Navigating Home Swapping With Pets
The concept of "pet-friendly" can take on various meanings in the context of home swapping. For pet owners, it's crucial to understand whether this term implies the ability to bring their pets along or if it means a pet will be awaiting them at their destination.
The term "pet-friendly" has many meanings when it comes to home swapping. What happens if I have a pet that needs taking care of in my home while I’m gone? If a home is pet-friendly, does that mean I can bring my pets, or does that mean a pet will be waiting for me upon arrival?
We’ll go through the common questions pet parents have when home swapping, to make sure you and your furry family-members feel comfortable and at ease in the home exchange process.
First and foremost, add your pet to your profile. On Kindred, pet owners not only share information about themselves, they get to create a profile for their pets too! Profiles are a great way for other members to get to know a bit more about you and your family ahead of swapping (& yes we know pets are family too!) .
Prepping Your Pets for Your Home Exchange
If you love traveling with your pet, and couldn’t imagine going anywhere without them, we’ve got you covered. All we ask is that pet-related stays are expressly discussed and agreed upon by both members ahead of booking. When you’re requesting to take a trip, include any pertinent details about pet care arrangements in the video introduction you send your host within the Kindred app.
Information should include:
- Pet age
- Pet type
- Shedding/Non-Shedding details
- Level of training if relevant
- Whether you will be leaving the pet unaccompanied in the home without a crate or enclosure
- Whether you’ll need to grant home access to a dog walker or similar.
Plus, it never hurts to reinforce the level of care and commitment you’ll take to protect the host’s home. This can include listing out travel-friendly pet-parent items (like crates, beds and blankets) that you may bring to protect your host’s home.
Kindred Home Swap: Snohomish, WA
When Leaving Your Pet with your House Swapping Guest
In instances where you’re leaving your pet at home, don’t fret. There are so many pet lovers on Kindred who are excited to watch your furry family member while staying at your space. Clear communication with the guest as well as up-to-date instructions on how to care for your animal will ensure your pet is well cared for.
Step 1: Make sure your home guide has updated information on all pet sitting instructions. This can include feeding schedules, approved food items, walk schedules, potty schedules, litter box instructions, and more. Anything you think is relevant to the care of your pet should be included!
Step 2: Schedule a intro call with your home swapping guest to get to know them better. You’ll have the opportunity to understand your guests’ experience with animals and have total control in confirming the stay ahead of the swap.
Step 3: Inform Kindred of any pet care arrangements so that we can help or assist if needed*.
Kindred Home Swap: Aspen, CO
*Kindred is not responsible for caring for any member’s pet, and will not be held liable for any injury or damage to a member’s pets or involving the pets.