By Gill Anderson | Managing Director | Bspoke Lifestyle
Walk onto almost any UK holiday park today, and one thing becomes clear: the days of dogs being politely tolerated are over. Parks are now proudly advertising “pets welcome” as a core part of their offer, with facilities ranging from dog showers and agility fields to on-site cafes and luxury dog lodges.
Dogs are no longer just holiday companions – they’re key decision-makers in where families choose to stay.
“The market has shifted dramatically. Pets, particularly dogs, are now fully part of the family holiday experience, and parks are responding by going above and beyond to cater for them,” says Gill Anderson, Managing Director of Bspoke Lifestyle.
The Rise of the Dog-Friendly Park
Fuelled by the post-pandemic pet boom and the continued popularity of staycations, parks are making major investments in dog-centric facilities to capture this lucrative market. Dedicated dog-walking fields, canine welcome packs, grooming stations, dog-wash areas, and even doggy cafes are becoming the norm at premium parks.
These aren’t token gestures; they’re a strategic business move.
“For many holidaymakers, being able to bring the dog isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’ – it’s essential,” Gill explains. “Parks are increasingly marketing themselves as dog-friendly destinations, not just allowing dogs, but celebrating them.”
More Dogs, More Risks: Why Insurance Needs to Keep Up
With this growth in pet-focused facilities comes an evolving risk profile for holiday parks. Shared spaces for dogs mean increased potential for incidents:
- Dog-on-dog altercations
- Injuries involving children and animals
- Liability linked to off-lead areas
- Increased wear and tear on accommodation and communal facilities
- Emerging liability from specific dog-related services (dog daycare, grooming, events)
Traditional park insurance may not fully account for these new exposures – and brokers need to ask: is your client’s cover fit for purpose in this dog-friendly era?
“When a park expands into dog-friendly services, it’s not just about letting dogs on-site; it’s about accepting a new layer of operational risk,” Gill points out. “That’s where brokers can offer real value – by ensuring clients have robust, specialist cover that’s evolved with their business.”
How Bspoke Lifestyle Helps Protect the Modern, Dog-Friendly Park
Bspoke Lifestyle Park Insurance is designed to support parks as they diversify and modernise. Whether it’s a simple dog shower or a full agility course and pet café, our policies can flex to reflect the true nature of the risk.
Our appetite includes:
✔️ Holiday parks with static caravans, glamping pods, lodges, touring units, and tents
✔️ Shared facilities including dog-specific amenities
✔️ Businesses offering holiday lettings of park homes
✔️ Parks with residential homes and owner-occupied lodges
Core protection includes:
- Public Liability (up to £10m)
- Employers’ Liability (£10m)
- Buildings, structures & contents
- £250k unspecified sales stock
- Goods in transit cover (contents only)
- Business Interruption, including denial of access and loss of attraction
We also offer bespoke extensions for:
- Key Person cover
- Increased Liability limits
- Contents away from park
- Personal Accident
- Loss of money
- Extended Business Interruption indemnity
The Broker Opportunity: Adding Value Through Specialist Knowledge
For brokers, the rise of the dog-friendly holiday park represents a clear opportunity to deepen client relationships. By understanding these evolving risks and offering tailored solutions, brokers can position themselves as trusted advisors, not just policy providers.
“It’s about knowing what questions to ask,” says Gill. “If a park is promoting itself as dog-friendly, are they hosting events, running agility classes, offering grooming? These are risks that need careful consideration – and specialist protection.”
Final Thought
The ‘pets welcome’ boom isn’t slowing down. Dogs are firmly part of the family holiday market – and parks are adapting accordingly. Brokers who understand these changes are perfectly placed to help clients stay protected, compliant, and competitive.
At Bspoke Lifestyle, we’re here to help. Because parks may love wagging tails, but no one wants an uncovered claim biting back.
#NotJustStatic
Talk to our team today about how we can help your clients stay ahead of the curve.
T: 0344 274 0276