DESTINATION DOG

Dog Friendly Destinations launched during the pandemic in 2020 - not an ideal time for a business sharing dog friendly places to stay, eat, and go across the UK. With thousands using the site each month to plan dog friendly adventures, and a following of over 50,000 on social media, it’s safe to say that co-founders, Lauren Jones and Rachel Southern are providing an in-demand service.

Vanity Fur: A website brimming with dog friendly recommendations? Tell us more!

Rachel Southern: Yes, we feature lots of lovely dog friendly cottages, lodges, hotels, and even a treehouse or two, that are delighted to welcome four-legged as well as two-legged guests. But alongside recommendations for places to stay, we’ve also combed the UK for great dog-friendly pubs and coffee shops, and the most stunning dog walks that you can enjoy while you’re away too. We have a small team of roving re-paw-ters who share fantastic local recommendations on the website, ones that you might miss if you’re not from that area.

VF: What was the inspiration behind starting Dog Friendly Destinations?

Lauren Jones: I rescued my Collie, Milo, when he was eight months old (he’s now 11) and because of how badly he’d been treated, he suffered from terrible separation anxiety. As a result, he accompanied us – my husband and I - everywhere. We took him, and continue to take him, on days out, weekends away, holidays. Milo even came to our wedding!

I knew I couldn’t be alone in not wanting to leave my dog at home, and with Rachel’s love of dogs and background in communications and digital marketing, we set about creating a website to help others whose dogs form an integral part of the family.

Launching in lockdown was quite a challenge. It kept us both VERY occupied with having to home-school too. But we got through it, and with everyone looking for entertainment to pass the time, it gave us a tremendous opportunity to work on and grow our social media channels.

VF: What did you both do before starting the business?

LJ: I’m a qualified teacher but moved in to social media management after the birth of my first son, five years ago. I’m also currently studying for a marketing qualification.

RS: I’m a former communications manager in the automotive industry but more recently I worked as a digital marketing consultant prior to starting Dog Friendly Destinations with Lauren – who’s also my sister-in-law.

VF: What makes a great dog friendly destination?

RS: This is such a great question and something that I’ve changed my mind about. When we first launched the website, we had very strict criteria in mind. We’ve since relaxed our opinions quite a bit based on feedback from other dog owners.

Initially, when it came to dog friendly holiday homes, we would have said that they need to have dog beds, bowls, treats, doggy washes, fully enclosed gardens, etc. However, some of our most popular properties don’t tick all the boxes and yet anyone who has visited them with their pooch has had an amazing time because of the charm of the property, the location, and the incredible walks from the door.

We no longer try to second guess what people consider ‘dog friendly’, and instead offer criteria they can choose from to narrow down their search and find a destination that works best for them. The key thing is that they find a fantastic place to go where the whole family can have a positive experience.

VF: How do your own dogs get involved in the business.

LJ: Milo is exceptionally talented at seeking out snacks in coffee shops and restaurants. He’s fully able to advise other pooches on which places welcome you with the best cuddles.

RS: Lyra likes to try and test recommendations for dog walks in and around North Wales and Cheshire, particularly if they end at a lovely pub with a roaring fire and a doggy menu.

VF: You’re based in North Wales. Can you share some favourite places to stay, eat and go?

RS: I’d recommend making Ruthin your base as it’s a really welcoming market town, has amazing walks but is only a short drive away from the beautiful North Wales coast.

Stay at: The Longbarn at Caerfallen, a beautiful three-bedroom barn conversion set in 70 acres in the Vale of Clwyd.

Stop by: The Cabin coffee shop in the centre of Ruthin, a dog friendly gem serving mouth-watering cakes (and doggy treats).

Head to Moel Famau: As the highest summit in the area, it offers incredible views every which way you turn, from Snowdonia to Liverpool and across the Cheshire Plain.

LJ: I’d recommend heading a touch further south and staying close to Tywyn. The coastline is equally as stunning but you’re also amid Snowdonia National Park.

Stay at: Dove Cottage, a grade II listed cottage on The Llanfendigaid Estate, which also has a fabulous swimming pool for guests to use.

Stop by: the George III pub in Penmaenpool. On the banks of the Mawddach estuary, the scenery is stunning, and it’s extremely dog friendly.

Head to: Tonfanau beach, an unspoilt stretch of sand that’s perfect for a quiet dog walk.

VF: How can readers get involved in and join in with sharing great recommendations?

LJ: Well, we run a regular photo/video competition on Instagram. There’s a monthly prompt, usually something simple and seasonal like ‘morning walks’ or ‘signs of summer.’ All people need to do is upload a photo or video and use the hashtag #adventuresonfourpaws. Many follow the hashtag for dog friendly ideas and inspiration. We share our favourites on the Dog Friendly Destinations account - @dogfriendlydestinationsuk – and have a monthly prize too. We’d love for more people to join in. There’s been over 30,000 photos uploaded since we launched in 2020.

VF: What is next for Dog Friendly Destinations?

RS: As well as adding more great places to stay, eat and go on the website, we’re developing comprehensive guides for specific locations across the UK, both web-based and physical maps. As we live in the area, we’re starting with North Wales and by the time this interview goes to print, Vanity Fur Magazine readers should be able pop over to our website (www.dogfriendlydestinations.com) and order one.