarthill House in Dunkeld, stay in the Balker Lodge in the ground of Castle Kennedy Gardens and explore the scenic trails in Stranraer, or head to Aberdeenshire for a unique stay on a farm at Boutique Farm Bothies.

Find more self-catering and unusual places to stay

Useful information for pet owners

Family and their dog in a train station.

© ScotRail

Before you book

  • Check what the walks are like in the local area. Do you want beaches, woodland, lochs, mountains or rolling countryside for your pet-friendly break?
  • Check whether there are any dog-friendly places to eat close by.
  • Think about whether you want your accommodation to have an enclosed garden.

Things to bring with you

  • Meals and bowls.
  • Toys and treats.
  • Your dog's bed.
  • Old towels - to dry wet paws before you come in from a walk.
  • Blankets - to cover furniture if you think your dog is likely to jump up on vacant chairs and sofas. (It'll make tidying up at the end of your holiday a lot easier too!)

 

Cullykhan Bay, Fraserburgh

© Discover Fraserburgh / Damian Shields

Dogs on public transport

Most bus, train and ferry operators will happily let your dog travel with you. Find information about transport providers that allow dogs on their services.

Bringing your pet to Scotland from abroad

All pet dogs, cats and ferrets can enter or re-enter the UK from any country in the world without quarantine, provided you follow certain rules:

Pet travel: entering and returning to the UK
Pet travel: travelling with assistance dogs

Travelling with cats

Believe it or not, you are more than welcome to bring along your kitty on a cat-friendly holiday in Scotland. Many dog-friendly accommodation providers will also welcome your cat too - just make sure you check with the place you've chosen before you book.

Enjoy Scotland's outdoors responsibly

We’ve got plenty of ideas for dog-friendly places to go in Scotland. You and your furry companion have the right to walk almost anywhere in Scotland, so long as you stick to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Group of friends enjoying walking their dogs in Glenmore

© SYHA

Scottish Outdoor Access Code

In Scotland you can walk your dog or hack your horse almost anywhere, provided you stick to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Follow the code and be a responsible dog walker.

Access Scotland's great outdoors on horseback.

Explore the Scottish Outdoor Access Code

Influencer Hollie and her pet spaniels Hugo & Spencer

Hollie recently compiled a list of places to visit in Scotland with her spaniels, Hugo & Spencer. Find out what she thinks about travelling with her dogs and what makes Scotland so special.

Influencer Hollie and her pet spaniels, Hugo & Spencer

Influencer Hollie and her pet spaniels, Hugo & Spencer

© Hollie Jenkins

“The only thing better than exploring Scotland? Doing it with your dogs by your side! My best memories all feature my dogs, so making sure I’m picking the right dog-friendly accommodation for us is essential. From a hostel on the shore of Loch Lomond, to a lodge on the remote isles, to a hotel in the heart of the city, we’ve always found somewhere that makes us all feel welcome in Scotland”

Paw-esome dog-friendly days out in Scotland

Scotland is the purr-fect place for dog-friendly holidays with stunning beaches, mountains, woodlands and islands. Many castles, attractions and eateries also allow your dog to join in the fun too, and even some of Scotland’s most prestigious golf courses. Double check the place you want to visit allows dogs, always clean up after your pup and be mindful of other people!

Scotland's landscapes, scenery & nature

Explore our ancient pine forests, arctic landscapes, coastal meadows and more.

Castles to visit in Scotland

From magnificent city landmarks to mysterious ruins, Scotland is bursting with fascinating castles to visit.

Dog-friendly attractions

From Inveraray Jail and The Kelpies to a boat tour of Loch Katrine onboard the Sir Walter Scott Steamship, Scotland is a dog-friendly place.

Dog-friendly eateries

There is plenty of cafés, restaurants and bars in Scotland where your pooch is more than welcome – granted they’re on their best behaviour!

Dog-friendly golf courses

Tee off as your pooch watches on, and take in the magnificent view around you along the way.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

Find out more

Dugs Welcome

Find out more about bringing your dog to Scotland.

Canine Cottages – dog friendly attractions

Find dog friendly places to stay and visit in Scotland.

Find experiences

Search a wide range of accommodation, events, food & drink options and things to do from indoor and outdoor attractions to activities, tours and more.

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