The Ultimate Guide to Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals

Did you know that two-thirds of all US households own a pet? So, you’re not alone when it comes to a desire to travel with your pet. Pet-friendly vacation rentals are a match made in dog heaven by allowing your fur babies to travel with you. Pet-friendly rentals near Coastal North Carolina are a growing niche as we continue to expand our rental options for travelers.

If you plan to visit the North Carolina coast with your pet, here’s how to have a tail-wagging good time!

What makes a good pet-friendly vacation rental?

Traveling with your pet is an excellent alternative to leaving them behind in the kennel. Not all pet-friendly accommodations are the same. Sea Scape Properties allows users to browse pet-friendly homes in coastal North Carolina destinations—Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Topsail Island. Listings range from ocean front homes to condos, so each offers different pet amenities.

Before beginning your search, here are a few things to consider for finding the best pet-friendly rental.

1. Pet Amenities

Pet-friendly travel has come a long way from ‘ruffing’ it. Pets love their amenities as much as you do. While browsing rental homes with everything you need, make a note of everything it has catering to pets. Some popular amenities include:

• Dog beds
• Dog towels
• Dog bowl
• Dog toys
• Dog Leash
• Welcome treat for pets
• Kennel
• Disposable waste bags

It’s easy to put the pet-friendly label on a rental. However, seeing amenities specifically for pets shows that pets are truly welcome.

2. Pet Safety

The best pet-friendly vacation homes are always properties designed for pets. Home design is important for the comfort of your pet. Browse pictures and property descriptions to see what home features enhance comfort for pets.

This can include:

• Fencing around the property or dedicated outdoor space
• Pet-friendly flooring, bedding, and upholstery (easy to clean)
• Pet door
• Pet ramp
• Pet first-aid kits
• Furniture covers

3. House Rules with Pets

Pay attention to house rules applicable to pets during your stay. These should be clear directions on what’s allowed and prohibited for guests staying with pets. Some common pet house rules include number of pets allowed, noise restrictions, if they’re allowed on the furniture, and if they’re allowed to be left unattended. The house rules can also contain rules for your pet in the community—for example, if leashes are required while walking around the neighborhood.

4. Pet Fee/Deposit

Most pet-friendly rental homes include an extra fee for guests staying with pets. Compare pet fees with the cost of keeping your pet at home. This fee helps offset the costs of cleaning for pets and covers potential damages that occur during your stay. This fee can be per pet and/or per night, so make sure to read the details to understand your total cost for the trip.

Pet-friendly Sea Scape Properties has a standard pet fee of $200 plus tax per pet. There are penalties for undisclosed pets and violating the number of pets policies.

Pet fees and deposits do not apply to service dogs or emotional support animals. Many rentals require guests to disclose documentation before their check-in date for confirmation.

How to be the Perfect Guest with Pets?

There’s a lot of trust between the host and guests arriving with pets. Customer reviews are extremely helpful for future guests to know what to expect during their stay with pets. Hosts also enjoy pleasant guests who ensure the property stays maintained even with pets around—it’s always good to know you have an option when you want to return for another stay.

Here’s how you can ensure you’ll always be welcomed at any pet-friendly vacation rental:

1. Minimize complaints

Complaints can come from neighbors during your stay or mentioned after your stay if anything is left out of order. You can avoid complaints by following the house rules for the rental property and community.

2. Clean after your pet

Cleanliness is essential for pet-friendly accommodations. Do your part in maintaining the property by cleaning up waste left behind by your pet, both indoors and outdoors.

3. Inform the host of any damages

Hosts understand that accidents happen–it’s part of the risk of allowing pets. It’s best to pick a rental property outfitted for pets, but there’s always a chance that your pet may break, scratch, or damage something. Communication is essential. Share details about what happened so the host can handle it accordingly after your checkout.

4. Make sure your pet is trained

Know your pet. Not all pets are comfortable traveling or living in new spaces. Trained pets make it easier to follow house rules and help avoid potential issues during your stay.

Visiting Coastal North Carolina with Pets

Looking for an exciting pet-friendly beach destination? Coastal North Carolina is popular for travelers who want to bring their pets and enjoy everything a charming beach setting can offer.

Since you’re wondering—yes, pets are allowed on the beach in North Carolina. Popular NC beach destinations like Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Ocean Isle, and Topsail Island welcome pets with certain rules you must follow. Pets are only allowed on the beach between October 1 and March 31 and must remain on a leash. Pets are not allowed on the beach during the busy season of April 1 to September 30.

The good news is these destinations offer plenty of other things to do with pets when they aren’t burying their paws in the sand. Enjoy off-leash fun at the Freeman Park dog park. Dine with your pet at Oceanic in Wrightsville Beach, which features a pet-friendly outdoor patio. Taste local beers alongside your pet companion at Good Hops Brewing in Carolina Beach. Pick up beach toys for your pet at Unleashed, the Dog & Cat Store nearby in Wilmington. Treat your pet to a grooming day with services at Pet Supplies Plus in Surf City.

Click here to learn more about pet-friendly things to do, businesses, restaurants, and more.

Where to Stay With Your Pet on the North Carolina Coast

We’re excited to host your pet on your visit to the North Carolina Coast. Our pet-friendly beach towns give pet travelers tons to do, from the beach to dog parks, restaurants that welcome furry patrons with dog treats, and grooming tailored to four-legged clients.

Sniff out your dream pet-friendly vacation home on the North Carolina Coast here and start packing your doggie bags for this canine paradise today.