Dog-friendly Orkney and Shetland: cafes, stays, walks and beaches
Short answer: Yes, Orkney and Shetland has dog-friendly options. We list 36 checked places so far, including Kirkwall Hotel, The Stromness Hotel, Taversoe Hotel, Pierowall Hotel. Each listing shows where dogs are allowed, any fees, the source and the date we last checked it.
🏠 Inside: Dog lounge on the MV Hamnavoe (book ahead), a seat on an outside deck, or the car🌳 Outside: Outside deck for the whole crossing💷 Book the dog lounge in advance
🏠 Inside: Inside dog friendly area on the MV Pentalina; dog friendly indoor sun deck lounge on MV Alfred🌳 Outside: Outside, or leave the dog in the car
🏠 Inside: Pet friendly cabin (five per vessel), the on board kennels, or the car🌳 Outside: Dogs can be walked on the outer deck; not in food areas or internal public spaces💷 £15 supplement per pet in a pet friendly cabin
Yes, Orkney and Shetland has dog-friendly options. We list 36 checked places so far, including Kirkwall Hotel, The Stromness Hotel, Taversoe Hotel, Pierowall Hotel. Each listing shows where dogs are allowed, any fees, the source and the date we last checked it.
How many dog-friendly places are listed in Orkney and Shetland?
36 so far. By type: cafes, pubs and restaurants 6; places to stay 13; walks 9; beaches 2; days out 6. We last checked a listing here on 24 October 2026, and we add places only once their dog rules are confirmed.
How much do places to stay in Orkney and Shetland charge for dogs?
Charges we have recorded: Kirkwall Hotel: One dog stays free on the Petaway offer; The Stromness Hotel: Charges apply; Wheems Campsite: £5 one-off dog fee.
Can my dog come on the ferries to Orkney and Shetland?
Yes. Dogs can stay in the car on all the ferries from mainland Scotland to Orkney and Shetland. NorthLink has a dog lounge you can book on the Scrabster to Stromness route and a small number of pet cabins, and Shetland.org says its Shetland ships have five pet-friendly cabins each, with a £15 supplement per pet, as well as on-board kennels that you need to book ahead. You can walk your dog on the outer deck, but not in the food areas or other inside public spaces (assistance dogs are the exception), and only one pet can be booked online, so contact NorthLink if you are bringing more. Pentland Ferries sails Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope: the MV Pentalina has an inside dog area and the MV Alfred has a dog-friendly indoor sun deck lounge. On the short crossings run by Orkney Ferries your dog can stay in the car or come on deck, and booking is essential. Well-behaved dogs are also welcome on the Orkney council buses.
Do dogs need to be on a lead?
Many walks and estates here ask for leads, especially near livestock and ground-nesting birds from April to July. Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and any local signs.
Wag Scotland
