Pet friendly?

[Donna]

Perhaps it would help to consider the beach trip from the dog's point of view, then decide whether it's best to bring the dog or get a pet sitter. We do both with our Havanese puppy, depending on the circumstances of each venue. We take him aboard the aircraft cabin (would never check a dog as baggage...far too many mishaps that the public never hears about), and we have a permit for him to go onto the beaches at Grayton during "on" hours. The permit is $30 for one year, and it is only issued if you include a copy of your property tax billing and a copy of the dog's up to date vaccination verification. So if you are renting at South Walton beaches, either the dog gets to stay indoors all day or in areas other than the beaches. We definitely have a different type of vacation when Butter is along than when not. We love having him, however, and he is non-shedding and hypoallergenic, so it does not create a problem for people coming into the house afterwards. The allergies thing, when it is real, is major for some. We would never take the cat along, for this and other reasons. She likes to stay at home in CA with the can opener.

I can really appreciate the reasons for wanting the dog along. And from a homeowner's standpoint, a dog will typically do far less damage to a house than say, a 3-year old or a 19-year old or some adults. A dog will not jump up and down on a new bed until the mattress springs break. A dog will not throw the cable remote into the swimming pool. A dog has enough sense to not attempt a 30-ft. dive from a balcony into a swimming pool, no matter how much beer it might have swilled as contraband. Most dogs will not drag a BBQ grill up onto a wooden deck and then leave it unattended overnight, or throw charcoal remains into the pool. And many dogs will bark at the local neighbor's intruding dog who runs off-leash and uses your landscaping as a toilet three times a day, 365 days a year. (Good boy, Fideaux!!)

On the minus side, few housekeeping crews can clean all the dog hair from every bed, sofa and chair and do everything else needed with a three-hour turnaround during busy seasons. Some management companies charge the "deep clean" fee (3X regular) if a pet has been in the house at all, even the owners' pet. An otherwise great, but unhappy dog left alone has been known to chew an entire door or sofa to pieces, or bark the entire time the owners are away from the house. (Are you willing to give up beach outings, too?) There is a home next door to us where the renters once left their Labrador on the small deck during our entire visit. It barked incessantly and didn't seem to be enjoying its vacation, either.

That said, the best thing is to look for the "pet friendly" houses on this and other Web sites. Check to see if the floors in the house are other than carpet, because that's a happier visit for you and less worry about damages. Consider where your dog is allowed outside in the area you want to rent in, since the beaches are pretty much "off limits" and the fines are hefty. If your dog is an escapee, be sure he has a micro-chip.

Most airlines now allow animals under 30 lbs. that can fit into an airline certified Sherpa bag (under the seat). The cost ranges from $50 to $80 each way, and you have to go through the ticket counter to check the pet in. You also must produce at least a record of recent vaccinations, and sometimes a vet-certified health ceritification that is no more than 30 days from the date of travel. Widebody aircraft are best for carrying a dog on board and it's worth your while to fly first class or business (a good use for those flyer miles), if you can when you take the dog. Also, most flights into the airports serving South Walton are very small craft that offer no upgraded seating, so a good idea to take connecting flights that are shorter in duration = Atlanta. Our dog does very well on the flights, but you have to be psyched up for this. And the dog carrier counts as one of your carryons.

Good luck to you. Our dog absolutely adores the beaches and is happiest when he is with us, regardless of where that might be. There are many rental options that will happily accommodate you and your pet. People on this Board really mean well and want to be helpful. Chances are, they have seen the consequences of certain situations, both from the perspective of being a visitor and a homeowner, however. So things can seem rather pedantic at times. But, all in all, it is a very -ing place.

[iwishiwasthere]

I keep reading that only property owners can bring pets to the beach. I bring our dogs each year, and they get a late night walk on the beach most days. Have I just been fortunate the last 8 years that I have not gotten a ticket? Can pets be on the beach at all if you are not a property owner? I apologize for my ignorance...that is why I like this board so much, to learn about the area. Thanks Kurt!

[Mermaid]

I keep reading that only property owners can bring pets to the beach. I bring our dogs each year, and they get a late night walk on the beach most days. Have I just been fortunate the last 8 years that I have not gotten a ticket? Can pets be on the beach at all if you are not a property owner? I apologize for my ignorance...that is why I like this board so much, to learn about the area. Thanks Kurt!

Here's the thread you need to read. I guess you have been lucky thus far!

http://www.sowal.com/bb/showthread.p...ght=dogs+beach

[iwishiwasthere]

Yikes! Thanks, that would be a hefty fine....not much FUNN after paying it.

[Unplugged]

It's interesting to read on this and other threads just how many folks have poor housekeeping that is unable to cope with pet hair; how many folks leave their pets alone for such long periods of time, and how so many pets are destructive when left alone for any amount of time

We've never had these problems with our pets when we rented - nor do we encounter these problems with any of our guests. Guests who travel with their pets have been a cut above in our experience.

Common sense, basic pet training and simple vigilance on the owner's part is all that's necessary to enjoy a more well-rounded vacation with a pet.

[Underthebluemoon]

[Unplugged]

Unplugged, thanks for the response, it is much appreciated.

Your quite welcome. Responsible pet owners all too often get a bad rap.

jdarg: appreciated your thoughtful PM