If you're planning on a vacation rental and just can't imagine leaving your pet behind, we can help.
It'll take a little effort and time, but making get-away plans that include the "entire" family might be easier than you think.
Maggie Mae with her pup tent
Scan vacation rental classifieds, and you'd think that "No Pets" is automatically added to every ad. How do those of us who want to take the whole family on our family vacation find a rental home? Simple, we do our homework and answer the objections of the home owners one by one.
For our family, a vacation must include the ocean, but the following suggestions will work for woodland hideaways, mountain cabins, ski resort chalets, or lakeside retreats. Qualifying to rent a special home in a special place begins long before you call a realtor or answer an ad.
First, get some references
Stay at a "pet-friendly" inn or bed & breakfast. Assuming all goes well, ask the owner to be a reference for your dog. For many years, we stayed at an apartment complex on the Cape that kept a "report card" on each visiting pet. They served as our reference when we vacationed elsewhere.
Ready to commit to a vacation lease?
Make a few calls until you find a sympathetic real estate agent. I've had best results with agents who love dogs. When I interview them, I ask about their pets. If all else fails, call a local veterinary hospital and ask whether they can recommend a rental agency.
Working with a rental agent
In the current economy, you may be able to score a pet-friendly rental for an upcoming vacation if you start now. Normally, I suggest starting your search as early as possible. In the slow season, agents have the time to negotiate special arrangements. For a popular resort, call six to eight months in advance.
Be prepared to offer a refundable security deposit. Homeowers fear the damage a pet might do to their property. Your offer of money, to cover that possibility, might turn their 'No!" into a "Yes."
Once you've established a successful relationship with an agency, stick with them. Repeat bookings enable the realtor to say, "I've been dealing with this family for years. They've always brought their dog, and there's never been a problem."
If your dog is crate-trained, plan to bring the crate and explain that the dog will be crated when left alone. We have a portable pup-tent that we use in rental homes and hotels.
Above all, always be up front about the fact that the pet is there. If you sneak an animal onto a property, there is a very good chance the owner will find out. The locals in many resort communities are very close-knit. It's likely that you would be caught.
Moving on to other places
If, after visiting one location, you want to rent in another part of the world, start with the brokers you know. Real estate professionals have referral networks and may be able to introduce you to a suitable agent.
One last thought. Safeguard the property you rent but also protect your pooch. When you arrive at your vacation home, inspect every nook and cranny for dangers. We once began a vacation with a panicked ride to a vet, because our dog discovered a container of rat poison before we did. She spent the day in the hospital, and we learned a valuable lesson.
Coming soon, we'll have tips for traveling to that vacation destination with your dog.
Here are some great items for traveling dogs.
Details:
Adapted from Penny's "City Paws" column– a regular feature for The Independent Newspaper Group
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2010 Penny Cherubino
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