By Promote ShetlandSeptember 25th 2024

Planning on holidaying in Shetland with your four-legged friend? Here are some places that happily open their doors to animals…

Dog-friendly accommodation

There are a number of private rentals across Shetland that are dog-friendly. While not all of them explicitly say they take dogs on their websites, they will make provisions for well-behaved pooches if you ask at the time of booking. Note: some accommodation providers also have restrictions on the size of pets.

Lerwick

Central Mainland

North Mainland

South Mainland

West Mainland

Fetlar

Yell

Unst

Papa Stour

Foula

Walking in Shetland with your dog

Shetland for the most-part is a dog-friendly place but it is worth being aware that sheep and other livestock roam freely across large parts of Shetland so it's important that you keep your dog on a lead and under control at all times. Use the Scottish Outdoor Access Code as your guide.

If you're looking for dog-friendly beaches, there are seven scattered across the islands. A few shops, cafes and pubs allow well-behaved dogs inside, but always check ahead if unsure.

Dog groomers in Shetland

If you’re keen to give your pooch a bit of a clean and a pamper while in Shetland, there are four reputable dog grooming businesses:

Lerwick
Furry Tails

Scalloway
The Foxy Dog

Brae
Hairy Pop-ins

Whalsay
Wagz of Whalsay

Vets in Shetland

Hopefully a vet visit is the last thing you’ll need during your trip to Shetland, but should your pet need attention, here are the people to contact…

Shetland Vets

Bixter Surgery
Tel: 01595 810456

Scalloway Surgery
Tel: 01595 880000

Lerwick Surgery
Tel: 01595 690999

Out of hours emergency
Tel: 01595 810456

The Alternative Vet Shetland - Dr. Miriam Krause
Tel: 01595 890234
Web: www.alternative-vet-practice.co.uk

Pet sitting and dog walking

Whether you already live in Shetland or are visiting the islands and are keen to board your pet for the day, here’s a handy list of kennels, pet sitters and dog walkers…

Gott Cats Boarding Cattery
Houlls Horses & Hounds
Peeries Woofles Dog Walking & Pet Sitting
Sandwick Pet Care: 01950 431 742
Bordal Pet Care Services: 07771 581938

Specialist pet food

Harbro Country Stores and COPE's Shetland Garden Co in Lerwick, Brae Building Centre and the vet practices in Shetland (listed above) all stock specialist pet foods.

For more information on visiting or moving to Shetland with pets, join the Dog Friendly Shetland Facebook page and the Living and Working in Shetland Facebook group.

Please note that the details on this page were correct as of February 2020.