Bringing a dog or cat along shouldn't mean leaving them behind or paying extra to bring them. On HomeExchange, whether a pet can come depends on the host, not on a fixed company policy, so knowing how to check and prepare makes the difference.

How Does Home Exchange Work?

Does HomeExchange Have a Universal Pet Policy?

No. HomeExchange itself doesn't set a single pet policy for every stay; each host decides individually whether to accept dogs, cats, or other animals, and under what conditions. Some hosts welcome pets without restriction, others accept them case by case based on size or temperament, and some prefer guests without animals. This is the same for both a GuestPoints exchange and a reciprocal exchange.

How Do I Confirm a Host Accepts My Pet Before Finalizing an Exchange?

Check the home's description first: many hosts state their pet policy directly there. If it isn't mentioned, message the host through the platform before finalizing the exchange and describe the pet's species, size, and temperament. Using the "Animals Welcome" filter narrows a search to homes that have already flagged themselves as pet-friendly, though a host who hasn't used that filter can still say yes if asked.

👀
- Confirm pet acceptance in writing before the exchange is finalized, not on arrival.
- Community groups such as "Dog Lovers" and "Cat Lovers" on the platform connect members who are comfortable hosting animals.

Are There Extra Costs for Bringing a Pet?

HomeExchange does not add a pet fee on top of its $235 annual membership, unlike many vacation rentals that charge $75 to $200 per stay or a separate pet deposit. A host can still ask a guest to cover a specific cost linked to their animal, such as additional cleaning, but this is a direct arrangement between members rather than an automatic charge from the platform.

What Should I Pack for My Pet During a Home Exchange?

A few familiar items help a pet adjust to an unfamiliar home: its usual food (to avoid a sudden diet change), a cushion or bed it already sleeps on, favorite toys, and a secure carrier or crate for the journey and for quiet time once there. Bringing a basket or defined space for the pet also makes it easier to keep the host's home tidy.

👀
- A sudden change in food can upset a pet's digestion, so packing enough of its regular food for the trip is worth the extra bag space.
- HomeExchange's guarantees cover damage to the home during a stay the same way regardless of whether a pet is present.

What House Rules Should I Expect to Follow With a Pet?

Hosts who accept pets often set specific expectations: which rooms or furniture the animal can access, whether it can be left alone in the home, and how to handle shared outdoor spaces or neighbors. Discussing these details with the host before arrival, alongside anything unusual about the pet's needs, avoids misunderstandings once the stay begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring more than one pet on a HomeExchange stay?

It depends on the host: some accept multiple animals, others limit a stay to one pet, so this should be confirmed directly along with the general pet request.

What if my pet has specific needs, like medication or anxiety around new places?

Mention this to the host in advance. Since pet policies are personal arrangements rather than fixed rules, most hosts are open to hearing about a pet's specific needs before agreeing to the exchange.

Can I ask my host to look after my pet while I'm out?

Some members are open to this as part of the exchange; more than half of pet-owning members on the platform have already cared for another member's animal, though it should be agreed in advance rather than assumed.

What if a host's home page doesn't mention pets at all?

Message the host directly. Many hosts who accept pets under certain conditions don't always state it upfront.

So, can a dog or cat come along on a HomeExchange stay? In most cases, yes, once the host has confirmed it directly. HomeExchange treats it as a conversation between two members rather than a fixed rule.

Sign Up for Free