Enter the keywords ‘rental+beachfront+[location]’ and 172 options pop up for your perusal. YES!!!
Except, damn.
You forgot to add that other filter, PET FRIENDLY. Type it in and …. 9 matches. From 172. The good news is you found some….. The bad news is camping on a blue-bottle infested beach in a wet sleeping bag would actually be nicer. Don’t give up hope, try these tips that work for us.
- Find the properties you like and look them up on different websites.
On a recent weekend in the South Coast, I found the perfect place. On Airbnb and Stayz it wasn’t listed as pet-friendly, but on the local small town real estate rental website it was. WIN! - Build up your reputation on Airbnb.
Leave things nicer than you found them, treat the space as your own home. At one of our favorites in the Blue Mountains, we swept out the fireplace before we left and the owner was blown away. I’ve used that review and several others like it as references when we want to rent something that the owners aren’t too sure about allowing pets to be in. Contribute to giving pet-friendly renters a good name. - Just ask.
Pose the question, even if it says it’s not pet-friendly. Tell them that you travel with your ‘polite and well-behaved pooch(es)’ and refer them to your glowing reviews. Offer to front a pet-bond in case anything is damaged or destroyed. It gives the owner peace of mind. - Travel at off-times.
You’ll have better luck when things aren’t in high demand like school holidays or weekend festivals. Mid-week is brilliant, or even a slightly skewed weekend like a Sunday-Monday-Tuesday. Owners don’t want their places sitting empty, and are more willing to accommodate you to avoid it. - Send a photo of your pet looking especially charming and angelic.
It’s harder to say no to a delightful little face. Offer to send vaccination records, and tell them that your pet is used to traveling (if that’s the case.) Also make sure they are housebroken, and bring piddle pads just in case. - Offer to pay a little more.
Since you won’t be paying for a pet-sitter, offering more than they’re asking per night is well worth it and may tip the scales in your favor. - Be armed with info before negotiating.
Read the reviews of people who have stayed at the accommodation before you. You’ll get a feel for the personality of the home, and of the landlord. This can help you focus your efforts and tweak your pitch. - Avoid the midrange.
I’ve often found that accommodations at the poles of the spectrum tend to be more accommodating to pets. So, something inexpensive and simple, or something really luxe and pricey are more likely to work than something solidly mid-range. Additionally, oftentimes newer-to-the-rental-market properties will allow pets to get a book of business flowing no matter category.
“A dog can never tell you what she knows from the smells of the world, but you know, watching her, that you know almost nothing.“
-Mary Oliver, Dog Songs