GUEST GUIDE

STATIC CARAVAN HOLIDAYS WITH THE DOG

Plenty of owners welcome dogs, and a caravan with a door straight onto grass can make a holiday easy for everyone. Not every caravan or park allows pets, though, so a little checking first saves a lot of trouble.

CHECK BEFORE YOU BOOK

Two sets of rules apply: the owner's and the park's. A caravan may be listed as dog friendly, but the park may still limit the number of dogs, the size of dogs, or certain breeds. Some parks only allow dogs in certain caravans or on certain parts of the park.

• Ask how many dogs are allowed and whether there is a pet fee.
• Ask if dogs are allowed on furniture or upstairs, if there is an upstairs.
• Ask if the caravan has an enclosed garden or decking with a gate.
• Ask the park, or the owner, about dog walking areas and where dogs must be on a lead.
• Ask if dogs are allowed in the clubhouse, bar or shop.

THE LAW ON ID

By law, dogs must be microchipped and registered on an approved database by the time they are 8 weeks old. You must keep the details up to date. Before you travel, check the chip details still show your current phone number.

When your dog is out in public, it should wear a collar with a tag showing your name and address. Adding a mobile number is a good idea, as you will be away from home.

NEVER LEAVE A DOG IN A HOT CAR

Cars heat up very fast. The RSPCA says that when it is 22 degrees outside, a car can reach 47 degrees within an hour. Parking in the shade or leaving a window open does not make it safe. Plan stops on the journey, and do not leave your dog in the car while you pop into reception or the shop.

Caravans can get warm in summer too. Keep blinds closed on sunny days, leave water down, and do not leave your dog shut in for long periods.

LEAVING THE DOG ALONE IN THE CARAVAN

Many owners and parks do not allow dogs to be left alone in the caravan. Ask before you go. If it is allowed, keep it short. A dog in a strange place may bark, scratch doors or chew, and neighbours on a park are close by.

BEACHES AND WALKS

Many councils have rules that stop dogs going on some beaches, often during the summer months. The dates and the beaches covered vary from place to place, and you can be fined for breaking them. Look for signs at the beach entrance, or check the local council website before you go.

• Keep your dog on a lead around farm animals and ground nesting birds.
• Watch out for cliff edges, strong tides and soft sand.
• Take fresh water, as dogs should not drink sea water.
• Rinse salt and sand off paws and coat after a beach walk.

CLEAN UP AND RESPECT THE CARAVAN

Always pick up after your dog, on the park and off it. Use the bins the park provides.

Bring your dog's own bed and a blanket or throw for the sofa if the owner allows dogs on furniture. Wipe muddy paws at the door, and towel off wet dogs before they come in. Owners who let dogs stay often rely on guests treating the caravan as their own. Leaving it clean and hair free is the best way to keep dog friendly caravans available.

WHAT TO PACK FOR THE DOG

• Food, bowls and treats for the whole stay.
• Lead, collar with tag, and a spare lead.
• Poo bags, and more than you think you need.
• Bed, blanket and old towels.
• Any medicines, and your vet's phone number.
• The number of a local vet near the park.

Sources: gov.uk durham.gov.uk rspca.org.uk folkestone-hythe.gov.uk. Checked October 2026. Information, not advice.