Pet-friendly accommodation is becoming more popular across the UK and Worcestershire is no exception. Luxury dog beds are even available in Travelodges.

Sylvia and Ted Tottman are happy for dogs to spend a few nights at Cannara Guest House, Barnards Green Road, Malvern.

The couple, originally from Essex, opened their bed and breakfast four years ago and, despite not having pets of their own, were keen to welcome dogs.

"We'd never turn anyone with a dog away," said Mr Tottman.

"You do have to be careful and consider that some guests might be allergic or uncomfortable. And people who don't have dogs can normally smell them more."

Mr Tottman said many guests with dogs in tow are visiting friends or simply reluctant to leave pets at home alone.

"They come quite regularly and we get all sorts - from labradors to little Scotties," he added.

Cannara Guest House features in VisitBritain's recently released book Pets Come Too! 2008 - an up-to-date guide listing guest houses across the UK which welcome animals.

"It's catching on," said Caroline Jones, who has owned dogs her whole life and earlier this year opened Buttermilk Bed And Breakfast, Martin Hussingtree, near Worcester, with her husband Martyn. "People are realising that not everyone goes abroad and dogs are really part of the family.

"We've had dogs for years and always found it difficult when we go away, albeit in this country. People used to be very reluctant."

Mrs Jones's two boxer dogs are kept segregated from visiting animals and has never encountered any problems.

"We've just had a mother and daughter who brought two dogs, and at the weekend we had three ladies from Belgium with dogs," she said.

Not everyone feels the same. One guest house owner from Worcestershire - who did not want to be identified - said dogs smell, scratch and put guests off.

"There's no way I'd want dogs running around," she said.

Ken and Kerry Bray, who opened Heathside Guest House, Droitwich Road, Fernhill Heath, nine years ago, used to accept pets but found it caused unnecessary upset for their own animals.

"We found that our three dogs were getting mad about it," said Mrs Bray.

"They could smell other dogs that had been in the rooms and would get frantic looking for them. They would become very territorial.

"Plus, I think a lot of people dislike coming into rooms knowing that animals had been staying there before them. So allowing pets can affect future customers."

To find out more about pet-friendly accommodation across the UK, pick up a copy of Pets Come Too! from book stores.