How To Search For Dog Friendly Airbnb Rentals or VRBO Vacation Rentals

Planning a vacation and don’t want to leave your furry friend behind? From cozy cabins to beachside villas, here’s your guide on how to search for dog friendly AirBNB or VRBO rentals wherever your travels take you.

There are plenty of pet-friendly listings if you know how to search for them and keep a few things in mind. Although many Airbnb hosts will allow service animals, the house rules dictate if pet and dog owners are permitted to bring their own pets with them in a vacation rental.

It is a good idea before booking any rental to have clarity on if you can bring not only assistance animals but your beloved pets. 

A few other things to know, is there an additional fee you will have to pay, and are there any other fees or additional charges you should be aware of.

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As far as emotional support animals, they are not required to have the same special training that animals that help with disabilities. Most vacation rentals will still allow you to have emotional support animals, but it is best to check prior to booking. 

Service animals for those with disabilities that require assistance that the service animal (dog/horse) provides for them. The best rule of thumb is to check VRBO’s or AirBNB’s pet policy prior to booking.

How To search for dog friendly Airbnb/VRBO Vacation Rentals.

Once you decide you will be bringing your fur-family with you, there are a few things to keep in mind while searching for pet-friendly Airbnb rentals or VRBO rentals.

The information below will help you find the best options:

Understanding Pet Policies: Before diving into your search, it’s crucial to understand the pet policies of Airbnb and VRBO.

While many rentals are pet-friendly, each property might have specific rules regarding pet size, breed restrictions, additional fees, and the number of pets allowed. 

You will want to set the search filter to narrow down options based on these preferences. Also, a great rule of thumb is to always check reviews.

Positive reviews are important and help potential guests make an informed decision on the rental property. Negative reviews do the same by warning you not to book that little Cape Cod home you think is so cute. 

Searching for Pet-Friendly Rentals: When starting your search, use the pet friendly filters to specifically look for pet-friendly accommodations. Pet-friendly hosts will have these turned on to make it easier to find their listings. 

On both Airbnb and VRBO, you’ll find a checkbox or filter option labeled “Pets Allowed.” Enabling this filter will display properties that openly welcome furry guests, as well as give you information on cleaning fees, 

Reading Property Descriptions Carefully: Once you’ve set the pet-friendly filter for pet-friendly stays, dive into property descriptions. Look for explicit mentions of pet policies, pet fees, and any amenities offered for pets. 

Some hosts go the extra mile by providing a dog bed, water bowls, fenced yard for your pets’ comfort and safety. Also check if there is an additional pet fee for each pet and what this extra fee covers. 

This should all be clearly detailed in the listing description by the property owner, including number of guests allowed, free parking, nightly rates and total booking price.

Be sure to double check the VRBO or Airbnb pet fee, as they can vary depending where in the United States you are traveling on your road trip or flying to your vacation destination.

Utilizing Keywords in Searches: You can expect a number of available listings when you begin your search. Refine your search using specific keywords and pet filter to include “dog-friendly,” “property pet-friendly,” or “pets allowed.”  

Hosts might include these terms in their property titles or descriptions to attract pet-owning guests. This will give you the search results you are looking for on the rental platforms.

Additionally, search for activities or nearby places including pet-friendly hotels and/or restaurants that are pet or dog-friendly to ensure a well-rounded vacation experience for both you and your furry companions. Potential hosts may also be able to provide you with this information. 

Tip: occasionally, pet-friendly properties will have a private room for your pets designated as pet-friendly zone. Be sure to find what best fits you and your travel buddy.

A number of pet-friendly VRBO or Airbnb listings are quite specific as to what they do and don’t allow. Read this information clearly. 

Communicating with Hosts: Once you’ve shortlisted potential rentals, it’s wise to communicate directly with hosts. Inquire about their pet policies, pet restrictions, pet deposit, any additional fees or any extra cost including pet insurance you may need to pay.

Also ask for clarity on rules or restrictions. Building a rapport with the host ensures a smooth experience and can also help negotiate terms if needed.

Checking Reviews from Pet-Owners: Take advantage of previous guests’ experiences. Check reviews specifically left by guests who traveled with their pets.

You will find the best pet-friendly Airbnbs or VRBO’s will have good reviews as well as pet-friendly amenities nearby. 

The best part is that their insights can provide valuable information about how pet-friendly the property truly is and any issues or positives they encountered during their stay. Often you can message through the VRBO or Airbnb app. 

Preparing Your Pets for Travel: Before embarking on your adventure, responsible pet owners make sure your dogs are travel-ready.

This ensures both you and your fur family will have positive experiences. Bring essentials like food, medication, toys, bedding, and updated identification tags. 

Additionally, have your veterinarian’s contact information handy in case of emergencies. At the end of the day, it’s the responsibility of the pet parents to ensure happy pets as well as eliminating any potential damage that may occur. 

For example, if the vrbo or Airbnb property has a pool or hot tub, there may be additional rules whether your pet can be in the water.

In addition, hot tubs are generally too hot and dogs and other pets should not be in those. To ensure an enjoyable stay, follow the rules of the pet-friendly lodgings.

Respecting the pet-friendly homes, property and community: While enjoying your and your pet’s stay, ensure you are following and adhere to the property’s rules and respect the surrounding community.

A dog-friendly accommodation generally requires you to clean up after them, prevent excessive noise, and follow leash regulations if applicable. 

Be sure to take time to acclimate your fur family to their new environment before you leave them alone. What may be what looks like the perfect place may not actually be that great for your dog or pet. 

Finding a pet-friendly Airbnb or VRBO vacation rental involves a blend of careful searching, communication with hosts, and preparedness. By utilizing filters, you will find a variety of listings, some that will be perfect for you and your pets. 

Other times, what you think is the perfect spot is not so perfect. Maybe they have rigid pet policies. Or there is a price adjustment during the holiday season you should be aware of. 

By thoroughly reading descriptions and communicating effectively with the property host, will help you find the perfect vacation home away from home in the destination cities where both you and your furry friends can create lasting vacation memories.

Whether it’s a mountain retreat, a beachside villa, or a countryside cottage, there’s a pet-friendly rental waiting to welcome you and your dogs for an unforgettable getaway. Happy travels, or should I write happy wagging tails?

The links below will help you find the perfect vacation rental for you AND your fur family:

For me, VRBO is always my first stop. Now I have to say, I am using and liking Agoda much better as far as vacation rental home results. They find the best deals. Find what works best for you!

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