Seabreeze Haven

Seabreeze Haven is a roomy holiday house at 22 Goodwood Drive in Cowes, close to the town shops, and its drawcard for dog owners is a large fully fenced backyard plus a no-extra-fee pet policy. It suits a family or group travelling with a dog who want space and a secure yard rather than a compact unit.

Dogs at Seabreeze Haven

Pets are allowed on request, so flag the dog when you enquire and get approval at booking rather than assuming. Listings on Stayz, Booking.com and Agoda note there is no extra charge for pets, and there is no stated size limit. The property's own terms make clean-up strictly the guest's responsibility, with extra cleaning charges possible if the yard is not left tidy, so bring bags and use them. Standard rental etiquette applies indoors: keep the dog off furniture and beds and confirm any house rules with the owner when booking. Inside the fence, the dog can be off-lead; the yard is the secure space.

Max: approval-on-request means never assume. Book with the dog named in the enquiry, and leave the garden spotless, because the terms give the owners a straight path to a cleaning charge.

Worth knowing

Guests consistently describe the house as spacious and clean with a helpful owner, and the location within reach of the Cowes shops makes supplies easy. Bass Coast Shire's default rule is a 2 metre leash on all public footpaths, reserves and streets unless you are in a signed off-leash area.

Out and about

Ventnor Dog Beach is the island's year-round off-leash stretch between Ventnor Beach Road and Graydens Road, a short drive west. Closer to Cowes, the beach from 50 metres east of the Anderson Road boat ramp toward the yacht club track allows off-leash outside the summer and Easter daytime on-leash windows. Blue Gum Reserve on Dunsmore Road is a big off-leash grass field with shade. Note that dogs are banned from the Penguin Parade grounds and other conservation areas, so check signage before every walk.

More options are on the Victoria pet friendly stays guide and the Cowes destination page.