You don't like leaving your dog behind during a holiday or weekend getaway. And fortunately you don't have to! On Vipio you will find many special accommodations where your dog is welcome. From small B&B's to holiday homes in the middle of nature, we have collected the most beautiful accommodations for you. Check out which accommodation suits you and your dog best and what to look out for when booking. So you can easily plan a weekend or holiday in a pet-friendly accommodation.
Dog friendly accommodations
Dog-friendly accommodations: from holiday homes and hotels to B&Bs
Not every accommodation is equally suitable for an overnight stay with your dog. That has to do with space, outdoor space and the owner's house rules. Here are the most common options:
- Renting a holiday home with your dog gives you the most freedom. You have your own driveway, often a fenced-in yard and no fellow guests who can be bothered by your dog. For large dogs or dogs that like to bark, this is by far the most pleasant choice.
- Staying in a B&B with your dog works well if you want contact with the owner and like to get local tips. B&B owners who allow dogs are often familiar with them themselves. Note that you share the building with other guests, and not all owners allow your dog to come with you to the breakfast room.
- Booking a hotel with your dog can be surprisingly comfortable. Some hotels have special dog beds, treats on arrival and a dog walking area on the property. The rules vary widely: at some, your dog is allowed into the restaurant room, while at others he must stay in the room while you eat.
- Staying overnight in a nature cottage with your dog is the best choice if you really want to get out in nature. Consider a tiny house in a forest, a hiker's cabin or a chalet. The environment is right outside your door, with no busy roads.
- Special accommodations, such as a treehouse, a houseboat or a yurt, are an option if you want something completely different. Not every owner allows this, but the stays are large and diverse.
The best destinations for an overnight stay with your dog
The best destination depends on what you and your dog prefer. Do you like vast forests and heathland? Then the Veluwe or the Ardennes are logical choices. Prefer something closer to home or still that feeling of space and water? Then there are plenty of alternatives.
The Veluwe is one of the most dog-friendly destinations in the Netherlands. There are large off-leash areas, but beware: parts of the Veluwe are fragile nature reserves where dogs must be leashed. Always check the local rules per area via the website of Staatsbosbeheer or the National Park De Hoge Veluwe. If you book a holiday home in the Veluwe with your dog, you have direct access to nature: many houses are located on the edge of the forest or on a holiday park with walk-out space.
The Ardennes are popular with Dutch and Belgian dog owners. The hilly forests are suitable for long walks, and the region has many holiday homes with fenced gardens. By car you can reach the Ardennes from the Netherlands in two to three hours, depending on your point of departure. Book a holiday home in the Ardennes with your dog preferably outside the summer. In high season the most popular houses are quickly fully booked.
The Eifel in Germany and the Limburg hills are good alternatives if you want to drive a little less far than the Ardennes. The Eifel has vast hiking forests and lakes, and is easily accessible from the south of the Netherlands. South Limburg is ideal for a night away. The distance is small, but the surroundings feel different from the flat polder.
On holiday with your dog by the sea
The coast deserves a separate mention, as the rules and possibilities vary greatly by season and by municipality. In the Netherlands, dogs are allowed on most beaches outside the summer season (roughly September through April). Popular places are Domburg, Renesse and the Wadden Islands, where you can go directly from your accommodation onto the beach. In the summer, municipalities designate fixed dog beaches, but those locations vary from place to place, so check in advance on the website of the relevant municipality.
The Belgian coast is a little more flexible in this regard. There, too, more beaches are accessible to dogs in the summer, albeit often only early in the morning or late in the evening. Want to know more about dog-friendly coastal accommodations and which places work best by season? Then check out our dog-friendly accommodations on the coast.
The best destination depends on what you and your dog prefer. Do you like vast forests and heathland? Then the Veluwe or the Ardennes are logical choices. Prefer something closer to home or still that feeling of space and water? Then there are plenty of alternatives.
The Veluwe is one of the most dog-friendly destinations in the Netherlands. There are large off-leash areas, but beware: parts of the Veluwe are fragile nature reserves where dogs must be leashed. Always check the local rules per area via the website of Staatsbosbeheer or the National Park De Hoge Veluwe. If you book a holiday home in the Veluwe with your dog, you have direct access to nature: many houses are located on the edge of the forest or on a holiday park with walk-out space.
The Ardennes are popular with Dutch and Belgian dog owners. The hilly forests are suitable for long walks, and the region has many holiday homes with fenced gardens. By car you can reach the Ardennes from the Netherlands in two to three hours, depending on your point of departure. Book a holiday home in the Ardennes with your dog preferably outside the summer. In high season the most popular houses are quickly fully booked.
The Eifel in Germany and the Limburg hills are good alternatives if you want to drive a little less far than the Ardennes. The Eifel has vast hiking forests and lakes, and is easily accessible from the south of the Netherlands. South Limburg is ideal for a night away. The distance is small, but the surroundings feel different from the flat polder.
