5 Essential Ways to Keep Pets Happy When Staying at a Vacation Rental

Today Is National Love Your Pet Day 2019!

And what better way to celebrate than to plan your vacation trip with your fur-baby in mind?  In today’s blog post we share with you our top five tips for traveling with pets.

We’re Pet Lovers Too

Being owners of pets ourselves – a Maltese and a Vizsla- we felt it only right to open up our home to other dog fanciers. We understand how important it is to bring the whole family along on vacation! Good planning is necessary however to assure not only you but also Fido have a great vacation.

Check our page for dog owners. Its tips offer in-depth information and recommendations for your pet while staying in Sea Ranch.

Five Simple Tips for Your Pet Dogs

By following these 5 suggestions your stay at our Sea Ranch Abalone Bay Home, or any other vacation rental, will certainly be a much more enjoyable one for everyone, including your vacationing 4-legged family member.

1. Prepare your pet for the experience of travel:

Teach your dog to stay in a crate. Take a few practice road trips to make sure your dog doesn’t get car-sick.

You should plan to keep your pet with you at all times. But for those times when you are not able to bring your dog, help your pet to cope with being alone by teaching it that seeing you leaving the house results in a positive outcome.

One way this can be achieved is by returning back home after a short period to give it a treat or special attention. Do this frequently, then slowly increase the length of absence until your dog can be left alone all day.

2. Check for added fees for pets:

Before you book, make certain you are aware of any added fees or limits that are required for your pets.

Abalone Bay requires an added $50 for each pet; with a limit of 2 dogs accompanying you on your holiday.

Be aware that if you bring your pets to a home that is not pet-welcoming you may be charged a significant fine. For example, a penalty fee of $750 will result if you bring a dog into a NON-DOG-FRIENDLY home rental unit within some homes at The Sea Ranch.

3. Review the requirements, restrictions, and laws governing your pet staying with you:

Many locations have strict leash laws and require you clean up after your pooch. This is true with The Sea Ranch. Check with your vacation rental if they include poop-bags as an amenity. If not be sure to pack some for your stay.

The Sea Ranch is a planned unit development with Sea Ranch homeowner’s membership Conditions, Covenants, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). Rental guests are subject to the same privileges and restrictions as The Sea Ranch Association homeowner’s membership. Included in the CC&Rs is a strict restriction of noise. Be sure your pet does not disrupt neighbors.

4. Keep your dogs with you at all times:

Pets should be kept with you as much as possible. This is one of the MOST important recommendations of all!

Remember you brought your pets to enjoy the trip with you.  When you go out and about without your dog, too often he will whine, bark or get into mischief. In fact, studies have shown that dogs actually suffer acute desperation and distress when left alone.

Avoid any unwanted calls to Sea Ranch’s Security for loud and disruptive barking by crating your dog. And if there is the slightest possibility your pet will cry, howl, bark in loneliness, locate the crate in a noise proof location, out of earshot of the neighbors.

5. Map out dog-friendly locations for excursions with your pet:

Look for dog parks that are located nearby (and note any leash-law restrictions!). Sea Ranch offers an off-leash park for its guests and residents. Parking is located just off Deer Trail. Once parked and all set with toys and leash, you and Fido will enjoy a short walk to the park. Upon entry, it’s all about freedom and fun.

Some restaurants may invite pets to dine with you. Make a list of those and plan your evenings out to include Fido. Check for excursions and other events that will welcome your pet. Check to see if they will have any added fees or require any health documents.

Below are suggestions while staying at Abalone Bay:

• For information about hikes with you do in the Mendonoma region visit www.NatureDogs.com
• 5 dog friendly wineries in Sonoma
• Sonoma Dog adventures 
• Dog friendly parks, beaches, and open spaces
• Dog friendly hikes in Sonoma County
• North coast dog friendly locations 
• California Wine Country- Dog friendly locations