Angel comes with us on our trips, but occasionally we plan an outing where she cannot join us. Before leaving her at a vacation rental, we check the property’s rules, give her time to get comfortable, and make sure we can return quickly if she needs us.
Our Miniature Schnauzer has done well in the rentals where we’ve stayed. She is used to her crate and has not been nervous in new locations. We still pay attention to how she is doing on each trip rather than assuming every stay will feel the same to her.
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We Check the Rental’s Rules First
A rental that accepts dogs may still have rules about leaving them alone. Before planning an outing without Angel, we check whether unattended pets are allowed, whether they must be crated, and whether there is a time limit. We also check the property’s rules before setting up a camera.
We have not encountered a rental that prohibited us from leaving Angel alone. Even so, we would not assume that the next property has the same policy. If the listing is unclear, we would ask the host before making plans that depend on leaving her there.
We cover other details to check before reserving a property in Questions We Ask Before Booking a Vacation Rental With Our Dog. Our guides to what we look for in a pet-friendly Vrbo and how we research a vacation rental before booking may also help while you compare places to stay.
If you are still searching, you can browse Vrbo vacation rentals (paid link). Check the pet rules for the individual property before booking.
We Let Angel Explore Before We Leave
We do not arrive, unpack, and immediately leave Angel behind. We give her a chance to walk around the rental and get used to where we are staying while our family is there with her.
Angel has not seemed nervous at the places we’ve stayed. Still, we look at how she is acting before deciding to go out. If she did seem unsettled, we would change our plans.
We bring familiar things along, including her bed and crate. Having a regular place to rest helps us keep her routine consistent while we travel. If you are putting together your own packing list, our post on 10 Things We Always Pack for a VRBO Vacation With Our Schnauzer covers more of what we bring.
We also share more about her arrival routine in How We Help Our Schnauzer Adjust to New Places While Traveling.
We Take Her Out Before Heading Out Ourselves
Before we leave, we take Angel for a walk and give her a chance to use the bathroom. We let her spend some time sniffing and exploring with us rather than rushing her straight from the car or the rental into her crate.
Sometimes we play with her, too. A durable rubber ball (paid link) is easy for us to pack for playtime together. We put toys away as appropriate before leaving; we do not use an outing as the time to find out whether a new toy is safe for Angel to have without us.
Back inside, we check her resting area and fresh water as appropriate for the setup we are using.
Angel Stays in Her Familiar Crate
We always crate Angel when we leave her alone in a vacation rental. She already knows her crate, and it gives her a familiar place to settle. It also helps keep her from getting into something we might have overlooked in a new space.
We bring the portable dog crate we use (paid link). Before going out, we check that it is set up properly and that she cannot reach cords, bags, or other items through it.
We also bring her familiar bed for the trip. The dog bed linked here (paid link) is an option for a comfortable resting spot, but what belongs inside a crate depends on the dog and the crate setup. We check Angel’s space rather than assuming every comfort item should go in with her.
A vacation rental would not be the place where we first taught Angel to stay in a crate alone. This routine works for us because she is already comfortable with it.
We Do a Final Safety Check
Before walking out, we check the rental once more. We make sure:
- Exterior and sliding doors are securely closed.
- Windows and gates are secured as needed.
- Food and trash are put away.
- Cords and other tempting items are out of Angel’s reach.
- Candles, space heaters, and other potential hazards are off.
- The temperature inside is comfortable.
- Angel’s crate and the area around it are safe.
If a rental has a fireplace or wood stove, we also check that it will not pose a hazard while we are away. The walkthrough takes only a few minutes and helps us catch things we might miss while getting ready.
We Point the Camera at Angel
When Wi-Fi is available and the rental permits it, we use our indoor pet camera (paid link). We point it directly at Angel in her crate, not at the surrounding rooms. That lets us check on her while respecting the privacy of the property and anyone else staying there.
We have also used our cellular trail camera (paid link) when Wi-Fi was unavailable. We point that camera directly at Angel as well. We check that it is working before we leave.
A cellular trail camera is useful to us in that situation, but we would not promise that every model works like a live indoor pet camera. The available view and how quickly you receive an update depend on the specific camera, its settings and power, and cellular coverage at the rental. Either type of camera can also lose its connection. We treat it as one way to check on Angel, not as a substitute for being able to return.
We Choose Outings That Let Us Get Back
When we know we may visit attractions without Angel, we generally try to book a rental centrally located to those places. Being closer makes it easier to return quickly.
If we check the camera and see Angel showing signs of distress, we come back. We would also reassess an outing if we could not check on her as planned. We do not keep going simply because she was comfortable on a previous trip.
If Angel did not seem ready to stay alone at a particular rental, we would choose an activity she could join or adjust our plans. What works for her on one trip is something we still need to evaluate on the next.
We Keep Important Information Handy
We keep our contact information and Angel’s important care details easy to find. Before a trip, we also identify where we could take her if she needed urgent veterinary care. We hope we never need that information, but we would rather have it ready than try to find it while rushing back to the rental.
Our Before-We-Leave Checklist
Here is the quick check we use before an outing without Angel:
- The rental permits her to stay unattended, and we are following its rules.
- Angel has explored the rental and appears comfortable.
- She has had a walk and bathroom break.
- Her familiar crate is ready and the surrounding area is safe.
- Fresh water is available as appropriate for her setup.
- Doors, windows, food, trash, cords, and heat sources have been checked.
- Any permitted camera is working and pointed at Angel.
- We know how to get back promptly if she needs us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you leave a dog alone in a vacation rental?
That depends on the property’s rules and the dog. We check whether the rental allows unattended pets and whether it has a crating rule or time limit. We also make sure Angel is comfortable before leaving.
Do you crate Angel when you leave?
Yes. We always crate Angel when we leave her alone in a vacation rental. She is already familiar with her crate, and we check both the crate and its surroundings before we go.
What do you use if the rental does not have Wi-Fi?
We have used a cellular trail camera pointed directly at Angel. We check that it works at the property and keep in mind that its features and cellular connection may limit what we can see or how quickly we can see it.
What if Angel seems distressed?
We return to the rental. Choosing a place near the attractions we plan to visit helps us get back quickly.
Final Thoughts
Our routine works because Angel is comfortable in her crate, we give her time to get familiar with each rental, and we plan outings with the return trip in mind. The camera helps us check on her, but it is only one part of that plan.
Before leaving your dog at a rental, start with the host’s rules and your dog’s comfort. Be ready to change the outing if either one calls for a different plan.
Accommodation Notice: Property amenities, pet policies, fees, availability, and reservation requirements may change over time. Always review the property’s official listing or contact the owner directly before booking to confirm current details.
Pet Travel Disclaimer: Every pet has different needs, abilities, and comfort levels while traveling. Evaluate your dog’s health, temperament, and travel readiness before each trip, and verify current pet policies with transportation providers, accommodations, attractions, and campgrounds before departure.
Veterinary Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Every dog has unique health needs. Always consult your licensed veterinarian regarding questions about your pet’s health, medications, allergies, nutrition, or medical care before making changes to your pet’s routine or treatment plan.
Product Information Disclaimer: Product features, specifications, availability, warranties, and manufacturer recommendations may change over time. Always review the manufacturer’s official information before purchasing or using any product discussed on this website.
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