Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals

When planning a vacation for yourself of your family, what is brought to mind is usually a hotel or perhaps a resort. However, if taking a pet along, then consider pet friendly vacation rentals. Vacation rentals are ideal for pets that need room to move around. Additionally, bringing your pet along saves on the cost and stress of boarding or pet-sitting services.

Vacation rentals typically offer more space than hotel rooms, including outdoor areas like fenced in yards or patios where pets can play. They generally come equipped like a home with one or more bedrooms, sheets, towels, an equipped kitchen and some degree of privacy. Depending on the length of your stay, your vacation rental may include maid services. With kitchens and separate rooms, vacation rentals offer the flexibility to maintain your pet’s regular feeding and exercise routines.

Types of Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals

There are basically three types of pet friendly vacation rentals:

Places where a group of cottages or cabins are grouped around some recreational facility, generally either a lake or a river. You will find lots to do with your pet at these places including hiking, boating, tubing, swimming, tennis and horseback riding.

Mountain cabins generally offer more isolation, but still allow for a perfect family vacation with a pet, as there will be recreational activities nearby including hiking and fishing.

Private homes are available that vary from a small home, either in a city or in the countryside, to palatial beach front homes that may include servants, private pools and chefs and more.

Beach homes near or right on the sand. Perfect for walks on the beach and playing in the water. Many beaches will allow pets during off-hours or off-season times.

Air BnB Booking Platforms

• Airbnb has a “Pets Allowed” filter, making it easy to find pet-friendly homes, cabins, and apartments. Many hosts outline their specific pet policies in the listing, and some even provide extras like dog beds or outdoor spaces.
• Vacation Rentals by Owner (Vrbo) also has a filter for pet friendly properties. Like Airbnb, Vrbo allows you to browse thousands of rentals across the world, including homes with large yards and nearby outdoor activities that are perfect for pets.
• Booking.com offers vacation rental options with a “Pets Allowed” filter. The platform includes a range of rental types from apartments to villas, many of which allow pets.
• HomeAway (now part of Vrbo) is another excellent resource for pet friendly vacation rentals. You can filter your search to find homes where pets are welcome, and many of the listings feature large properties with outdoor areas for pets to enjoy.
• TripAdvisor offers vacation rentals that are pet-friendly, with an easy-to-use filter for pets. You can search based on your travel destination and find detailed reviews from previous guests who traveled with their pets.

Things to Consider When Selecting a Pet-Friendly Vacation Rental

• Surroundings: Does your pet need space to run and play? A rural environment may be better for them, and you!
• Amenities: What amenities are available for your pet? Are there pet friendly restaurants, hiking trails and parks nearby?
• Fees: Pet friendly vacation rentals will charge fees for pets. These fees can range from a small cleaning fee to a security deposit, so be sure to check the terms in advance.
• Restrictions: Does your pet friendly vacation rental restrict cats, dog breeds or larger dogs? Be sure to read the rental’s pet policy carefully to ensure your pet is allowed and that you’re aware of any restrictions.

What to Bring

• Don’t forget to pack everything your pet will need, including food, bowls, bedding, toys, and medications. It’s also a good idea to bring a leash, collar, and waste bags for walks.
• Some pets can be anxious in new environments. Bring familiar items like their bed or favorite toy to help them feel comfortable and help to maintain their regular routine during the stay.
• Respect the owner’s property. Make sure to clean up after your pet and follow any rules the owner has set. If your pet is allowed on the furniture at home, bring plenty of sheets and cover the couch so clean up is easier. This will help future travelers and encourage hosts to keep their homes open to pets.

It’s always a good idea to reach out to the host or owner directly to confirm the specific policies and discuss any particular needs your pet may have. Read reviews from other travelers who stayed with their pets. This can give you an idea of how pet-friendly the rental truly is and whether other guests had a positive experience.

Prior notification to the owner that you are bringing a pet when booking is necessary as some places change their pet policy without notice. Many pet friendly vacation rentals will require a cleaning fee of $25.00 to $100.00. Most will require a deposit against any damage your pet may do. If your pet is well behaved, you should get your deposit returned.

A pet friendly vacation rental also provides a nice environment for a pet to enjoy a vacation along with you. There should be places to run and play, maybe even without a leash, and lots of places in which your pet can accompany you rather than being left by themselves. Observance of local pet ordinances is a must, especially when going to the beach or into a public park.

Be a considerate renter. Make sure your orient your pet to the new environment. Show your pet where their food and water will be located. Walk around the house and property with them so they will orient themselves.

Pet friendly vacation rentals allow travelers to bring their pets along, providing a home-like environment with the flexibility to enjoy a vacation without the need to leave best friends behind. Find your perfect vacation rental and enjoy your getaway with your family and your pet.

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