Why Pet Owners Should Try House Swapping

Hey everyone, it's me again, sharing another slice of my travel life! This time, I've got something special for my fellow pet owners. You know how tough it can be to travel with our furry friends, right? I've discovered that house swapping is not just a solution; it's a game-changer. Let me tell you why.

My Journey into House Swapping with Pets

I purchased a house as we decided we wanted a home base after seven years of non-stop travel. Not long after, we got a cat that was abandoned in a park. We love him. But our initial goal with the house was to turn it into an Airbnb. The only problem is that you can’t expect guests to have to feed your cat when they are paying to stay at your house.

The solution? Home Exchange.

There are people all over the globe willing to swap homes with you, and they are more than happy to look after your pets as long as you clearly state it in the listing and provide photos!

My daughter playing with chickens in a house swap.

The Perks for Pet Parents

I used to worry about leaving my pet behind or the hefty fees for pet-friendly hotels. Not anymore. House swapping has changed all that. Here's why:

Cost-Effective: No more pet-sitting fees or expensive pet-friendly accommodations. Plus, House Swapping costs you nothing for accommodation. You can also use Guest Points if a direct swap doesn’t work out.
Comfort for Pets: Our pets get to stay at their home, not cooped up in a small hotel room or a strange kennel.
Meet Fellow Pet Lovers: Often, you're swapping with other pet owners. It's reassuring knowing your pet is in the hands of people who genuinely understand and care for animals.

Preparing Your Home for a Pet-Friendly Swap

Thinking of hosting a pet-friendly swap? Here are some steps to ensure a smooth experience:

Sign up for Home Exchange and follow their steps in creating your profile.
Pet Safety: Make sure your home is safe for visiting pets if guests are coming with pets and not the other way around – secure any areas that might be hazardous or things you don’t want to be damaged.
Clear Instructions: Leave detailed care instructions for your pet, including feeding schedules, favorite toys, and vet contact information.
Pet Amenities: Provide essentials like pet beds, feeding bowls, and toys to make the visiting pets feel at home.

Embracing Home Exchange for Pet-Friendly Adventures

Home Exchange has been a lifesaver for finding the perfect pet-friendly swaps. Their intuitive platform lets you filter for homes that are ready to welcome pets. And the best part? The Guest Points system. You're not limited to direct swaps, meaning more flexibility and more options to find that ideal pet-friendly home.

Conclusion

I've got to say, house swapping has genuinely transformed how I travel with my pet. It's taken away the stress and added so much joy to our trips. If you're a pet owner longing for hassle-free, enjoyable travels with your furry friend, I can't recommend house swapping enough.

Here's a pro tip for you: signing up for Home Exchange using my referral link not only gets you onto this amazing platform but also gives you a bonus of extra Guest Points. These points were a significant boost for us initially. Just by completing our profile and listing our home, we managed to accumulate 1050 Guest Points, enough for several nights' stay in sought-after locations like NYC or a beach house in our home country.

Eager to embark on your pet-friendly travel adventure? Sign up for Home Exchange using my referral link and discover a world where you and your pet are always welcome.