Ruff Review: Canine Cottages Is Hiring Dogs to Test Out Their Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals

The frequency of “No Pets Allowed” messages on hotel websites and rental listings can make it difficult to plan a pet-friendly getaway. If you’re setting your sights on a trip to England, Scotland, or Wales, UK-based Canine Cottages can help: All their cottage rentals welcome dogs.

To ensure that dogs have just as much fun in the cottages as their human companions do, the company employs 10 “Canine Critics” each year to evaluate some of the properties—and they’re currently accepting applications for the class of 2021. Basically, the family of each Canine Critic receives £1000 (about $1379) to rent a cottage of their choice, along with a doggy bag bursting with “treats and gadgets” to help them make the most of their stay. Pet parents will document their pet's experience with photos and a written review, all of which will be featured on Canine Cottages’ website and/or social media accounts.

Last year, for example, a Chiweenie (part Chihuahua, part Dachshund) named Daphne scoped out a sunny cottage on the Isle of Wight with her family. During her week, she wore many hats (literally) and spent lots of time in her personal favorite spot: the garden. Barrie, a rescued Anatolian shepherd, took a trip to a house in Sussex near a beach, a park, and a “good fish-and-chip shop” (as requested by her “huMum”).

In short, if you live in the UK and own a dog that doesn’t mind posing for the camera, you stand to earn a free vacation by submitting an application. All it really entails is filling out a few basic personal details about yourself and your prized pooch, along with a photo that showcases your pet’s winning charisma. You have to be a UK resident in order to apply, which you can do here before the window closes on Monday, October 4.