The managing director of a major holiday lets firm is urging landlords to make their properties dog friendly if they want top boost bookings.

Harry Roberts of My Favourite Cottages says there are six ways landlords can make their properties more attractive to the ever-larger pet owning population.

Make sure the property is secure: He says: “Ensure all parts of the holiday home are secure, especially if the property is nearby a road, by checking gardens are enclosed fully, access to the road is blocked off and there aren’t any gaps in gates or fences that dogs can slip through.”

Supply guests with pet-friendly guides: “Be a good host and supply details of dog-friendly destinations in guests’ welcome packs,  such as beaches, parks and local walks. And if you’re restricting owners to not leaving dogs unattended at the property, it’s important to include advice on where guests can dine out with their beloved pooch or details of part-time dog sitters.”

Set guidelines… but don’t be too restrictive: “Be upfront with guests about any house rules you may have for pets and set clear instructions. Usually, this will be explained and made clear to the guest before they rent the property by you or a holiday lettings agency, so guests know what they’re signing up for before they arrive. You should provide an easy way for pet owners to control their pets’ access, such as a stairgate that allows dogs to roam freely without access to the upstairs.”

Opt for durable furnishings: “Choosing furniture and finishes that are hard-wearing, practical and easy to clean will play a big part in your property remaining at a high standard. Leather sofas offer both opulence and practicality – they are easy to wipe down and won’t cling to the smell of dog hair. Tiled or sealed stone flooring is the most hard-wearing but can feel cold to guests. Wooden floors or a high-quality laminate can bridge comfort and practicality, offering guests a warm place to stay while being easy for hosts to keep clean.”

Watch out for hidden dangers: “Curious or young dogs can get into everything, so keep an eye out for any subtle hazards such as exposed cables, cleaning agents or medicines. While houseplants are a great way to make your property feel homier and cosy, a surprising amount are actually toxic to pets, so you need to keep these out of reach or remove them from the property. The same is true for what you plant in your garden if dogs decide to take a chomp out of your plants. It’s best to keep any planting in raised beds or be discerning about what you plant.”