Choosing Pet-Friendly Vacation Stays

When surveyed, nine out of ten dogs agreed they’d stop chewing up their owners’ things, if they were taken on more vacations.*

Still, there’s never been a better time than now to get away with your dog in tow. With the boom of pet-friendly vacation rentals, you and your pup are literally spoiled for choice.

Beach destinations, city escapes, country retreats … you and your dog can have it all.

Start Your Search

The best way to start your pet-friendly vacation search is heading both online and offline. In real life ask friends, family, and (friendly, normal-looking) randoms at the dog park for their favorite pet-friendly vacation suggestions. Online, ask on social media and search the pet-friendly homes listed on Airbnb and other vacation rental sites.

Things to consider include:

• The location—do you want to be near dog-friendly parks or beaches?

• The size—do you want space for your pup to run free? Or would you prefer to know where they are at all times?

• The layout—are there stairs, open balconies, or other elements that your dog may have trouble with?

• The furnishings—are they dog-friendly, or are you going to be stressed constantly that your pup is ruining the bespoke herringbone flooring?

While you’re looking for an amazing vacation spot, remember your dog is going to be the same whether they’re home or away. A fancy apartment may look like a dream destination, but if you’re bringing a slobber machine that will ruin the plush carpet and knock over that priceless ornament in two seconds flat … maybe consider a property more suitable for you and your dog.

Pet-Friendly? For Real?

Found the perfect place? Now it’s your job to check that it’s really pet-friendly. Read up on any vacation rental forums and you’ll discover not all of them are as pupper-friendly as they say.

Things to look for include:

• Are dogs allowed inside the property? (Yes, there are some people who rent out “pet-friendly” properties who don’t allow this!)

• Will there be other pets living at the property during your stay? (Again, this actually happens.)

• If there are external areas, are they fully fenced and secured?

• Do these areas have adequate shade and protection from the elements?

• Is there a safe space for your dog to toilet?

• Can your dog be left unattended at the property?

• Do they provide bowls, beds, or other doggo amenities? Some properties even provide old towels for muddy paws!

Check out reviews for the property to see what prior guests with pets have said. Guest photos are often a great indication of the real vacation rental you are getting.

Always feel comfortable to ask the host any questions you may have when making the booking. Clearing up any questions or gray areas prior to your stay means you can relax and enjoy when you arrive!

Pro Tip!

When you arrive at your pet-friendly vacation stay, take a quick photo or video tour of the property to document the condition it is in. That way, any prior damage is noted and can’t be blamed on your perfect pooch!

DOGGIE CAR KIT

Whether you’re just stuck on the freeway with a flat, or are facing a serious emergency, here are some handy items to keep in your car emergency kit at all times.

• Pet First Aid Kit—store bought or DIY (see page 90 for details on what to include if you make your own).

• Spare bottled water

• Spare blanket

• Spare portable food/water dish

• Spare towel

• Travel-sized cleaning supplies. Very handy for your own car, or if you’re staying at a hotel (or your in-laws!) and need a quick cleanup for pet-related messes.

 

* No they didn’t. In fact, they just chewed up the paper the survey was printed on.