How to find the best pet-friendly vacation rentals

Adventuring can be an incredible gift, and it’s even better when we get to take our pets along for the ride. When it comes to finding a pet-friendly vacation rental, choosing where to stay matters so that you and your pet have a safe, fun experience. Here’s how to find the right one for you, your pet, and your vacation goals.

Select the right type of rental

Whether it’s a campground, RV, or apartment, choosing the right vacation rental is arguably the most important part, especially if you’re bringing along your furry friend. When your pet tags along, it’s important to consider more than just the aesthetic or location of the rental. Consider the type of rental as well and your pet may fare when staying there.

• House. Whether at the beach, lake, or in the mountains, renting a house offers more space and privacy than apartments or condos. Houses also most often include access to some type of yard, which makes potty time a breeze.
• Apartment/condo. Typically more affordable than an entire house, apartments and condos may have more security features, but may have multiple flights of stairs or elevators when going outside.
• Campground. Privacy may be harder to come by and if your dog has a habit of barking or running away, this may not be the best option.
• RV. For the intrepid adventurer, an RV can be fun—but cramped. If you have medium or large dog breeds an RV may not be right for you.
• Bed and breakfast. Often quaint and cozy, a bed and breakfast can feel like home. Many are pet-friendly, but they don’t always offer much privacy.

Review their pet policy

The next task is to determine if a given property allows pets. Platforms like betterpet’s new vacation tool takes the guesswork out of the search by allowing pet parents to filter out properties with a no-pet policy. You can also use these tools to further filter depending on your needs. This includes filtering by pet fee, rentals that allow cats, rentals that allow multiple pets, and those that welcome large dogs.

While these tools are a great place to start, you’ll always want to call a vacation rental to determine if there are any other important things to note, like certain restrictions on dog breeds. Take this opportunity to ask if there are designated pet areas and their leash policy.

Consider the price

Price is an important factor when planning your vacation and those that allow pets do tend to cost more. While we would never discourage a pet parent from vacationing with their pet, boarding or finding a pet sitter may make more financial sense.

Activities and environment

A lot of people vacation with their dog. And, when traveling with your pup, what’s around your rental is just as important. Is the neighborhood walkable and safe? Would neighbors be tolerant of dogs whether they be barking, playing, or on a walk?

Bringing your pet should mean that they’re included in the fun of the vacation and not stuck in their room or crate for hours on end. Research dog parks, pet-friendly restaurants and stores, and other activities where they can join you. This not only decreases any anxiety they may have, but stimulates them.

Savannah, Georgia

Named one of the most haunted cities in America and boasting gorgeous architecture and history, Savannah, Georgia is also an incredibly pet-friendly city. For the outdoor enthusiast, parks (like Forsyth Park) and trails are plentiful and the famous River Street boasts dozens of shops and restaurants in addition to its view of the Savannah River. Plus, there’s a dog-friendly walking tour of the city!

For those who want a culinary experience, restaurants like Leopold’s Ice Cream, Olympia Cafe, and District Smokehouse offer dog-friendly seating options.

Compare your choices

Once you’ve compiled your top choices, it’s time to compare! Many different sites have a side-by-side comparison tool and with betterpet vacations, you can don’t need to create an account. It’s easy to compare multiple vacation rentals to determine which is best for your needs from:

• How many people it sleeps
• What type of property it is
• How many bedrooms it has

And with betterpet vacations, you can easily share the comparison with your travel companions so everyone can have input.

Things to consider with pets and vacation rentals

Before committing to a rental, think about some factors that can determine the type of stay you might have with your pup.

• Vaccines. When traveling, you want to ensure your pet is up-to-date on their vaccines. You will also want to consider if they should get any additional ones because of the location to which you’re visiting.
• Breed. Is your pet’s anatomy and personality suited to the climate you’re vacationing in, even short term? If not, you may want to reconsider your plans.
• Bathroom habits. Potty-trained pets are easier to travel with, both from a convenience and financial standpoint as many rentals charge for pet stains and odors.
• Anxiety. You’ll want to consider whether traveling will be too stressful or cause your pet undue anxiety. Any new place has the chance of causing discomfort for your pet.

When traveling with your pet, there are a lot of risks. Pets do better with routines. A deviation from the routine can be confusing and stressful for some dogs, and some pets can damage property or escape when traveling. If you think your pet would be nervous or stressed with travel, it may be best to utilize a sitter. Also, depending on where you travel to, you may need a health certificate. Hawaii and Japan are some of the most difficult places to travel to because the process needs to start at least 6 months in advance!!!

Dr. Erica Irish

Now that you know that you want to take your pet on a trip, explore all of your options from rental type to price tag. Your future self will thank you, and so will your pet!

Frequently asked questions

What kind of pets can I bring on vacation?

Each vacation rental may have their own specific guidelines, but if designated as pet-friendly they usually welcome cats or dogs. Always consult the property’s pet policy before showing up.

Is my service dog allowed in vacation rentals?

Yes! Service animals are protected (Trusted Source) by federal law and thus can accompany their owner to a vacation property.

How do you find a pet-friendly vacation rental with a yard?

Houses will be your best bet in securing a yard for your pet to play in. When searching for pet-friendly rentals be sure to focus on if there are any outdoor spaces available. If there is a yard, consult with the property owner to ensure your pet can have free reign of the yard as there may be some stipulations in place.

Are there limits on the number and size of dogs allowed when vacationing?

That depends on the vacation rental you’re staying at. The rental should have that information outlined in its pet policy or contract, and you should always feel comfortable contacting the rental company or owner to discuss these questions.