Varis is a great house for visiting dogs with their humans. And we’ve even had visiting cats from Belgium.

Paws for a break logo

We follow our trade organisation, the Association of Scottish Self-Caterers Paws for a Break Pet Welcome Charter. 

We accept up to three dogs automatically for a charge of £25 per dog per stay.  This will be added to your final payment. If you want to bring more than 3 dogs or other animals, do talk to us. We just need to check that the house and garden are suitable for your combination of dogs and humans.

5 retriever type dogs sitting goofily on doorstep.
Plus two!

The garden is enclosed with a 1.5m post and wire fence over most of it. The main wooden gate is however lower, netted to about 1.2m. The other metal gate also is netted to a similar height. The location is very quiet and away from main roads :it’s safe enough for the resident dogs are often out and about beyond their own gardens.

Owners of determined dogs with a high prey drive should however be aware that there are chickens and ducks kept by a near neighbour. The chickens have an enclosure but the ducks sometimes roam free.

Assistance dogs are of course exempt from this charge and we are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to our normal rules for any disability. We would expect assistance dogs to join their handlers in bedrooms if that is more comfortable for everyone.

We provide

  1. Maps for local walks including a network of livestock and traffic free woodland paths direct from the garden.
  2. Details of the many pet friendly restaurants and pubs locally.
  3. An enclosed garden – but be aware this is 1.2 to 1.5m agricultural style fencing so escapologists should be supervised.
  4. Dog poo bags and torch for late night walks.
  5. Water bowls.
  6. An outdoor kennel inside an outhouse for dogs who prefer to sleep outdoors.
  7. Details of the local vets.
  8. An outside tap and hose to help wash down muddy dogs and boots.
  9. Holiday tags with house address and phone number for ourselves. A lost pet in a strange environment is a big worry.
  10. Delicious snacks from Sir Woofchester.
Tired dog relaxing by log fire
Visiting pup, Aldo, a wire haired Viszla

We do have a few rules.  

  1. Pets must be house trained.
  2. If you want your pet in the bedroom, please bring your own duvet. Bring your own throws if your pets join you on sofas and chairs.
  3. You must clear up dog mess from the garden and, of course, ensure they don’t soil inside the house.
  4. Do bring your pets normal soft beds, blankets and toys.
  5. We strongly recommend using a tick collar or other effective treatment on your dogs for the duration of the stay.
  6. Please vacuum rugs before you leave.