Pet Etiquette and Tips When Staying at Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals

More families are choosing to vacation with their pets in pet friendly vacation rentals. Vacation rentals offer all the comforts of home and are a destination in and of themselves. They range from secluded mountain homes to tropical beach houses, from quaint, little bungalows to 4,000 square foot log cabins!

However, one thing they all have in common is that the vacation home owners have opened up their homes to you and your pet so it is important to follow their specific pet "house rules." In addition to the house rules, there are some additional tips to ensure that you and your pet are welcome to come back!

- Do not allow pets on furniture and beds. On the rare occasion that the vacation rental does allow pets on furniture, be sure to cover any furniture your pet will be allowed on.

- Avoid leaving your pet alone for a prolonged period of time. Even the best-behaved pets can bark and become destructive when in a new environment. For short outings, it may help to put the TV or radio on to keep your pet comfortable. If your pet is crate trained, bring their crate along to let them in while you're out.

- If your plans require you to be out for a longer period of time, inquire about local pet sitters or pet day care.

- Always keep your pet on a leash unless laws permit otherwise.

- Always clean up after your pet after bathroom runs.

- Place litter boxes in the bathroom to make clean up easier.

- Do not allow your wet and dirty pet in the home. If out hiking or swimming, be sure to rinse your pet off and dry them prior to letting them inside. Wet dogs don't smell so good!

- Bring old towels to clean and dry your pet off with.

- Be sure that your pet is flea and tick free. Treat your pet with flea and tick prevention prior to arrival.

- Clean start. It's a good idea to make sure that fido and fluffy are clean and fresh before they start sprawling on the vacation rental carpets.

- Make your pet feel at home by bringing their bed and favorite toys.

- Take "ruff-housing" outside.

Vacation rentals are wonderful options for vacationing with the family, including fido and fluffy. Following these simple guidelines will help to ensure a happy and safe stay with your pet...and also ensure that you and your four-legged family member are welcomed back!

Kim Salerno is the President & Founder of TRIPSwithPETS.com. She founded the pet travel site in 2003 and is an expert in the field of pet travel. Her popular pet travel site features pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the United States, along with other helpful pet travel resources. Her mission is to ensure that pets are welcome, happy, and safe in their travels.