AUSTIN, Texas – September 9, 2020 – Fall family vacations are getting a lot furrier this year. Vrbo® data reveals a more than 50 percent increase in families traveling with pets this fall [1].

“The increase in people looking for pet-friendly getaways is yet another pandemic-driven change in travel,” said Melanie Fish, Vrbo travel expert. “Many families are making the best of the flexibility to work remotely and attend school virtually. They’re booking Vrbo stays later in the year, staying for longer periods of time and driving instead of flying. These new circumstances make it easier to bring pets along for a fall family break.”

Here are tips for families planning to travel with pets:

• Use search filters and pay attention to amenities: When looking for a place to stay, make sure to use Vrbo’s “pets allowed” search filter to find pet-friendly properties. Pay close attention to property details, photos and amenities to understand what’s available at the vacation homes you’re considering, such as whether they have a fenced-in yard or are close to pet-friendly hiking trails.
• Check for fees and house rules: Some homeowners may charge a pet fee or have extra house rules for bringing furry guests, so before booking, make sure to understand if these may apply to your stay. If anything isn’t clear or you have any questions, message the homeowner to get more information.
• Prep for “just in case” scenarios: Make sure your pet is wearing ID tags and is microchipped and registered with updated, accurate contact information. Before you head out, research local veterinarian and emergency services in your destination, just in case you need them while away. Don’t forget to keep your pet’s latest vaccine records handy, too.
• Pack for your pet: Bring a carrier or harness for the car ride, and plenty of treats, food and water for snack breaks. Make sure to also pack some of their favorite things from home, like a bed or a few toys, to help them feel comfortable when you arrive at the vacation home.

Some of Vrbo’s most pet-friendly destinations include popular vacation spots such as Gatlinburg, Tenn., Breckenridge, Colo., and San Diego, Calif. Families looking for more destination inspiration can use Vrbo’s pet-friendly destinations site at www.vrbo.com/travel/pet-friendly.

[1] Based on an analysis of Vrbo vacation rental demand comparing September-October 2019 and September-October 2020.

About Vrbo

In 1995, Vrbo introduced a new way for people to travel together, pairing homeowners with families and friends looking for places to stay. We were grounded in one purpose: To give people the space they need to drop the distractions of everyday life and simply be together. Since then, we’ve grown into a global community of homeowners and travelers, with unique properties around the world. Vrbo makes it easy and fun to book cabins, condos, beach houses and every kind of space in between.

Vrbo is part of Expedia Group and offers homeowners and property managers exposure to over 750 million visits to Expedia Group sites each month. To learn more, visit www.vrbo.com.

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