Finding a hotel or holiday cottage were dogs are welcome can be a challenge. And that’s where PetsPyjamas, a consumer and lifestyle website for ‘smart pet owners’, comes in. Not only does its travel section list a wide variety of pet-friendly options, it has just launched its first Pet Friendly Travel Awards for destinations offering that extra bow-wow factor. Here are five of the worthy winners (they’re all rather good with humans, too). 

GOLDEN BONE AWARD FOR OVERALL BEST PET-FRIENDLY ESTABLISHMENT

Winner: Old Swan & Minster Mill, Minster Lovell, Oxfordshire

The Old Swan & Minster Mill (above), on the River Windrush, not only provides dog-friendly rooms and home-cooked doggie dinners, it also offers a selection of dog-training classes, including canine country etiquette classes – excellent for city dogs who think sheep are just another type of cat to be chased. From £179 per night.  Further information, Old Swan & Minster Mill

BEST PET PROGRAMME

Winner: The Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa, Midhurst, West Sussex

The Spread Eagle (above) has a special Muddy Paws package which includes a one-night stay in a dog-friendly room with a dog bed, a Doggie Welcome Kit, plus a three-course meal and use of the spa facilities for its owners. From £184 per night, based on one dog sharing with two adults; or £139 for one dog and one adult. Further information, The Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa MOST ROMANTIC PET-FRIENDLY ESTABLISHMENT

Winner: Hotel Endsleigh, Milton Abbot, Devon

Olga Polizzi’s lovely boutique hotel (above) welcomes well-behaved dogs in the rooms and all of the public rooms, except the restaurant. It’s set in 108 acres of grounds, so there’s plenty of scope for walkies; Dartmoor National Park is a short drive away. From £185 per night; £20 a night per dog. Further information, Hotel Endsleigh  BEST COASTAL PET-FRIENDLY ESTABLISHMENT

Winner: Fowey Hall Hotel, Fowey, Cornwall

This luxury family retreat overlooking Fowey Estuary accepts up to two well-behaved dogs in the rooms and public areas, except the restaurant, though dogs must be kept on a lead in public areas and in the grounds. From £160 per night; £15 per dog. Further information, Fowey Hall HotelTOP RESIDENT DOG

Winner: Four Seasons Hampshire, Dogmersfield, Hampshire

The Four Seasons Hampshire is the perfect location for a dog – just ask Oliver Beckington (above), the hotel’s resident labrador. Treats at this luxurious Hampshire hotel are strictly for top dogs: elegant dog beds, grooming products, feeding bowls and organic food, plus a range of dog-friendly activities and dog-sitting services. From £250 per night. Further information, Four Seasons Hampshire