In a survey that has left dog owners barking mad, it turns out that a staggering 82% of hotels are cashing in on canine companionship by slapping on extra charges for our furry friends. And it gets worse – 35% of these hotels offer no amenities in return, leaving our beloved pets without even a basic bowl or bed. To add insult to injury, these charges can range from a modest £10 per stay to a whopping £30 per night.

For many pet owners, the thought of leaving their pooch behind while they jet off on holiday is simply unbearable. Staycations are increasingly popular, with families choosing to holiday in the UK so they don’t have to leave a part of the family behind. But as one suitcase is packed and tails start to wag, hotels nationwide are quietly introducing a ‘dog tax’, claiming it’s for ‘deep cleaning’ after each furry guest checks out.

Ted’s Bowl, a premier provider of doggy ready meals, has uncovered the shocking truth about these so-called ‘dog friendly’ hotels. Their recent research, spanning a range of 3-star to 4-star establishments, reveals that not only do the majority of these hotels charge extra for doggy guests, but they also impose strict limitations on where our four-legged friends can roam. In a survey of 50 hotels, only 38 accepted dogs, and a whopping 82% of these slapped on extra charges, which could add up to an eye-watering £210 for a week-long stay.

While some hotels try to justify these charges by offering doggy amenities, the reality is grim – 35% of the hotels that accept dogs charge a fee but provide nothing in return. No bed, no bowl, no treats – nothing. And 81% of these so-called ‘dog-friendly’ hotels ban dogs from most public areas, effectively treating our pets like second-class citizens.

Sara Pearson, founder of Ted’s Bowl, sums up the frustration: “Dogs are no longer just a canine companion; they are an integral part of the family. Therefore, it is unjust for hotels to be charging as much as £30 per night for some ‘supposed’ deep cleaning when you check out. Can you imagine the uproar if hotels levied an extra charge on baby occupancy?

“I appreciate that not all rooms should be dog-friendly, but those that are should not be exploitative. No one minds paying a little extra, but hoteliers, please give us something in return: a bed, water bowl, poo bags, dog treats, a ball – something that says to our dogs: ‘Hello, you too are a very welcome guest.’”

Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash