Staying Fit
My vacation plans usually include six women and five dogs. Since the early months of the pandemic, we’ve traveled to pet-friendly rental homes three or four times a year. We are not alone in traveling with our furry friends. One report by Grand View Research found that more than 50 percent of pet owners worldwide plan to travel with their pets this year, and according to online pet resource FiveBarks, nearly 80 percent of dog owners travel with their pups on family vacations.
The best vacation rentals allow dogs space to romp and play without disturbing others. Finding the right house isn’t easy. It takes careful planning to find a rental — or multiple rentals — to accommodate your pack.
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Find the best pet-friendly property for you
Booking sites such as Airbnb.com, Vrbo.com and Vacasa.com are good places to start. The various filters can help narrow down your search to properties that allow pets and offer amenities such as outdoor space, nearby parks, etc. Important details, including the number of pets allowed, are usually listed in the description. Each individual property will have its own rules and regulations regarding matters such as whether pets are allowed on furniture or whether there are additional pet fees. Read the details and policies carefully and send a request to the homeowner to confirm the details before you book.
“I always encourage renters to connect directly with owners,” says Sara Sokol, a dog-friendly rental owner and creator of Dogs Welcome, an online listing site for vacation properties that allow dogs. “Often limitations are posted as a guideline, but an extra or larger dog will be allowed, and the owner can answer questions about the house, location and local amenities.”
In addition to homeowners, try online resources such as BringFido.com, GoPetFriendly.com and Yelp to locate dog-friendly restaurants, shops, activities, beaches and parks. If you have to leave your dog for a period of time, apps such as Rover, Wag! and Fetch! Pet Care can connect you with local people who host doggy day care or will come by your rental home to play with your pup, walk your dog and provide a range of other services.
What to bring to a pet-friendly vacation home
Of course, you want to respect the home and the homeowner during your stay. My vacation group tends to be loyal when we find a property we like, so we have developed ways to make sure we’d be welcomed back.
