Brits love their pooches so much that 58% of dog owners are even letting them choose their holiday destinations. That’s according to new research from on-the-go EV charging company GRIDSERVE that reveals that over eight million (54%) proud pooch parents are taking their four-legged friends on staycations this year.2
In fact, owners are so devoted to their dogs that almost one in three (30%) say they simply wouldn’t return to a staycation destination that didn’t meet their pup’s needs.
This commitment extends well beyond the destination itself, as nearly half (48%) say that they chat to their dog while driving, more than a third (36%) put their dog in a car seat rather than in the boot, and one in eight (13%) even tailor their playlist to what they think their dog will enjoy.
The survey of 2,000 UK dog owners also reveals that nearly three in ten (28%) admit they take and share more photos of their dog whilst on holiday than of themselves.
Perhaps surprisingly, men are the biggest spenders when it comes to spoiling their pets on the road, shelling out an average of £49 compared to £40 for women – £44 on average overall.
Top dog locations
Devon, Cornwall and Yorkshire top the list of favourite ‘Dog-E-Days’ destinations, as owners prepare to splash an average of £44 each on treats, toys and dog ice creams while away.
A paw-some 78% of owners say they book specific destinations because they knew their dog would love the walks, while more than half (55%) seek out dog-friendly pubs and restaurants, the same amount look for beaches and 36% want accommodation with a garden their four-legged travel companion can call their own.
Within those top regions, dog owners are heading for some very specific favourites. In Cornwall and Devon, St Ives leads the pack, followed by Newquay and Torquay. Yorkshire-bound owners are making a beeline for Whitby, Harrogate and Scarborough.
Fuel the journey, treat the dog
Ensuring regular and quality stops for our dogs is no afterthought either, 36% choose where they pull over based on the dog-friendly amenities available, with the average journey break stretching to around 42 minutes.
To celebrate the nation’s Dog-E-Days spirit, GRIDSERVE is giving dog owners something to wag their tails about this Easter weekend. Dog-E Bags, packed with treats and toys for your co-pilot, will be available for GRIDSERVE Plus Members at three Electric Forecourts this Easter weekend, while stocks last.3
GRIDSERVE ‘Plus Members also enjoy 25% off charging at any of GRIDSERVE’s 200 locations, making the Dog-E-Day getaway a little easier on the wallet for the humans, too.4
Rebecca Trebble, Chief Customer Officer at GRIDSERVE, said: “Our Electric Forecourts are already setting the standard for EV drivers, and now we’re making them just as rewarding for their four-legged co-pilots, too. Every site is proudly dog-friendly, with locations like Braintree, Norwich and Stevenage offering fantastic walking routes so drivers and their dogs can properly stretch their legs while they recharge.
“While the average journey break may be around 42 minutes, the reality is today’s latest electric vehicles can add over 100 miles of range in less than 10 minutes, so your car will often be ready before you are.
“With our new Dog-E Bags for GRIDSERVE Plus members, we’re adding a thoughtful ‘surprise and delight’ moment for the millions of dog owners on the road this Easter. It’s all part of our mission to make every stop feel like a highlight of the journey, for drivers and their pets alike.”
Notes to editors
- Research conducted by OnePoll on behalf of GRIDSERVE, 11-17 March 2026. Sample: 2,000 UK dog owners.
- The current adult UK population is 55,022,253. According to Pet Populations – PDSA 28% of UK adults have a dog. 28% of 55,022,253 = 15,406,230. 54% 15,406,230 = 8319364.2.
- Dog-E Bags are available to GRIDSERVE Plus Members at Braintree, Norfolk and Stevenage Electric Forecourts throughout the Easter weekend (3-6 April), first come first served while stocks last.
- GRIDSERVE Plus is a flexible, commitment-free subscription. Membership costs £7.99 per month, where members receive 25% off all charging sessions across the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway, plus a series a seasonal treats including free Dog E-Bags this Easter.
Top 10 Dog-E-Days destinations 2026
- Devon and Cornwall (16%) – led by St Ives, Newquay and Torquay
- Yorkshire (15%) – led by Whitby, Harrogate and Scarborough
- London (12%) – led by Greenwich, Richmond and Hampstead
- Northumberland, Cumbria and Durham (11%) – including the Lake District and Alnwick
- Scotland (10%) – including the Highlands, Edinburgh and Loch Lomond
- Wales (9%) – including Pembrokeshire, Anglesey and Snowdonia
- Norfolk and Suffolk (8%) – including Cromer, Great Yarmouth and Wells-next-the-Sea
- Lancashire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester (7%) – including Blackpool and Chester
- Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire (6%) – including the Peak District and Skegness
- Dorset (5%) – including Bournemouth, Lyme Regis and Swanage
Top towns within regions are based on write-in responses from survey participants and are indicative rather than statistically ranked.
No images found.
About GRIDSERVE
Latest press releases
No images found.
