We also have 2 dogs and as previously mentioned, work out the oveall cost per night for us all before booking. Did stay at one site last year that had a designated 'dog walk' It was so muddy and steep (nearly vertical) the dogs were the only ones who could stay upright, suppose if it had been flatter a tent would have been pitched there. Ended up taking them off site for walk even when only last one before bedtime. Not sure how to safeguard against that in future, unless all us dog owners put it in our site reveiws
I think the sites that charge a high fee for dogs are the ones run by people who dont actually want dogs there. You can usually spot them when they over quote the rules and specify size, breeed, length of lead etc
We've found one that seems to encourage dogs and has specified they will take "well behaved children", sounds like my kinda site
ross park, trethem mill, and bolberry farm are the most dog friendly sites we have been to. Going to fforest fields in may so will probably add that one to my list Penny
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The thought about them charging more because they don't really want the dogs there, did cross my mind but they have a big field for the dogs to run in so doesn't make sense. I have crossed it off my list now as i am not prepared to may that amount!
Quote: Originally posted by Esther+Ian on 15/1/2009
You can usually spot them when they over quote the rules and specify size, breed, length of lead etc
The breed issue is something i'm coming across more and more. What annoys me is they boast about being dog friendly then say you can't bring your dog as we don't accept them. That's hardly dog friendly and nor is charging silly money per night.
Quote: Originally posted by JackieandSteve on 16/1/2009
Quote: Originally posted by Esther+Ian on 15/1/2009
You can usually spot them when they over quote the rules and specify size, breed, length of lead etc
The breed issue is something i'm coming across more and more. What annoys me is they boast about being dog friendly then say you can't bring your dog as we don't accept them. That's hardly dog friendly and nor is charging silly money per night.
That annoys me also, I've come across some lovely sites that wont accept my docile 10 year old german shepherd (who you wouldnt even know was in the caravan with us). They lose out really, as I take my custom where its welcome!
AND I wouldnt pay that kind of money for my dog either
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We also have 2 dogs and will rarely pay over £2 per dog per night. We tend to find sites where they're either free or just charge a small fee. I certainly avoid paying £3+ per dog per night.
Yes I know some of the sites do provide facilities and if a dog field or walk is provided it has to be maintained. And I don't mind paying a nominal fee towards that. What really really gets me is that some sites totally hike their prices for dogs in high or peak season . I think this is partially done to discourage dog owners from taking their dogs.
------------- 2024:
February: Broadstone Park, Coleford
March: Bucklegrove, Rodney Stoke
Easter: Llandrindod Wells, Powys
May: Carmarthenshire
July: Dorset Volksfest + Wilksworth
August: Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza
August BH: TBC
September: Undecided
October: Bull Bay, Anglesey
There are some lovely sites around that don't charge high prices for humans or dogs, they get my custom. I've never paid more than £1 each for the dogs. Many sites have excellent dog walk areas and don't charge extra for dogs. Just as some have good childrens play areas and don't charge extra for kids. Vote with your feet, as they say.
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.
This annoys me too, as we use the New Forest sites with the Forestry Commission and they charge £2 per night per dog, I know it's not much but for heaven's sake these are no facility sites in the heart of the forest - there is no 'dog walk' or poo bin because we are in the forest itself!
So what are we paying for exactly? It pushes up the cost of a weekend away and it annoys me.
Sites with good dog walks and a poo bin - which costs £400 to buy incidentally - can be justified, but if not, what are we paying for?
Our local one we use has made their own poo bin, I'm sure most dog walks are only there because they dont have the permission to turn that area into caravan pitches.
I can never understand either why you get charged for an awning, after all it's the same sized pitch you're given whether you choose to put your awning up or not.
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The charge for dogs is just another way of getting extra money from us, just give the sites an option when booking or just arriving on speck, give the site owner the option, charge for the dogs and loose 7 days or more site fees, think you will find as times get harder the site owners will be glad to come to some arrangement or do as others say there are plenty of friendly sites who welcome dogs with no charge