Stay RousaySelf-catering on Rousay, Orkney
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Dog-Friendly Cottages in Orkney: Staying on Rousay

One well-behaved dog is welcome in either cottage. There’s a dog cleaning fee, and dogs stay on a lead around the farm. Neither cottage has an enclosed garden.

Stone exterior of The Cottage behind its garden wall
The Cottage. One well-behaved dog is welcome here.

Can I bring my dog to the cottages?

Yes. We welcome one well-behaved dog in each cottage. Dogs need to stay on a lead around the working farm, and neither cottage has an enclosed outdoor space. A dog cleaning fee applies; ask us for the amount before booking.

Dogs at the cottages

We keep rare-breed sheep on the farm, so dogs stay on a lead here. That includes outside the cottages, as neither outdoor space is enclosed.

You can include your dog in your Airbnb enquiry; the listing shows the booking price and house rules for your dates.

Choosing your cottage

The Cottage sleeps up to 2 adults and 2 children aged 14 or under, with a king-size main bedroom and a smaller bunk room for the children. It has a kitchen and washer-dryer, with a level entrance and three internal steps.

The Farmhouse sleeps up to four guests, with a king-size main bedroom and a twin room. It is cosy, comfortable and very spacious, with a couple of outside steps. Both properties have sea views and ample parking. Neither is advertised as fully accessible.

Can my dog travel on the ferry?

Travelling here involves the crossing to Orkney and the onward ferry from Tingwall to Rousay. Orkney Ferries’ dog guidance explains designated areas, leads and supervision. You can’t go back to the vehicle deck during the crossing.

Pet arrangements for crossings from mainland Scotland are available from NorthLink or Pentland Ferries. Pet facilities and reservation requirements vary. Our getting-here guides help you join the journeys together.

Where can we walk with our dog?

There are coastal walks and moorland paths around Rousay, with shorter and longer routes to choose from. Our walking pages describe what each one is like.

At Trumland, the RSPB asks for dogs on short leads from 1 April to 15 August and around livestock. Our Rousay walking guide describes our favourite routes and links to route information.

A few more questions

Is there a charge for bringing a dog?

Yes, there’s a dog cleaning fee at both cottages. We can confirm the amount through Airbnb before you book.

Can I bring two dogs?

No. We welcome one well-behaved dog per cottage.

Is there an enclosed garden?

No. Neither cottage has an enclosed outdoor space. Dogs stay on a lead around the farm.

Can my dog meet the sheep?

No. We don’t offer animal encounters or farm tours. Dogs stay on a lead around the farm.

Find out more

From Stay Rousay. Practical information checked 16 September 2026. The links go to the operators and local organisations for the latest details.