Home swapping can be an ideal holiday option for pet owners
To many pet owners the thought of leaving their dog or cat in a kennel or cattery while they go on holiday is enough to make them give up the idea of going away! So, rather than leaving your pet behind, why not arrange a home swap and take your pets on holiday with you? Home swapping can be an excellent option for pet owners, but make sure to plan well in advance before setting off with your beloved pet.
Find pet friendly accommodation
You'll be pleased to hear that there are plenty of pet-friendly home swap holiday offers. Many home owners have pets themselves and will be very happy for you to bring your own pet during the exchange. Home Base Holidays, a home swap club based in the UK, has search options so that you can easily find pet-friendly home swap holiday offers.
However, when planning your holiday, it’s very important to make sure to discuss all details with your home swap hosts and get their full approval for your pet to stay in their home.
Pet allergies? Even if you are not taking your pet with you, make sure to inform any prospective home swap guests if you have pets – your pet's fur might be a big no no for anyone with allergies.
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Be prepared for the journey
If you are crossing borders, then make sure to do research to find out what paperwork and certificates are required for your pet. Often this can include: a health & rabies certificate, vaccination history and sometimes; proof of ownership. You will also need an airline-approved pet carrier if you need to catch a flight to your destination.
Damage prevention
If you do plan on taking your pet with you on a home swap holiday, never forget that you are staying in someone’s home and so make sure that you leave the home in as good a condition (or even better!) than when you arrived. Make sure that your pet is well behaved before choosing to swap homes. However, if your pet does have an accident, make clean it up right away and, if needed, pay for professional cleaning / cover any damages.
Tip: Remember to take your poop scoop with you – you don’t want you and your pooch getting a bad name in the neighbourhood!
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Will people look after my pet during a home swap?
Many home swappers are more than happy to look after each other's pets during their stay. This can be such a welcome benefit of home swapping as your pets can happily stay in their own home rather than having the stress and expense of taking them to stay in a kennel or cattery. Pet care during a home swap usually means caring for pets such as cats, dogs, fish or other small animals ...but we've even seen people looking after alpacas during a home swap holiday! It's also not uncommon to see home swappers looking after their host's chickens during their stay ...freshly laid eggs for breakfast sounds like a nice added bonus.
House plants & gardens: It's not just pets! It's always sad to come home from a holiday to find your house-plants or garden flowers have perished; however, many home exchangers will be more than happy to give your plants some water while you're away.
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A few pet-friendly home swap holiday offers:
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Andalucia, Spain |
Insch, Scotland |
Lake District, England |
Provence, France |
Home Base Holidays: join for free and start home swapping
Sign up to Home Base Holidays two-week free trial or select a full home swap membership (6-month membership is just £29 and 1-year at £49).
Home swap guarantee: second year free if you do not arrange a swap during your membership.
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