Vacations with HomeExchange: how can you travel with your pets or have them looked after?
We share our tips and member testimonials with you!
Ever wondered what to do with your pet when you go on vacation?
This is a question that most pet owners ask themselves. With HomeExchange, home swapping is the ideal solution, regardless of whether you want to take your pet with you or have your guests look after them!
Have your pet looked after by your HomeExchange guests
How to organize an exchange with guest pet sitters?
On your profile and home listing
- Select the “Cat to be cared for” or “Dog to be cared for” option on your home listing if your pet is a cat or a dog.
- In your description, mention that you want your guests to take care of your pet.
During the discussion
- Make sure your guests understand that they are responsible for taking care of your pet and that everything is okay from their end.
- Explain the different tasks involved.
Preparing for the exchange
- Leave clear information and instructions to make things easier for your guests (the address and phone number of your veterinarian, the contact details of a close friend who knows your pet well, its eating habits and any allergies, what it likes and dislikes etc).
- Prepare everything your guests might need (food, toys etc).
Don't hesitate to ask for updates during the exchange
Good communication can reassure you if you're having trouble leaving your four-legged friend behind.
Why choose this option?
It allows for your four legged friends, fish, or whatever member of the animal kingdom you've adopted into your family remain safely at home, without having to change their usual routines.
It also saves you from having to leave your pet at an expensive boarding facility to be looked after by professionals if no relatives or neighbors are available to take care of them.
If you're a bit worried about leaving your pet with new caretakers, you can have a look at your potential guest pet-sitters' reviews from hosts and previous exchanges to reassure you they're the right people to care for your pets.
Go on an exchange with your pet
How to organize an exchange as a guest with your pet?
On your profile and home listing
- Mention that you want to travel with your pet.
- Specify if you also accept pets in your home by selecting the "Pets welcome" option on your home listing.
When you start your search
Use the “Pets welcome” filter to only display homes of members who accept pets in their home.
During the exchange
Follow your hosts' instructions carefully if there are any (don't let pets go upstairs or on the sofa etc).
Good communication is always key to making everyone feel comfortable.
Feel free to communicate with your hosts to let them know that everything is going well, even if they are used to welcoming guests and their pets.
Why choose this option?
If you never travel without your four-legged friend, or your guests are unable to look after them, the ideal solution is to find accommodation where they can stay with you.
Our team's tips
Katia's tip
Join groups for animal lovers
To find guests looking to pet sit (or hosts looking for someone to pet sit for them), feel free to join the “Dog lovers,” “Cat lovers,” or “Aquarium enthusiasts” groups from your profile and filter your searches.
Lamya's recommendation
Indicate any allergy risks
Don't forget to indicate in your home listing if you have any pets that may cause allergies: this will allow members with allergies to avoid sending you requests.
Members' testimonies
Efi
"HomeExchange is not only a great way to meet new people and travel the world, but also a way to enjoy a wonderful vacation with pets! Our family has a dog, Dicky, and a cat, Monty. Of course, they feel much better at home than in a kennel while we're on vacation abroad. When we swapped our house with a Dutch family, their love of animals was a crucial factor. They looked after our dog and cat. In fact, as the father of the family jokingly said, Dicky followed them on their long bike rides and helped them understand how to cross the road in Greece!"
Ann
"I discovered the beautiful Parisian suburb of Fontenay-Sous-Bois, and ran with my dog everyday in the nearby Bois de Vincennes, it was absolutely lovely.”
Monika
"We consider it an added bonus if we get to look after the owners' pets. We have a cat and it’s so nice that he doesn’t have the trauma of going to a cattery. Less expense too!"
Shelley
“We got to explore all of Santa Barbara and were very close to the beach. I was able to bring my dog, Penny, and she LOVED exploring the coastline!”
