Things to Consider When Traveling With Your Dog
As pet owners, it's only natural that we want to take our four-legged family members with us when we go on vacation; we are dog-lovers here at Summer, after all. However, bringing your pup with you to a short-term rental can be challenging if you are not properly prepared, or if your host is caught off-guard. Here are some tips to help make your next getaway with your dog a success.
Preparing for your trip
Check the pet policy. Before booking an Airbnb, carefully review the listing's pet policy. Some hosts may have specific rules or restrictions regarding pets, such as size limits or additional fees. Ensure that the listing is pet-friendly and aligns with your dog's needs. If possible, find an explicitly dog-friendly rental that provides dog bowls, beds, and maybe even some snacks; you'll feel much more comfortable knowing that your host has had other four-legged guests before!
Communicate with the host. Reach out to the host before booking to discuss your plans to bring your dog. Clarify any questions you may have regarding the accommodations or specific pet-related amenities, like a fenced-in yard or a nearby park.
Provide accurate information. Provide accurate details about your dog, including its size and demeanor. This information will help the host understand your dog better and make necessary arrangements to make your stay as stress-free as possible.
Pack for your dog. Just like you pack a bag for yourself when you go on vacation, you'll need to pack for your dog as well. Having familiar items from home will help keep your dog comfortable and make them feel more at ease in a new environment. This might include things like their food and water bowls (if your host does not provide this), leash and collar, a few favorite toys, and any medications they need. If you're traveling by car, consider bringing a dog bed or blanket for them to lay on during the journey.
During your stay
Maintain cleanliness. Ensure that your dog is clean and groomed before arriving at the Airbnb. Clean up after your dog both indoors and outdoors, disposing of waste responsibly. If your dog sheds excessively, use a brush or lint-roller to minimize hair on furniture or bedding; you want to make sure that the post-checkout housekeeping isn't extraordinarily involved or costly for your host, so that dogs continue to be welcomed companions for their future guests.
Respect the property. Take extra care to ensure that your dog does not cause any damage to the Airbnb. Avoid allowing your dog on furniture or beds if it's explicitly against the host's rules; you may even want to use blankets or towels to prevent any accidents or messes, as well as to avoid any additional fees post-checkout.
Supervise your dog. Keep a close eye on your dog at all times while inside the Airbnb. Monitor their behavior to prevent any potential damage or disturbance, and remember that your dog may feel too unsure in their new environment to be left along for extended periods of time. Respect the privacy and peace of any neighboring properties by keeping your pup's barking or noise level in-check, especially during any specified designated quiet hours.
Exercise and bathroom breaks. Plan regular exercise and bathroom breaks for your dog. Research nearby parks, trails, or designated dog-friendly areas where you can take your dog for walks or play, and, of course, always follow local leash-laws and clean up after your dog!
Keep your dog safe. While you're on vacation, it's important to keep your dog safe at all times. This might mean using a crate or carrier when you're traveling, keeping them on a leash in public places, and making sure they don't have access to anything that could be harmful. Be sure to keep your dog up-to-date on their vaccinations and consider getting them microchipped before you go on your trip.
Make sure your dog is comfortable. Lastly, it's important to make sure your dog is comfortable throughout your vacation; at the end of the day, it's their vacation too and they deserve some R&R! This might mean finding a quiet space for them to rest when they need a break, making sure they have access to plenty of water, and avoiding activities or experiences that might be stressful for them. Pay attention to your dog's behavior and adjust your plans as needed to make sure they're happy and healthy; you know your pup best!
Have more questions for the Summer team regarding our pet policies and accommodations, our most popular dog-friendly properties, or something else? Drop our experience team a line at experience@gosummer.com.