Farm holidays are the perfect way to enjoy the great British countryside, and what could be better than bringing your four-legged friend along for the adventure? With fresh air, open fields, and new scents to explore, a farm stay can be a dream getaway for both dogs and their humans. However, the rural setting does come with a few important considerations.
Here’s what to expect when taking your dog on a farm holiday, and how to ensure it’s a safe, enjoyable experience for all involved.
Not all farm holidays accept dogs, so it’s essential to:
Check in advance whether dogs are welcome
Find out how many dogs are allowed and whether there are any additional charges
Confirm if there are any breed, size, or other restrictions; some farm stays do not permit puppies for example
Ask if certain areas are off-limits, for example animal pens, the farmyard, fields, or barns
Many dog-friendly farm stays offer extras like dog bowls, beds, crates, outside washing areas for muddy paws, and enclosed garden areas or fields for off-lead play and exercise
However, it’s always best to bring the items your dog knows and loves to help make them feel at home.
Your dog’s bed or blanket
Something familiar-smelling helps your dog feel settled and secure, especially in a new environment with lots of unfamiliar scents and sounds.
Towels for muddy paws
With countryside walks and unpredictable weather, you’re almost guaranteed to encounter some mud! Having a few old towels on hand makes drying off easier and helps keep the accommodation clean.
Favourite toys or chews
These provide comfort, prevent boredom, and help your dog relax after a busy day exploring. Long-lasting chews are great for quiet time in the evenings.
Enough food and treats for the stay
Your dog’s usual diet helps avoid upset stomachs. It’s also worth packing food in airtight containers to keep it fresh and avoid attracting attention from curious farm animals!
Farm environments are full of new sights, smells, and sounds. If your dog hasn’t experienced rural life before, they may take a little time to adjust to things like, early-morning cockerels, nearby baaing sheep or lowing cattle, and the occasional tractor or quad bike passing
A calm arrival will help your dog adjust. Give your dog some time to sniff around the accommodation and outdoor space so they can find their bearings and feel at ease. Try to keep mealtimes and walks on a similar routine to home, and use familiar items like their bed or blanket to help them feel secure.
If your accommodation has outdoor space, check if it’s securely enclosed before letting your dog off the lead. Keep your dog under close control around livestock, and never leave them unattended in unfamiliar surroundings.
You may be staying near other guests, so please remember that not everyone will share your love of dogs, or they may have a pet that’s less sociable than yours. To ensure a peaceful stay for everyone, keep your dog from wandering and avoid excessive noise or disruption.
If your farm stay doesn’t allow dogs on furniture, beds, or upstairs, please respect these rules. To help keep things clean and free of dog hair, bring a few throws or blankets to protect any areas your dog may settle near.
Working farms are home to a wide range of animals, including sheep, pigs, cattle, chickens, horses, and more. For dogs, especially those with strong herding or hunting instincts, these animals can seem exciting or unfamiliar, and even the friendliest, most well-behaved dog can cause distress, injury, or worse if allowed to approach or chase livestock.
Always keep your dog on a lead around livestock and in farmyards
Even if animals seem calm, dogs can trigger fear responses that may lead to injury, either to the livestock, your dog, or yourself.
Never let your dog approach farm animals
Sheep, cows and horses may appear docile, but they can react unpredictably if they feel threatened, especially when young animals are present.
Respect signage and restricted areas
Fields marked with warning signs, for example, “Cattle Grazing” or “Keep Dogs Out” are there for a reason: both your safety and the wellbeing of the animals.
Always clean up after your dog
Dog waste can carry harmful parasites such as Neospora, which can be devastating to cattle. Always bag it and bin it properly, even in remote areas.
During lambing season, typically late winter to early spring, sheep are especially vulnerable. Even if your dog doesn’t touch a sheep, the act of chasing can cause ewes to miscarry or lambs to become separated from their mothers. In some cases, farmers are legally allowed to take action against dogs worrying livestock.
