Best flooring for holiday cottages

In recent years, the UK has seen a surge in pet ownership, and with it a growing demand for pet-friendly holiday accommodation. According to the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association, over 57% of UK households now include a pet. For owners, leaving their four-legged family members behind isn’t an option. As a result, more holidaymakers are actively seeking out pet-welcoming cottages where their dogs (and sometimes cats) can enjoy the getaway just as much as they do.

For holiday cottage owners, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. Making your property pet-friendly doesn’t just widen your target audience—it significantly improves booking potential and guest satisfaction. One of the most overlooked but essential elements of this upgrade? Flooring.

Why flooring matters in pet-friendly holiday cottages

Flooring is one of the first things that gets put to the test in a pet-friendly space. Muddy paws, excited claws, accidental spills and wet coats—all of these can take a toll on standard surfaces. For holiday cottages, where changeovers are quick and traffic is high, choosing the right flooring is not just about appearance. It’s about long-term performance, safety, and ease of maintenance.

Here’s what the ideal flooring for a holiday cottage should deliver:

• Scratch resistance – to withstand claws
• Waterproofing – for inevitable pet accidents and rainy-day returns
• Non-slip properties – for the safety of both pets and humans
• Easy cleaning – for quick changeovers
• Comfort underfoot (and paw) – particularly for older animals

Our recommendation: PawSafe domestic range flooring by Floors for Paws

At Floors for Paws, we’ve spent years developing flooring solutions that cater specifically to pets and their owners. Our PawSafe domestic range is a favourite among holiday cottage owners for a reason.

Why it’s perfect for holiday cottages:

• Waterproof and easy to mop after beach walks or countryside treks
• Non-slip surface to reduce risk of injury on energetic indoor zoomies
• Soft and cushioned underpaw, making it ideal for older or arthritic pets
• Scratch-resistant top layer to maintain appearance despite high foot (and paw) traffic
• Available in a range of natural wood and stone effect finishes to suit any aesthetic

Our flooring is already trusted by veterinarians, pet charities, and holiday lets across the UK.

Perfect for our pet friendly holiday cottage

We've installed over 120m2 of Floors For Paws in a converted barn to make our new holiday cottage (The Stables, Rigsby Wold Holiday Cottages) suitable for pets as well as humans. It both looks lovely and works well with the under floor heating we have installed. Lots of positive comments too.

Highly recommended

Other pet-friendly features to consider in holiday cottages

While flooring plays a central role, a truly pet-welcoming cottage involves attention to several key areas:

1. Enclosed outdoor spaces

A secure garden or patio is often non-negotiable for dog owners. Fencing should be high and sturdy enough to contain both small and large breeds.

2. Easy-clean furniture and décor

Opt for wipeable surfaces, removable sofa covers, and minimal soft furnishings. Materials like leatherette or washable cotton are ideal.

3. Welcome packs for pet owners

Small touches go a long way: dog bowls, blankets, treats, or a doggie shower station can elevate the guest experience and increase the chance of glowing reviews.

4. Clear pet policies

Be upfront with your house rules. Specify whether you allow pets on furniture or in bedrooms, and whether there’s a limit on the number of animals.

A long-term investment in guest satisfaction