Happy New Year, doggos and dog fans! Friday Feb. 16 kicks off the start of the Chinese New Year, and you guessed it — 2018 is the Year of the Dog.
In honor of this celebration of all things canine, leading vacation rental site Homeaway has just released its “Dog Friendliest Destinations of 2018” list. The company found that more than 19 million families have or will travel with their dogs this year, meaning the Year of the Dog will also be the Year of … Traveling with Dogs.
That said, going on a vacation with your pup can often prove challenging. While more hotels are beginning to cater towards canine-inclusive families, finding a pet-friendly rental home in a city or town with dog-focused activities takes some research. Think: dog beaches, dog-friendly parks and lakes, dog-friendly eateries, hiking trails and more.
The list below is comprised of locales with the most vacation homes that allow you to bring your pet. While many of Homeaway’s top destinations are traditional seaside locations, surprisingly New York City also ranked among the top ten spots for “Spot:”
1. Four Corners, FL
2. Davenport, FL
3. San Diego, CA
4. Palm Springs, CA
5. Big Bear Lake, CA
6. Los Angeles, CA
7. Kissimmee, FL
8. New York, NY
9. Miramar Beach, FL
10. Hilton Head Island, SC
Some of Homeaway’s ruff ‘n ready human retreats also include incredible Fido-friendly features, for instance a dog pond, 60-aces of fenced-in dog bliss and even a paw-shaped pool. Some tips for booking a pet-friendly vacation home include:
Carefully read the property description to find out if the homeowner’s definition of “pets allowed” is the same as yours. The homeowner may have a one dog policy or a pet size limit.
If the pet policy is not clear in the property description, send a note and ask the owner.
Know the difference between a “pet fee” and “pet deposit.” A fee is a non-refundable charge for bringing your pet. With a deposit, the renter will get money back if the pet behaves well and leaves the home damage free. Pet house rules like cleaning up after your dog in the yard are usually stated in the rental agreement
Summer vacation will be here sooner than you think, so don’t wait to book these fur-tastic finds.