Bringing your dog to Bella Sotta: why did we create a dog welcome charter?
At Bella Sotta, we have chosen to welcome dogs. It was not necessarily an obvious decision: we are allergic to dogs and our children are particularly sensitive. Yet we love them and, above all, we know how important a dog can be within a family. For many travellers, imagining two weeks in Southern Corsica without their companion is simply not an option. We therefore chose to trust responsible owners and open our home to pets. This trust does, however, require a few rules. Bella Sotta is a house we maintain with great care and other families stay here after each visit. Our dog welcome charter is therefore not intended to create unnecessary restrictions: on the contrary, it is designed to help us continue welcoming dogs in the long term.
Welcoming dogs at Bella Sotta is first and foremost based on trust
When we decided to make Bella Sotta dog-friendly, we chose a very simple principle: trusting responsible owners. We simply ask guests to inform us at the time of booking and, unless otherwise agreed, we welcome one dog per stay. A few details about the dog’s breed or type, age and approximate weight help us prepare for its arrival in the best possible conditions. The dog must of course be identified, in good health and have the vaccinations agreed upon at the time of booking. We also ask that it has recently been treated against fleas and ticks, which is particularly important in a natural environment such as Sotta. The owner remains fully responsible for the animal and must have valid third-party liability insurance. These simple precautions help establish a clear framework before arrival and avoid any difficulties during the holiday.
Fully enclosed grounds do not replace proper supervision
The setting of Bella Sotta is particularly well suited to holidays with a dog. The bergerie is surrounded by nature and its grounds are fully enclosed, providing real peace of mind when travelling with a pet. However, we prefer to be clear: a fence should never be considered an absolute guarantee against escape. Dogs must therefore remain under the supervision of their owners while enjoying the garden. We also ask that they do not chase wildlife, dig in planted areas or damage the outdoor landscaping. Dogs must be kept on a lead within the residential area. This simple rule helps respect both neighbours and other animals. In the evening, when calm returns to the hills of Sotta, we are also keen to preserve this peaceful atmosphere. Repeated barking, particularly early in the morning or late in the day, should therefore be avoided.
Protecting the house so that we can continue welcoming pets
Bella Sotta is not accommodation designed specifically for animals: it is a contemporary Corsican bergerie with a swimming pool, carefully chosen furniture, household linen and interiors that we want every guest to enjoy in the same condition. Dogs must therefore not climb onto beds, sofas, armchairs or sun loungers. Towels and household linen provided in the house must not be used to dry or bed the animal. After a day on a beach near Porto-Vecchio or Bonifacio, a few minutes are enough to remove sand and clean muddy or wet paws before entering the house. We also ask that dogs are not left alone in the property. Even an animal that is perfectly calm at home can become anxious or unsettled in an unfamiliar environment. Finally, dog waste must of course be collected immediately, including in the garden. These simple gestures are precisely what allow us to keep the house in excellent condition while continuing our choice to welcome dogs at Bella Sotta.
Why are dogs not allowed in the swimming pool?
The heated saltwater swimming pool at Bella Sotta is naturally very tempting after a hot summer day, including for some dogs. However, we ask that dogs do not enter the pool. This rule is based on hygiene, safety and the preservation of the pool and its equipment. Dogs are also not allowed on the sun loungers or poolside furniture. This does not mean overlooking their comfort. Quite the opposite: in Southern Corsica at the height of summer, the heat requires particular attention. A dog must always have access to fresh water and a shaded area. It should obviously never be left inside a vehicle in hot weather, even for a short time. Owners are also responsible for bringing their dog’s bed, food, lead, waste bags and any regular medication. The goal is ultimately the same for everyone staying at Bella Sotta: to enjoy the house and garden comfortably without putting the animal at risk or damaging the equipment.
A few specific rules to know before booking
Our desire to welcome animals must naturally comply with French regulations. Category 1 dogs are not accepted. Category 2 dogs require prior approval as well as the appropriate regulatory documents and compliance with rules concerning leads and muzzles. Recognised guide dogs and assistance dogs are of course welcomed in accordance with regulations and without any additional charge related to their presence. We simply ask their handlers to let us know in advance so that we can prepare for their arrival as well as possible. For other dogs, the concierge may request an additional €500 security deposit per stay. This is not intended to penalise careful owners. It simply covers the additional risk of possible damage, replacement of linen or exceptional cleaning required because of the animal. In the vast majority of cases, we naturally hope that it will have no consequence at all.
A charter that allows us to keep saying yes to dogs
This charter may seem detailed, but its principle can ultimately be summed up in just a few words: respect the house, the neighbours and your animal. It is thanks to this balance that we can continue offering a dog-friendly holiday rental near Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio.
We know that responsible owners probably do not need anyone to explain how to care for their companion. Most of the rules listed here will therefore feel completely natural. Writing them down simply allows everyone to understand exactly what we expect before booking.
We accept a certain level of risk by opening Bella Sotta to pets despite our allergies and despite the care we put into the house. In return, we trust the guests who come to stay here.
It is this trust that will, we hope, allow us to continue welcoming families travelling with their dogs to Bella Sotta for many years to come.
Staying at Bella Sotta with your dog
Bella Sotta is located in Sotta, Southern Corsica, between Porto-Vecchio, Figari and Bonifacio. Its natural setting and fully enclosed grounds are particularly appreciated when travelling with a pet. Several beaches around Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio also welcome dogs under certain conditions, making it easy to organise days between the house, the maquis and the coast.
Before your stay, simply let us know about your dog at the time of booking and read the Bella Sotta dog welcome charter. By staying at the property with a dog, the guest acknowledges that they have read the charter and agrees to comply with it.
This framework ultimately has just one objective: to make sure dogs can remain welcome at Bella Sotta.