On holiday with your dog by the sea
The coast deserves a separate mention, as the rules and possibilities vary greatly by season and by municipality. In the Netherlands, dogs are allowed on most beaches outside the summer season (roughly September through April). Popular places are Domburg, Renesse and the Wadden Islands, where you can go directly from your accommodation onto the beach. In the summer, municipalities designate fixed dog beaches, but those locations vary from place to place, so check in advance on the website of the relevant municipality.
The Belgian coast is a little more flexible in this regard. There, too, more beaches are accessible to dogs in the summer, albeit often only early in the morning or late in the evening. Want to know more about dog-friendly coastal accommodations and which places work best by season? Then check out our dog-friendly accommodations on the coast.
Fees and pet surcharge at dog-friendly accommodations
Many accommodations charge a pet surcharge. This is usually between 5 and 25 euros per stay, but can also be charged per night. On Vipio you will always see the surcharge listed before booking so there are no surprises. Some accommodations do not charge a surcharge but do require a deposit for any damage. Others don't charge anything extra. This varies by owner. It is always wise to explicitly mention when booking that you are bringing a dog, even if the accommodation is listed as dog-friendly. That way the owner knows in advance and you can ask questions directly about specific rules.
Many accommodations charge a pet surcharge. This is usually between 5 and 25 euros per stay, but can also be charged per night. On Vipio you will always see the surcharge listed before booking so there are no surprises. Some accommodations do not charge a surcharge but do require a deposit for any damage. Others don't charge anything extra. This varies by owner. It is always wise to explicitly mention when booking that you are bringing a dog, even if the accommodation is listed as dog-friendly. That way the owner knows in advance and you can ask questions directly about specific rules.
House rules for dogs per type of accommodation
Each accommodation has its own house rules. Is your dog allowed on the furniture or bed? Not all owners allow this, even in accommodations that call themselves dog-friendly. Is there a fenced garden or exercise area right by the accommodation? That makes the first morning run a lot easier. Can your dog be left alone? Some B&Bs and hotels do not allow this. Additional restrictions may apply to large dogs or certain breeds, such as rottweilers or pit bulls. Always check in advance if you have such a dog.
Each accommodation has its own house rules. Is your dog allowed on the furniture or bed? Not all owners allow this, even in accommodations that call themselves dog-friendly. Is there a fenced garden or exercise area right by the accommodation? That makes the first morning run a lot easier. Can your dog be left alone? Some B&Bs and hotels do not allow this. Additional restrictions may apply to large dogs or certain breeds, such as rottweilers or pit bulls. Always check in advance if you have such a dog.
One night or a whole weekend away with your dog
A night away with your dog is perfect if you don't want a long drive or just want to escape. Holiday homes sometimes have a minimum stay of two nights, but a B&B or hotel will do just fine for one night.
A night away with your dog is perfect if you don't want a long drive or just want to escape. Holiday homes sometimes have a minimum stay of two nights, but a B&B or hotel will do just fine for one night.
For two nights, a holiday home or nature cottage is more appealing. You have more space, your dog can get used to the environment and you have time for a few longer walks. Last-minute booking is possible, but dog-friendly accommodations are popular, especially on weekends. If you're looking for something specific, such as a house with a fenced-in yard or a particular destination, book early.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I go on holiday with the dog by the sea?
The Dutch coastal region, especially the beaches of Zeeland and the Wadden Islands, is ideal for a holiday with dogs. In seaside resorts such as Noordwijk and Domburg, dogs are welcome on special dog beaches where they are allowed to run and play freely all year round.
What are popular destinations for a weekend getaway with dog?
The Veluwe, the Zeeland coast, the Utrecht Ridge and the Achterhoek are popular destinations. These regions combine ample hiking opportunities with dog-friendly restaurants and accommodations. The Belgian Ardennes are also very popular with dog owners.
What should I take with me on holiday with my dog?
Bring the solid food, water bowl, sleeping place, leash and vaccination certificate. A valid EU pet passport is required for stays abroad. A familiar blanket reduces stress in a new environment.
What does a holiday with dog cost on average?
A weekend getaway with dog costs on average between €150 and €400, depending on accommodation type and region. Most dog-friendly accommodations charge a one-time supplement of €10 to €25 per dog. You can find accommodations in every price range through Vipio.
Which vacation homes have fenced yards for dogs?
Specialized dog bungalows and private nature cottages in wooded regions such as the Veluwe or on the coast often offer a fenced yard. These accommodations are specifically selected for the presence of a private yard with a dense fence, so dogs can stay outside safely and freely.
Is there a surcharge for dogs in vacation homes?
Most vacation rentals charge a one-time dog surcharge of €10 to €30 per stay. Sometimes an amount applies per night or per dog. At Vipio you can see the full cost breakdown per accommodation in advance, including any pet surcharge.
