Dog-friendly Shetland

Many people worry about getting their four-legged friend to Shetland, and there’s little need to be concerned as they are well catered for.

NorthLink Ferries have pet-friendly cabins that mean that your pet can stay with you on board for the duration of the voyage. There are also kennels on the boat, and dogs are permitted on deck for their comfort. Please note that it is the dog owner’s responsibility to clean up after their pet, and you will have to bring cleaning supplies with you for cleaning the deck. You also have the option to leave your pet in your vehicle. NorthLink allows passengers access to the car deck to check on pets and give them some fresh air on the deck.

For more information, look at travelling with pets.

There are plenty of places that allow pets, and it is easy to search for pet-friendly places. The best place to do an accommodation search with pets is via shetlandvisitor.com.

In Lerwick, Fort Charlotte Guest House, The Captain’s self-catering and King Harald Apartments all take pets.

In terms of hotels, Busta House Hotel in Brae, Herrislea House Hotel outside Walls and Herrislea House Hotel welcomes pets.

Other self-catering properties outside Lerwick that accept pets are North Booth and Shorehaven in Unst, The Taing in Reawick, Beach House in Hoswick and Shetland Coastal Cottages in Burra.

Hayhoull B&B is also pet friendly.

You can search for more information about pet-friendly accommodation via Shetland Visitor.

It’s always worth asking if a restaurant or cafe is pet friendly as they may let you in. The Dowry on Commercial Street in Lerwick allows you to bring a dog into their restaurant so long as they remain in the seated area’s lower part.

On the whole, Shetland is a pet-friendly place. However, it is worth being aware that livestock, particularly sheep, can become very distressed by dogs – even those that are well behaved and on a lead. Many landowners do not like to see dogs on their land and, it’s generally best practice, where possible, to check with the landowner before you set off.

Dogs should be kept off the hill during lambing time, and they should not be let off the lead during the bird breeding season as they will disturb ground-nesting birds.

Many local people take their dogs to beaches where they can run freely. However, if there are other people on the beach, please be aware that they may not want to see your dog off a lead, so it’s best to keep a dog on a lead if other people are on the beach. It’s worth bearing in mind that many people are afraid of dogs and may become distressed if they see a dog running free.

Wherever you are, it is the dog owner’s responsibility to pick up after their pooch and dispose of the waste safely.

For more information about accessing the outdoors with a pet, please use the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Should you require it, Shetland Vets has a surgery in Lerwick, Bixter and Scalloway, as well as an out of hours emergency number (01595 810 456).

Harbro Country Stores and Cope’s Shetland Garden Co in Lerwick both cater to specialist pet food needs.

There are also several dog groomers in the isles, including Furry Tails (Lerwick) and The Foxy Dog (Scalloway).