7 tips for finding pet-friendly vacation rentals

Finding the right type of pet-friendly vacation rental involves matching the place to your travel plans and your pet. Think about the kind of trip – is it a quick city break or a longer rural escape? For a short stay with a small, well-behaved pet, a compact city apartment might suffice. However, a two-week country vacation with an active dog often calls for more space, like a house with easy access to walks or its own garden.

More and more sites are offering filters to find properties that are pet friendly. When you're browsing properties on Booking.com, just look under the “Travel group” section for the “Pets allowed” filter. Checking that instantly refines your search results, showing you only the places that welcome pets.

Although filters are useful, it's also worth specifically looking for properties that mention being “pet friendly” or welcoming to dogs or cats in their title or main description. The hosts of these properties often offer extra services to make your stay more comfortable, and they can even provide things like water bowls, waste bags, or recommendations for local pet-friendly pubs and walks. They're actively appealing to pet owners, which is usually a good sign.

Sometimes you'll see a property listing that states “pets allowed on request.” This generally means the host is open to pets but wants more information before confirming. They may have specific questions about your pet's breed, size, age, or temperament, or they could only allow certain types of pets. Don't let “pets allowed on request” listings deter you – instead, reach out to the host directly. Providing reassurance that your pet is well behaved and house-trained can often secure your booking.

Think about the immediate surroundings when booking a property. Look at the area around the property to see if there is a nearby park, beach, or green space, as well as easy access to suitable walking routes for your dog.You might also want to consider practicalities, like whether there’s a vet nearby in case of emergencies.

Sometimes, finding the perfect pet-friendly vacation rental in your top-choice location on your preferred dates can be tricky, especially during peak season. You can widen your options if you're able to be a little flexible – maybe by shifting your dates slightly, considering a different town nearby, or being open to different property types. You might even discover a great place you wouldn't have found otherwise.

When you book or inquire, it’s best to be upfront about bringing your pet. Even if you’re not asked, it’s good to mention their breed, size, and maybe even their temperament. This builds trust with the host and makes sure everyone is on the same page from the start.

Your rental’s pet policy

Every host has their own rules when it comes to pets. Don't just assume “pet friendly” means there are no restrictions. The pet policy is your go-to document in these cases. It might specify things like how many pets are allowed, whether they can be left unattended, if they're allowed on the furniture or if certain areas of the property are off-limits. Reading this carefully before you book avoids any misunderstandings later on. Some rentals that allow pets might be geared more towards dogs than cats, for instance, so details matter.

Pet fees

It's quite common for pet-friendly vacation rentals to charge an extra fee if you're bringing an animal. This is usually a flat fee per pet, per stay, or sometimes per night. Think of it as covering a bit of extra wear and tear or perhaps a deeper clean after you leave. Always check the listing details or the policy breakdown to see if a pet fee applies and how much it is. Sometimes, these fees are pretty reasonable – other times, they might add to the cost, so it's good to factor them in.

Other additional charges for pets

Beyond the standard pet fee, you should be aware of other potential charges. Some places might ask for an additional refundable damage deposit if you're bringing a pet. This is usually returned after your stay, provided everything is left in good order. Occasionally, you might see mention of extra cleaning fees specifically related to pets, especially if there's excessive shedding or an accident. Again, the property's description or policy section should outline any such charges.

Pets vs. service animals vs. emotional support animals

It's useful to know that the rules and allowances can differ between pets, registered service animals (like assistance dogs), and emotional support animals. Rules for assistance pets may differ from standard pet policies depending on the destination and type of accommodation. While many places welcome well-behaved pets, the policies around emotional support animals can vary significantly depending on the location and property type. If you're traveling with a service or support animal, it’s usually best to communicate directly with the host or manager beforehand to clarify everything.

How can I be sure a rental is actually suitable for my pet? 

Reading the full pet policy and any specific house rules is the first step. Look closely at photos – does it look like there’s enough space for your pet? Reading reviews from previous guests who brought pets can be very insightful as they often share details about the reality of staying there with an animal. If you still have doubts about how to find pet-friendly rental properties that meet your specific needs, don't hesitate to message the host directly with your questions.

What essentials should I pack for my pet when staying in a rental? 

It’s good to think about home comforts and practical needs. You’ll want to pack enough of their regular food, food and water bowls, their bed or favorite blanket, leads, collars with ID tags (including your vacation contact number), and any required medication. Toys, waste bags, and grooming tools are also important. It's worthwhile bringing copies of their vaccination records and your vet's contact details too.

Are there always extra cleaning fees if I bring a pet? 

Not always, but it's common. Some properties include potential extra cleaning within their standard pet fee. Others might charge a separate cleaning fee only if there's excessive mess or hair left behind. Some may require a refundable security deposit. Always check the fee structure outlined in the property listing or pet policy to understand what costs are involved with rentals that allow dogs or other pets.

Is it usually okay to leave my pet alone in the vacation rental? 

This varies greatly depending on the property's rules and your pet's temperament. Some pet policies explicitly state pets must not be left unattended at any time, while others may allow it for short periods if the pet is crated and unlikely to cause disturbance or damage. This varies greatly depending on the property's rules and your pet's temperament. Some pet policies explicitly state pets must not be left unattended at any time, while others may allow it for short periods if the pet is crated and unlikely to cause disturbance or damage. Consider your own pet – if they don’t do well in unfamiliar settings or bark constantly when left alone, it’s probably best not to leave them.