Pets and their parents are on the move! Traveling with pooches, kitties, and other furbabies has become a way of life for many pet parents these days. For most, travel includes finding pet friendly lodging that will welcome their furry sidekicks. Vacation rentals, cabins, and cottages are becoming a very popular choice as the preferred type of accommodation. They are destinations in and of themselves -- offering pets and their people a home away from home experience.
To help ensure an enjoyable vacation with your pet, it’s important to follow some common sense advice -- from selecting the right pet friendly vacation rental to tips when you get there!
Pick a Place Best Suited for You and Your Pet
Determine what amenities are important to you -- whether it be a fireplace, wrap-around deck, hot tub, or a wonderful view. This will help point you towards more of a luxury vacation home experience or perhaps something more rustic and outdoorsy.
Pet friendly activities are also important to consider when choosing the right vacation spot. Are you and your pooch “foodies” and like to check out local pet friendly restaurants? Do you like to become one with nature and explore new hiking trails, lakes, and ponds? Or, are you both couch potatoes and would rather escape from the world in a more secluded location? Take the time to figure out how you want to spend your getaway and then find the pet friendly vacation rental, cabin, or cottage that best suits you both!
Follow the Poop Rules
One way to make sure you’re not welcome back is to not pick up after you pooch. Be sure that upon checking in to your vacation rental that you ask where the designated property potty areas are. It’s important to respect their potty rules to not only ensure an enjoyable stay for you but for others as well. Some pet friendly accommodations will provide poop bags, but just in case be sure you come with an ample supply.
If you’re traveling with your cat, it’s a good idea to place the litter box in the bathroom. This allows for easier clean-up and less mess.
A Good Pet is a Tired Pet (usually)
Most pets have a lot of energy...especially if they’ve been cooped up in the car for awhile. Lots of pent up energy can manifest into naughty behavior. This may include barking, going potty inside, and perhaps some destructive behavior. Going for a long walk, hike, run, or playing some fetch will help tucker them out a bit and help ease anxiety and restlessness.
Be Respectful of Property (obey the rules)
Although your pet may have the run of house at home -- lounging on couches, chairs, and your bed -- it’s important to respect the rules outlined by the pet friendly vacation rental. If they do not allow pets on the furniture, then you’ll have to snuggle beside Rover on the floor. Abiding by the rules will not only save you from perhaps paying extra cleaning fees but it will also make the property owners more likely to continue with their pet friendly policy.
Leaving Pets Alone?
There are some pet friendly vacation rentals that do not permit you to leave your pet in the rental unattended. Others may require that your pet be crated if left alone. And then there are others that don’t have any restrictions. So, you’ll definitely want to check on their policy.
If you’re planning to bring your pet along with you on vacation then you really need to plan to include them in your activities. There may be times when you absolutely can’t take them with you - depending on the particular activity. In this case, it is recommended that you not leave your pet alone for long periods of time and you keep them crated. It’s also a good idea to leave on the TV or a radio and let the property manager know that your pet will be alone in the property. Placing a note on your door indicating that your pet is inside is suggested. This will alert anyone who many need to enter the property. Even if your pet is perfectly happy being left alone at home, they can become anxious and destructive in an unfamiliar place.
Don’t Leave any Pests Behind
Pesky fleas and ticks should be addressed before you leave for your trip. Be sure your pet is treated for these critters so you don’t infest the property you are renting. Pet friendly properties have been known to change their pet policy due to fleas and ticks being left behind. In addition, you could also forfeit your pet deposit if the property owner needs to fumigate and deodorize the vacation rental.
Potty Happens
Sometimes, even pets that are completely housebroken will have an accident in the house. This is even more common in unfamiliar surroundings. In case your pet peeps or poops where he/she shouldn’t - come prepared. Bring along a bottle of your favorite potty cleaner-upper along with some rags. Potty happens!
Obey the Leash Laws
If the property requires that your pet be leashed, please keep your pet leashed at all times when outside your cabin or vacation rental. In addition, make sure you’re aware of the areas on the property that are restricted for pets. These normally include dining and pool areas.
Following these common sense tips will help to ensure your stay at a pet friendly vacation rental, cabin or cottage is stress-free. So pack up your pet, kick back, and enjoy your trip!
About TripsWithPets.com:
TripsWithPets.com is the premier online pet friendly travel guide -- providing online reservations at over 30,000 pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the U.S. and Canada. When planning a trip, pet parents go to TripsWithPets.com for detailed, up-to-date information on hotel pet policies and pet amenities. TripsWithPets.com also features airline & car rental pet policies, pet friendly activities, a user-friendly search-by-route option, as well as pet travel gear. For more information, please visit http://www.tripswithpets.com
