Contemporary Charm by Poole Quay

This two-bedroom apartment a short walk from Poole Quay is one of the more genuinely dog-aware self-catering places in the town centre. The thing owners keep picking out is that the hosts actually provide for dogs rather than just tolerating them: a dog bed and blankets are left ready in the apartment, which is a rare touch in a central flat and saves hauling bedding down with you.

The other advantage is the private garden. Ground-floor outdoor space attached to a central apartment is unusual, and it means a dog can be let out last thing without a walk round the block. Worth knowing before you book: the door to the garden is off one of the bedrooms, which is fine for most people but does mean garden trips route through a sleeping space.

Inside, guests consistently rate the decor and furnishings well above what they expected, and the apartment is a comfortable size for two couples or a small family. Arrival is by keycode with clear instructions sent in advance, so late check-ins after a long drive with a dog in the back are straightforward. The location puts the quay, the old town and the harbour front within an easy walk, and there is plenty of open ground and waterside path nearby for longer outings.

Two practical caveats. There is no parking at the property, so budget for a nearby car park and factor that into unloading with a dog. And guests have flagged small maintenance niggles - a front door that does not pull closed properly from outside and a stiff back door - alongside a note that the artificial grass and fake flowers in the garden are not to everyone's taste. Pet terms are not published on the listing, so confirm the number of dogs and any charge with the host before booking.

For dog owners who want a central Poole base with its own outdoor space and bedding already laid on, this apartment earns a 4.3/5 paw rating.