More and more Americans are traveling with their dogs– about 37 percent of pet owners take their animals on the road. And while much of the travel industry is working to be more accommodating to dog parents, that doesn’t mean it is a one-way street. People who rent vacation homes and bring their dogs are responsible for following proper rules of etiquette.
When you have your dog at your own home, he can run around, dig holes, and make a mess, and generally the only person who has to deal with it is you. However, when you bring your beloved pooch on vacation, you can’t just let him do what he wants. You are staying on someone else’s property and must show the owners, property manager, and the place itself some respect.
Property managers are often hesitant to rent out to people with dogs because of the chance of damages. Dogs damage baseboards, scratch doors, and leave stains and smells on carpet. By following dog etiquette when renting, you can ensure you don’t have to pay hefty fines when you are done using the property, and ensure future responsible pet owners can bring their four-legged friends as well.
Confirm the Rules
When you look at the rental property, it may say “pets allowed,” but that doesn’t mean there are no extra conditions. Some property owners don’t mind small-breed dogs, but larger pooches are politely declined. Be sure to let the property manager know about your dog’s breed, age, weight, and any additional information you may find pertinent, such as health issues. You want communication to be as clear as possible right off the bat to avoid any issues once vacation time rolls around.
Always Scoop the Poop
Even if your rental is in the middle of the wilderness, it’s still important to pick up after your dog. If it storms, the rainwater rushes the harmful waste into the waterways, which pollutes them and adds excess nitrogen, which then depletes oxygen supply for fish and other aquatic wildlife. It also increases the chances of harmful organisms like giardia, e. Coli, and salmonella being transmitted to humans via contaminated water. Furthermore, in most places, it is against the law to neglect cleaning up after your pet. Finally, it is simply rude not to do it– so be respectful and scoop the poop!
Plan for Separation Anxiety
Your dog may behave just fine when you leave him at home alone. However, a rental property is not home; unfamiliar smells, sights, and sounds can make your dog feel anxious. That anxiety is amplified if you leave him there alone. Take your pooch with you wherever you go, or if your dog is crate trained, be sure to bring a collapsible pen with you and have him safely stored any time you leave the property. He can’t be destructive if he is confined and out of harm’s way. If you prefer not to crate your dog, consider leaving one person in your party behind with him, hiring a pet sitter, or finding a dog boarding facility to watch him if you are gone for an extended amount of time. Making sure your dog does not feel abandoned can prevent destructive behaviors that will cost you your deposit.
***
More and more Americans are bringing their precious pooches along with them on vacation. If you plan on renting a place and bringing your dog, it is important to practice proper etiquette to be respectful and ensure you are invited back again. Confirm the rules with property owners before you leave to make sure your dog is welcome. Always, always, always pick up your dog’s waste to protect freshwater as well as be respectful toward the property. Finally, while your dog may be fine on his own at home, he may show signs of separation anxiety in a new place. Plan accordingly and either bring him along with you or leave a sitter behind to monitor and correct destructive behavior.
Image via Pixabay