Wayfaring Architect's Member Story: Why HomeExchange Collection is Better Than a Hotel When Traveling with a Dog

Read more from Heather in her blog Wayfaring Architect!

We all love vacation, but leaving a dog behind can be hard, which is why more travelers are looking for dog-friendly ways to bring their pets along. As a San Francisco-based solo female traveler and architect who often works remotely, I love bringing my dog Pepper with me. It takes more planning and research to find the right dog-friendly stay, but it is always worth it.

Pepper and I have stayed in plenty of hotels together, but we have also experienced home swapping as HomeExchange Collection members in places like Bend, Carmel, Portland, and Seattle. After trying several types of dog-friendly accommodations, I can confidently say that HomeExchange Collection beats staying in a hotel when traveling with a dog.

Here are the reasons I prefer a real home over a hotel room when traveling with a dog.

Having a Backyard is a Major Advantage

If you are a dog owner, you know how much easier it is to let your dog out for a quick bathroom break instead of preparing for a full walk every time. I have had my share of 4 am wake-up calls in new places, including Boise, Idaho in winter. No one likes wandering through hotel corridors and elevators before searching downtown streets for a patch of grass in the dark. Having a backyard makes the logistics of traveling with a dog so much easier.

Neighborhoods Beat Hotel Districts for Dogs

If you are traveling with your dog, you are spending time walking in new places. Wandering through a neighborhood is one of the best ways to get a feel of a place. As an architect, I love noticing building styles, local shops, and small details that make each place different. With a dog, you end up finding places locals actually use, like dog parks, trails, and dog-friendly breweries.

When I arrived in Carmel, California with my dog, our host had recommendations of nearby off-leash dog trails that were perfect for Pepper to get her energy out after a long car ride. With HomeExchange Collection, I have discovered places I wouldn’t have found if I stuck to just the tourist locations.

A Quiet Home Means a Settled Dog

Hotels can be overwhelming for a dog. Busy lobbies, elevator rides with strangers, and unfamiliar hallway noises can keep Pepper on constant alert, even once we are inside the hotel room.

When we stay in a house through HomeExchange Collection, Pepper settles so much faster. Having more space to explore, a quieter environment, and a backyard gives her a much easier way to decompress after a travel day than navigating a hotel.

Hosts Are Often Dog Owners

HomeExchange Collection members who allow dogs to stay in their homes are often dog owners themselves. That usually means there are already dog supplies available at the house, which can make a stay even easier.

The HomeExchange Collection exchanges I have done have provided dog bowls, and sometimes dog towels, blankets, and even dog beds and toys. Those extra amenities make packing for a trip with your dog even easier.

Hosts also tend to have great recommendations for nearby dog-friendly things to do, since they actually live there. As a HomeExchange Collection member, I love sharing Pepper’s favorite dog-friendly things to do in San Francisco with guests.

Read Also: What Compelling Reasons Make Hosting Luxury Home Exchanges Rewarding

No Extra Pet Fees

Staying in a hotel with a dog often means paying additional pet fees, without additional conveniences. With HomeExchange Collection, there are no extra fees for traveling with your best friend. You also get a full kitchen, which makes travel easier if your dog has special routines, medication, or food-prep needs.

HomeExchange Collection Beats a Hotel for Dog Travel

The best part of staying in a real home is that the owners genuinely want to welcome your dog and help you experience the destination the way locals do. That makes traveling with your dog feel easier, more personal, and more memorable than a hotel stay.

If you are planning a dog-friendly trip, join HomeExchange Collection to find the comfort of a real home, the perspective of a local host, and the space your dog needs to settle in.