_Doonbank Cottage

Doonbank Cottage welcomes responsible dog owners and their pets which we allow free of charge.

Whilst most guests who bring their pets have been dog owners, we have also accomodated a range of other pets. As well as cats, we have also welcomed a parrrot and two hamsters!

We will accept up to three pets. If you want to bring more, please contact us first. We ask for a £100 pound damage and cleaning retention from all guests who wish to bring their dogs. We do not cash this cheque and destroy it if all is ok. We ask that the deposit be sent to us in the form of a cheque in advance of your holiday.

What to bring with you

If you are bringing your dogs with you, please bring your own: 

1. Dog bed[s]. Your dogs like to chill out as well and their own dog bed provides comfort and familiarity. They may also have their own special blanket[s]
2. Dog towels. When your dog comes back after walks they will need washing down. Bringing your own towels means that you can dry them off without using our Egyptian cotton guest towels!
3. Poop scoop bags - preferably environmentally friendly ones to clear up after your dog[s].
4. Dog lead and/or extendable dog lead.
5. Collars
6. Initial supply of food.
7. Dog identification tags
8. Any medication your dog may be on or need.

As part of our commitment to best practice with dog friendly policy, we provide a doggy emergency box which comprises:

Bucket and sponge to wash your dog Dog food and water bowls Holiday dog tags Kennel Pet food fork Scoop bags Spare lead Emergency towel to wipe down dog[s] Torch for dog walking Food and water bowl mats Emergency dog food. Dog shampoo

We also provide: Dog walk information included in 'what to' do leaflets in the office. Information on local dog food ordering service. Information on all year dog friendly beaches nearby. Information on local dog grooming service. On site and nearby off lead walks. Information on local dog sitting services. Information about vets provided within welcome pack. Dog walks available from the door [no need to drive]. Dog friendly outdoor seating areas Outside tap [by garage]

Dog Friendly Pubs and Restaurants

The Failford Inn [Failford, near Mauchline, postcode KA5 5TF. Tel: 01292 540 117] - dog friendly pub and resturant on the banks of the River Ayr, which can be walked from its source to the sea, via the River Ayr way. 33 minutes drive from Doonbank Cottage. The Failford also brews its own beer on-site in its Windie Goat Brewery!

The Balgarth [8 Dunure Road, Ayr, KA7 4HR. Tel: 01292 442441. 3 minutes drive from Doonbank Cottaqe. [Canopy area at rear of restaurant. Also has childrens play area]

Local Vets

Doonbank Cottage is within easy reach of numerous dog friendly beaches, making up 60 miles of South Ayrshire coastline. Beaches include Doonfoot beach, which also has a family nature trail between Doonfoot and Seafield, Dunure Shore and Maidens Shore Front,

Day Kennels

Bonny Bank Cottage, Little Mill by Ayr. Tel: 01292 590 250. 35 minutes drive from Doonbank Cottage.

Day Food Ordering Service

The Pet Food Company.

Dog walking and dog sitting services

Happy Dawg. Full members of NARP (National Association of Registered Pet Sitters) and are fully CRB checked. http://www.dogwalkingayr.co.uk/

• Remove dog hair from the property before departure. This can't be achieved in 10 minutes just before you leave! Please allow time for a thorough vacuum. (Vacuum cleaner and cleaning materials supplied in the cupboard under the stairs).
• Clean traces of wet dog from walls.
• Wipe down your dog after walks. You can do this in the kitchen or back hall area using the bucket and sponge . We have provided an emergency dog towel but we would ask that you bring suitable towels to wipe down your dog with you.
• Clean up dog mess as and when it happens. Young children play in all the cottage gardens and woodland and so it is important that this requirement is met. Please bring suitable pooper scoopers, bags etc and dispose of dog mess bags responsibly.
• You must take sensible precautions not to allow pets onto furniture or into the bedrooms - please bring a dog bed[s] with you.
• Do not wash your dog inside the cottage and most definately not in the bath. Please remember that other guests have to use these facilities. We have provided a bucket, sponge and outside taps.

Using guest towels to clean dogs is not acceptable.

Dogs must not be left alone in the cottage unless permission has previously been sought from ourselves and then only on the strict understanding that you believe that the dogs will not damage the cottage or cause a nuisance (excessive barking, howling, etc).

Damage will be charged at the following rates and will be deducted from the deposit.

• Extra cleaning required to remove traces of your pet @ £23 per hour [linen may require steam cleaning to remove traces]
• Damage to doors, furniture etc caused by scraping, as quoted by local tradesman (receipt available on request).

As owners you are expected to keep your dog/s under close control while staying at Doonbank Cottage, so not to cause a nuisance to others.

It is your responsibility to ensure that all members of your holiday party are aware of these requirements. If there is more than one dog owner in the party it is essential that he/she also feels that his/her dog is suitably well behaved and that they read and agreed to this dog policy.

We are sorry to have to enforce this policy. However it is designed to guard against a very small minority of dog owners who have not behaved responsibly in the past.

If you do stay at the cottage, please do send us pictures of your pets so we put them on this page.