How to Go to an Airbnb with a Dog

I just got back from Prescott, Arizona where we found an Airbnb that not only accepted dogs, but they didn't charge extra! How did we do it?

The Trick to Dog-Friendly AirBnB Finds

Well, we put our fussy high standards aside and ignored past guest comments about cleanliness and focused on all the cool stuff around that a dog would enjoy. There is a good side to checking into an Airbnb that doesn't focus so much on being immaculately clean. They will be much more forgiving if Francesca, my sidekick, leaves behind some of her fluffy hair and if I might tromp down some of the foliage outside. So ponder that. Focus on the dog, not on human standards.

I have to say the rug was old and stained even before we checked in.
And, to be fair, we put our own towels on the furniture so we would
not leave fur on it if we should forget the rules and jump on it.

So here are some tips for finding a true pet-friendly deal at an Airbnb:

1. When you use the search tool, be sure and filter for "pet friendly" so you only get properties that allow dogs.
2. Look for properties that are fenced, or have a yard where dogs will feel at home. 
3. Look for the pet fees, extra deposits, or extra cleaning fees because of pets. Many have them. We tried to rent a Sedona Airbnb who did not list the pet fee. Once we were half-way through the process, we found out that the Airbnb wanted $20 per night for just me! Well, we couldn't afford that!
4. Read the rules. If they are determined to charge the guest extra if a dog hair is seen on the couch, they will probably be fussy (and rightfully so... it's their property) and maybe they are too fussy for me.
5. Read through to see if there is a weight limit and, for us, a limit in the number of dogs you can bring. 
6. Read carefully if the property is shared, or like on a farm. If they have their own dog, you may be asking for trouble if you are like Francesca, who is very protective and barky.
7. Like I said, don't steer away from properties that have comments about a lack of cleanliness. After all, this is a dog vacay and we are known to track in mud and drop a few hairs here and there.
8. Ask plenty of questions. If you have any concerns about how welcome we dogs will be or how comfy the place is, just shoot a note to the Airbnb owner. Forewarned is forearmed, right?

How to Be a Good Airbnb Dog Guest

So once you find a compatible property and are packing for your dog-friendly vacay, there are things you can do so you will be invited back:

1. Don't fib about the number or size of the dogs you are bringing. 
2. Bring the dog dishes (don't use the Airbnb dishes!) and their beds. They won't be tempted to jump on furniture if they have their own stuff.
   
3. Bring clean, but ratty, dog towels to clean up your dog after a walk. 
4. If the property has a vacuum cleaner, use it. Help the owner out.
   
5. Don't let your dog run loose. We had to use our long tie outs to explore the rocky hillside behind the Airbnb. We got used to it. 

   

   Here I am exploring the hill with my tie out on.

   
   

   
   

6. Walk your dog with a leash and pick up after them. We use biodegradable pick up bags. Also, we found a rural road to walk twice a day. It was fantastic. Very few cars and plenty of good smells and things to see.
7. If your dog has separation anxiety, perhaps leaving the dog alone at the Airbnb is not a good idea. If your dog might get into things if you leave, bring their crate for when you leave without them. Francesca and I are used to our owner going to the store or out to dinner. As long as we get our meals on time, we don't worry about it! We just go lay on our beds when our owner leaves.
   

Safety

Last but not least, you don't want your dog to get lost in a strange place. Watch the door and, especially, secure your dog when you are unloading and loading the car, going back and forth. 

Make sure your dog is micro chipped and has tags or a collar with your phone number on it. Some of us, like coon hounds, like to follow our noses when we are staying at a new place.

BE A GOOD DOG AND YOU'LL GET TO
GO ON LOT'S OF TRIPS!