Best Pet-Friendly Accommodation in Scotland: Hotels and Rentals That Welcome Your Dog or Cat

Bringing your pet to Scotland isn’t just possible-it’s easier than ever. Whether you’re hiking the Cairngorms with your Labrador or exploring Edinburgh’s cobbled streets with your tabby, finding a place to stay that actually welcomes animals used to be a nightmare. Not anymore. Over the last three years, more than 60% of hotels and self-catering rentals across Scotland have added pet-friendly policies, and many now offer special perks like dog beds, treats, and even walking maps. You don’t need to settle for a kennel or leave your furry friend behind. Here’s where to find real, reliable, and welcoming stays-with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.

What Makes a Truly Pet-Friendly Place in Scotland?

Not all places that say "pets allowed" are created equal. Some charge a flat fee and lock your dog in the room. Others give you a leash, a bowl, and a map to the nearest dog park. The best ones treat your pet like part of the family. Look for these signs:

• Clear, written pet policies (no vague "may allow pets on request" language)
• No breed or size restrictions beyond reasonable safety limits
• Free or low-cost pet fees (under £25 per stay)
• On-site amenities: water bowls, waste bags, pet beds, or even pet-sitting services
• Proximity to walking trails, beaches, or parks

One place I’ve stayed with my border collie near Pitlochry? They left a bowl of fresh water and a chew toy on the porch. No extra charge. No questions asked. That’s the standard you should expect.

Top Pet-Friendly Hotels in Scotland

Hotels in Scotland have come a long way. Gone are the days when you had to beg the front desk to let your dog in. Here are a few that consistently get high marks from pet owners:

• The Witchery by the Castle (Edinburgh): Yes, this luxury hotel in the heart of the Old Town allows dogs. They provide custom dog beds, gourmet treats, and even a "paw-ty" menu. No size limits. Just notify them in advance.
• The Argyll Hotel (Oban): Right on the waterfront, this hotel lets you walk your dog straight from the lobby to the pier. They offer dog-walking guides and local seafood treats for your pup. Pet fee: £15 per stay.
• The Fife Arms (Braemar): Known for its art collection, this hotel also has a full dog concierge. Need boots for muddy trails? They’ll lend them. Want your dog to join you for afternoon tea? They’ll set up a little cushion by your chair.
• The Glenfinnan Hotel (Loch Shiel): If you’re heading to the Jacobite steam train, this is your stop. They allow pets in most rooms and have a fenced garden where dogs can run free. No fee for small to medium dogs.

Pro tip: Book directly through the hotel website. Many don’t list pet policies on third-party sites like Booking.com or Expedia. You’ll avoid the "we didn’t know" excuse.

Best Pet-Friendly Self-Catering Rentals

For longer stays or if you’re traveling with multiple pets, self-catering rentals give you more space, privacy, and freedom. Here’s what’s working right now:

• Highland Hideaways: A network of cottages across the Highlands and Islands. Every property has a fenced yard, dog washing station, and a local trail guide. Many allow two dogs free of charge.
• Scotland’s Coastal Cottages: Specializes in beachfront properties. Dogs can roam on 10+ beaches legally open to pets year-round, including Balmedie and Luss. Most include a "pet kit" with towels, treats, and a waste bag dispenser.
• Stay Scotland: A local platform with over 200 vetted rentals. Filter for "cats welcome" or "large dogs OK." Many have indoor pet areas and heated dog beds-perfect for winter stays.

One family I met near Fort William rented a cabin with a private loch view. Their golden retriever swam every morning. The owner left a note: "If he gets muddy, just use the hose outside. We’ve got a dryer too." That’s the kind of detail that makes a trip unforgettable.

Where to Walk Your Pet in Scotland

Scotland is one of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe. But not every trail is open to pets. Stick to these:

• Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park: Over 200 miles of pet-friendly paths. The Balmaha area has a dedicated dog beach.
• North Berwick Coastal Path: Easy, flat, and scenic. Dogs can run off-leash on the beach before 10am and after 6pm in summer.
• Glencoe Valley: Most trails allow dogs on leads. Avoid the more remote ridges in bad weather-some paths are too steep or exposed.
• Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden: Pets are welcome on leads. There’s even a water fountain near the entrance.

Always check the National Parks Scotland website for current rules. Some areas close trails in spring for nesting birds.

Pet Fees, Rules, and What to Avoid

Most places charge a cleaning fee. But here’s the catch: some charge £50 or more for a small dog. That’s not fair. The average pet fee in Scotland is now £18 per stay. Anything over £30? Ask why.

Watch out for these red flags:

• "Pets allowed only with prior approval"-means they’ll say no if they’re busy
• "No large dogs"-often means no dogs over 20kg, which rules out half the breeds
• "No cats"-many places still ban cats, even if they allow dogs. That’s changing, but slowly
• "No pets in bedrooms"-you’ll be stuck in a living room with your dog on a cold floor

Always call ahead. Don’t rely on a website’s "pet-friendly" label. I once booked a place that said "dogs welcome," only to find out they meant "dogs in the garden, not the house." A quick phone call saved us.

Traveling with Cats in Scotland

Cats are trickier. Fewer places accept them. But it’s not impossible. Look for:

• Properties with secure gardens or balconies (no open windows)
• Indoor-only rentals (cats hate rain and wind)
• Places that mention "quiet" or "cozy"-cats prefer calm spaces

Some rentals, like those from Stay Scotland, now have a "cat-friendly" filter. One owner in Fife even left a scratching post and a window perch. She said her cat stayed in for three days-and didn’t meow once. That’s the kind of thoughtfulness that matters.

What to Pack for Your Pet in Scotland

Scotland’s weather changes fast. Even in November, you can go from sunshine to sleet in an hour. Pack:

• A waterproof coat for dogs (especially short-haired breeds)
• Extra towels-wet fur on stone floors is a mess
• Portable water bowl and bottled water (some rural areas have hard water)
• Leash and harness (many trails require dogs on leads)
• Food, treats, and a copy of vaccination records (some places ask for proof)
• A favorite toy or blanket for cats-familiar smells reduce stress

And don’t forget: Scotland has a lot of sheep, deer, and wild rabbits. Keep your dog on a lead near farmland. It’s the law in many areas-and it keeps your pet safe.

Final Tips for Stress-Free Pet Travel

• Book early. Pet-friendly spots fill up fast, especially in summer and around holidays.
• Call the property directly. Ask: "Do you have a pet policy in writing? Can I see it?"
• Leave your pet’s bed or blanket at home. It helps them settle in faster.
• Respect other guests. Clean up after your pet. Don’t let them bark all night.
• Use local pet services. Many towns have dog walkers, groomers, or vets who offer emergency care. Ask your host.

Scotland doesn’t just tolerate pets-it celebrates them. From the Highlands to the islands, you’ll find people who love animals as much as you do. With the right place to stay, your next trip won’t just be memorable-it’ll be one your pet remembers too.

If you’re planning a trip, start with a map of Scotland’s national parks and coastal areas. Then filter rentals and hotels by pet policy. Don’t just search for "pet-friendly"-search for "dog-walking trails nearby" or "cat-safe garden." That’s how you find the real gems.