Why making your Cornwall holiday let dog friendly could be the smartest upgrade you make this year
- Guested
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
Owning a holiday let in Cornwall is a fantastic opportunity but standing out and staying fully booked all year can be a challenge, especially with rising costs like the upcoming 100% council tax premium on second homes. If you're looking for a simple way to attract more guests extend your season and increase your income, making your property dog friendly might just be the smartest move you can make.
As the managing director of Guested I’ve seen time and time again how a pet friendly approach can transform a listing’s performance. Here's what you need to know.
Dog friendly = more bookings (and more income)
UK travellers are increasingly looking to bring their pets on holiday. In fact more than 30% of holidaymakers now search for dog friendly accommodation as a priority. In Cornwall with its open beaches scenic walks and laid-back vibe that number is often even higher.
We manage holiday lets across Falmouth Penryn Helford and beyond and properties that welcome dogs consistently see higher occupancy and more repeat bookings. In many cases they also command a slightly higher nightly rate especially outside of peak season when local couples and young families look for short pet friendly breaks.
What pet friendly guests are really looking for
Welcoming dogs doesn’t mean compromising your standards. Pet owning guests are often some of the most responsible and they’ll go out of their way to book somewhere that caters to their needs.
Here’s what makes a big difference:
An enclosed or secure garden area
A towel by the door for muddy paws
Dog bowls a treat or even just a spare lead
Information on local walks beaches and pet friendly pubs
Clear simple house rules
At Guested we help owners introduce these touches in a way that’s thoughtful but low maintenance. You don’t need to overhaul your home — a few small changes can have a big impact.
One small switch big results
A client of ours near Falmouth had been struggling to fill their calendar outside of the school holidays. After discussing options they agreed to trial a dog friendly setup. We added a couple of pet friendly extras updated the listing and adjusted their pricing to reflect the new appeal.
Within weeks their autumn bookings improved and they received glowing reviews from guests who were grateful to bring their dog along. The result? A longer season more income and happier guests all without them having to lift a finger.
You’re still in control
One of the biggest hesitations from owners is worry about damage or extra cleaning. We completely understand. That’s why when we help a property go pet friendly we make sure the setup protects both the space and your peace of mind.
We:
Add clear pet rules to the house guide
Take a dog fee per stay
Carry out post checkout checks
Work with cleaning teams who know what to look for
Recommend practical but stylish furniture and materials
Dog friendly doesn’t have to mean dog everywhere. It just means your property is open to a bigger market with the right boundaries in place.
Try it for yourself – here are some of our dog friendly holiday lets in Cornwall
Curious what a great dog friendly listing looks like in action? These beautiful homes are perfect examples of how thoughtful touches, smart styling and clear pet-friendly policies can attract responsible guests and five-star reviews.
🐾 The White House in Falmouth A light-filled house just minutes from the seafront — stylish, spacious and ideal for groups or families with a dog in tow.
A calming, contemporary retreat with enclosed outdoor space and coastal walks nearby. Perfect for peaceful getaways with pets.
With estuary views and a large outdoor terrace, this spacious home is perfect for families and their four-legged friends.
A characterful cottage tucked away in central Falmouth with dog-friendly beaches and pubs just around the corner.
Rustic charm meets modern comfort in this peaceful apartment — with walks and cafes right on your doorstep doorstep.
Pet friendly is guest friendly and business smart
Making your holiday let in Cornwall dog friendly isn’t just a nice gesture it’s a strategic upgrade that aligns with what guests are actively searching for. It’s also a brilliant way to beat the winter lull stand out from other listings and make better use of your second home.
At Guested we offer full service Airbnb property management in Falmouth and surrounding areas helping owners unlock more income with less hassle. If you're curious about turning your property into a dog friendly haven we’d be happy to guide you through it.
📩 Let’s have a no pressure chat about what’s possible and how your holiday let could be earning more by this time next month.
