There’s nothing better than a relaxing holiday in a fun location with your pooch.
One thing that can throw a spanner in the works is if there’s tension between you and the owner of the property.
Being on good terms with your pet friendly accommodation host is a win – win situation, and leaves everyone feeling good, just the way it should be after a holiday with your dog.
There’s no great secret to developing a good relationship with your host. Common sense, respect and good manners always go a long way to setting things on the right path.
We have put together a list of considerations to help you and your pets have the best experience. If this is your first time on holidays with your dog and you’re unsure what to expect, keep reading.
Communication
The key to getting things off to a great start is good communication.
In some ways, this starts with you reading the property description carefully and understanding exactly what you are getting. If something is not mentioned in the ad, do not assume it will be there.
If you need a strong internet reception, don’t like driving on dirt roads, or want to be within walking distance of a dog park, etc, ask the question of the host beforehand so you know exactly where you stand.
Respond as quickly as you can when they get back with any questions of you to avoid delays in finalising your booking.
One area that can cause angst is arriving much later than your estimated arrival time. Getting everything packed and set for a holiday with your dog is never as straightforward as it should be. If you have a long drive, there are many reasons you might arrive hours later than you originally advised. The important thing is to let your host know that your ETA has been pushed back. Otherwise, you might arrive at your destination and find things have already gotten off to a bad start.
If you are disappointed with any aspect of your accommodation, discuss it in a reasonable manner with your host while you are there. Give them every opportunity to explain their position, and put it right if possible.
Be Friendly
Most of the properties you find on holidayingwithdogs.com.au are privately owned, and you’ll get to meet the owner during your stay.
Chances are you will have plenty in common, starting with a love of dogs. It can make your holiday to have a nice chat with the owners and get to know them a little. No doubt you want your privacy and they want theirs, but it definitely makes everything much easier if you can get a nice rapport going.
There’s every chance you will love the property and want to keep coming back on a regular basis.
Consideration
Remember, you are not staying at a hotel. While you are still paying money for your accommodation, it is important to be respectful of the property, and to leave it as you found it.
Always have plenty of poo bags on hand, and make sure you clean up after your dog. We always bring our own bedding and blankets to put down to keep pet hair (and drool!) contained plus a pet hair roller and wipes for quick clean ups. Check out our packing list for some tips on what to take.
Stick to the Rules
All of the hosts on Holidaying with Dogs have clear rules about what is expected of you and your dog, and where your dog is welcome in and around the house.
Know the rules you have agreed to when booking and be respectful of them.
Bring your own bedding for your dog(s) if requested and please keep your dog off the furniture and/or out of the bedrooms if this is a specified requirement.
It’s all fairly straightforward and common sense. Treat your host as and their property as you would expect in return.
Ok, time to jump onto holidayingwithdogs.com.au and start planning your next trip.
Do you have a favourite experiences when on holidays with your dog? We would love to hear all about it. Comment below.
You may also enjoy reading Holidaying with your dog that includes a handy packing checklist for your pets.
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When we travel with our dog, we always leave the property as it was when we first saw it, spotless clean, towels in the laundry basket, along with sheets, dishes all done and put away, rubbish bins emptied etc etc. What we love the most is not seeing anybody when we get to a place, we love lock boxes and peace. We love our privacy and at the end of a long driving day, we just love unlocking the lock box getting in and settling down.
Thank you for your comment Amanda. You sound like a perfect guest and I know from speaking to our Property Managers, it is truly appreciated. We couldn’t agree more about a private escape. There is nothing better. Let us know if you ever want help finding the perfect property.
The HWD Team
I am absolutely on the same page as Amanda. We have always been told we are the ‘perfect guests’, leaving the property as we found it and have been repeat visitors (same properties) over many years. Similar to Amanda we enjoy not having the host come to mow lawns, or just call in, preferring to have phone contact, should we require any assistance. Lock boxes are perfect when arriving after a very long drive. In fact there have been some properties we haven’t returned to because of the visits from hosts to do various jobs around the property. We’ve met some absolutely delightful hosts, but privacy is important.
Hi Gwllynes
Thank you for your sharing. We often get comments from property owners that Holidaying with Dogs guests are the nicest guests.
One of the changes we have seen put in place due to Covid are lockboxes for contactless arrival and minimal contact during a stay for more and more properties. And we couldn’t agree more, if privacy is what you want for your holiday, then you absolutely should have it. Thanks again.
The HWD Team