How to Find a Truly Pet-Friendly Vacation Rental

'Pet-friendly' means many things

Listings use the label for policies ranging from 'dogs welcome, here's a bed and bowls' to 'one dog under 25 pounds, $250 fee, never left alone.' Read the full house rules before assuming your dog fits the policy.

Questions to ask before booking

• Is there a pet fee, and is it per pet or per stay?
• Are there weight, breed, or number-of-pets limits?
• Can the dog be left alone in the home? Crated?
• Is the yard fenced, and is the fence secure for a jumper or digger?
• Are dogs allowed on the furniture or beds?

Destinations that genuinely love dogs

Some markets make pet travel easy: the Outer Banks has dog-friendly beaches and a deep bench of pet-welcoming cottages, and mountain towns like Gatlinburg offer cabins with fenced decks and trailheads nearby. Wherever you go, check the local beach and trail leash rules — they vary town by town and season by season.

Being a five-star pet guest

• Bring your own throws to cover furniture
• Pack a crate even if you rarely use one at home
• Wipe paws at the door — keep a towel by the entrance
• Pick up the yard before checkout, every time
• Mention your pet in your review to help the next traveler