Popham House

House Rules for Dogs (and their humans)

We don’t like having lots of rules and regulations because we realise that dogs are very much part of people’s families, however our cottages are very much part of our family so please look after them for us. Not all of our guests visit with dogs.

We thought it only fair that as a prospective visitor, our House Rules for Dogs should be plainly stated.

•  Dogs are welcome, over the age of 6 months of age at the time of the holiday, house trained, clean, no bitches in season and are up to date with flea and tick prevention treatment and are well behaved. (and not destructive!)
• Please clean up after your dog/s – both inside and out. Please bag and bin all deposits as we often have families with children staying at our cottage. In case you run out, spare poo-bags are provided under the stairs hanging up.
• Appledore is a great place to explore with many walks and beaches to visit, but alongside that comes rain, and mud on occasion. If your dog/s are wet and muddy, please use the towels under the stairs and please keep your dog/s in the kitchen until they are clean and dry.  We do have a wet room on the ground floor where you can also clean and wash your dog.
• If you do like your dog/s to curl up with you on furniture, then please bring and use your own throws/towels. There are some towels/blankets provided for emergencies and are kept under the stairs (towels) and in the dog container (in the dining room). Feel free to wash any throws and towels. (washing machine is in the airing cupboard on first floor and washing tabs provided in the same cupboard) If you do use the towels provided by us for your dog/s, please ensure they are washed and dry by the time you leave. If required, there is a vacuum cleaner and mob bucket in the cupboard under the stairs.
• There is a dog bed in the dining room and we just ask that they are cleaned out upon departure.
• Dog bowls, mats along with dog treats are there for you to use and can be found in the kitchen or under the stairs.
• We do try to be flexible and recognise that some dogs like to sleep near their owners. We have lovely bedding so please don’t let your dog/s on the bed unless you have had agreed with us to supply and use your own bedding. A stairgate separates the hall from the stairs, please ensure it is kept closed to stop your dog/s going upstairs. A charge will be made against your security deposit if bedding is found to be soiled by your dog/s.
• Leaving your dog/s alone in the cottage – we would prefer this is only done in the kitchen area and only if you are confident that your dog/s will settle if left alone in a strange place or they are happy in a crate that you have provided (maximum of 3 hours).
• If you know they can be destructive or reactive when they are left alone, or they suffer from separation anxiety, please do not leave them unsupervised for any period. It’s just not fair on your dog/s (or on us if they cause damage) and indeed the neighbour’s.  In the unlikely event of your dog/s causing any damage, then the cost of repairs will be taken from your damage/security deposit (see conditions).
• Spare leads & holiday dog tags can be found in the dog tin (dining room). Please return them at the end of your stay.
• We have had some incidences of dogs marking furniture. Please be extra vigilant and if this should happen, please use the specialist products kept in the airing cupboard on the first floor. Thank you.

End of doggy house rules!!