To avoid any tragic incidents:
Keep dogs on a short lead near sheep
Avoid walking in and near lambing fields entirely if possible
Choose clearly marked dog-friendly routes
Cattle, especially cows with calves, can be highly protective and may perceive dogs as a threat. If your dog accidentally enters a field with cows, act quickly but calmly.
Stay calm and do not run as sudden movements can startle the herd.
If cows approach or become aggressive, let go of your dog’s lead. Dogs are usually faster than cows and can get to safety on their own. Holding on to your pet may put you both at greater risk.
Walk quickly and quietly to the nearest exit or gate.
Call your dog once you’re safely away, or wait for them at a distance if they’ve run off.
Report the incident to the farm or landowner, especially if livestock were disturbed or gates were left open.
To avoid such situations, always check signposts at field gates. If a public footpath crosses a field with cows, use extra caution and consider taking an alternative route if possible.
One of the greatest joys of a farm stay is stepping out of your door into miles of open countryside. Wildflower meadows, woodland trails, coastal paths, and bridleways offer endless opportunities for dogs and their owners to enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of rural life.
Before you head out, little preparation goes a long way towards a safe and enjoyable walk.
Check the route ahead of time so you know whether there are grazing animals such as sheep or cattle along your planned route so you can prepare accordingly.
Pack the essentials such as water, treats, poo bags, and a lead. A long training line is a great compromise, offering dogs some freedom to roam while keeping you in control, especially around livestock or near roads.
In spring and summer, ticks are more prevalent in tall grass and woodland. Check your dog (and yourself) thoroughly after walks, paying close attention to ears and under the collar.
Farm paths can be muddy or uneven, especially after rain. Sturdy boots and a towel for muddy paws
Finally, if you’re heading out for the day in hot weather, never leave your dog in the car, even with the windows open, as heatstroke can be fatal in as little as 10 minutes. When walking in the countryside, try to avoid open areas without shade during the hottest part of the day, especially between 11am and 3pm.
Some farm owners may provide:
Printed or downloadable walking routes tailored to the local area
Recommendations for dog-friendly pubs, cafés, and tea rooms
Outdoor taps or dedicated dog-washing stations to clean up after a messy adventure
Maps showing which footpaths are livestock-free or lead to local points of interest
If you’re unsure, just ask your host as they’ll likely know the best places where you and your dog can roam happily and safely.
It’s not uncommon to see working dogs, such as collies, terriers, spaniels, or German shepherds on a farm, helping to herd livestock or carry out daily tasks. These dogs are not pets in the traditional sense; they are highly trained, focused, and often live very different routines to your own. While it can be tempting to let your dog say hello, it’s important to keep a respectful distance.
Working dogs may be protective of their space or simply too busy to interact. Always supervise your dog around them and never allow off-lead greetings, as unexpected encounters can cause stress or distraction, especially if the working dog is in the middle of a job.
While many dogs absolutely love the adventure and stimulation of a countryside break, a farm holiday isn’t the best fit for every pup. The rural setting can be full of unexpected challenges that may be overwhelming for some dogs.
If your dog tends to be anxious, unpredictable, or reactive, it may be kinder and more enjoyable for everyone, including your dog, to arrange care at home with a trusted friend, family member, or professional sitter.
You may want to consider alternative arrangements if your dog:
Has a strong prey drive or unreliable recall
The presence of free-roaming animals can be highly tempting, and potentially dangerous, if your dog struggles to come back when called.
Is reactive to livestock, other dogs, or people
Farm stays often involve shared spaces, other guests, and working animals. If your dog gets easily overwhelmed or barks excessively at unfamiliar things, it could cause stress for them and those around you.
Is very anxious in new or unpredictable environments
New sounds can be unsettling for sensitive dogs, especially if they’re not used to rural life.
Bring a longline lead for supervised freedom in open areas
Keep vaccinations, flea, worm, and tick treatments up to date
Use pet-safe travel apps to find dog-friendly cafés, pubs and beaches nearby
Never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle or farmyard
Carry a photo of your dog in case they go missing
