Question: California Vacation Rentals: Can I Bring A Pet?

Answer: Some California vacation rentals do allow pets.

People who own California vacation rentals know that many people refuse to travel unless their pets can go with them. Many are pet lovers just like you are. With a little bit of planning from both sides, it is easy to take Fluffy on vacation with you. Some California vacation rentals allow pets as long as you follow the guidelines:  

While considering a California vacation rentals trip you need to be aware that concerns over pets traveling into California come from three sources: 1) The State. 2) The California vacation rentals owner. 3) You, the pet owner. For the most part, there are no fears from Fluffy since he likes to travel with you.

The State of California has rules and regulations that govern what you must do before bringing an animal into their state. I found out the hard way that you can’t just flash a quick smile at the state check-point patrol when you have a St. Bernard/Rottweiler mix riding shot-gun in a U-Haul. California is serious about seeing your pet’s paperwork.  

For those traveling from out-of-state into a California vacation rentals location with cat or dog, you must have:

~ Dogs: Current certificate of rabies shot from your vet. This certificate lists type of shot, lot number of vaccine used, and date administered.  

~ Cats: Current certificate of all shots to show that the kitty is free from all contagious diseases.   

If you are traveling into a California vacation rentals area and need more information about required health papers for your pet, call the Department of Health Services at: 916-552-9740.

California vacation rentals owner concerns are that you are bringing a healthy well-mannered pet into his building. The California vacation rentals owner will want to see all of the same paperwork that the State of California requires plus a current certificate from your pet groomer showing that you have recently had a bath to prevent fleas.  

Here are some other things to remember while traveling into a California vacation rentals area with your pet: You will be asked to post a refundable damage deposit. Your pet will be charged 10.00 to 25.00 per night above your rental costs. You must travel with a pooper-scooper and leash or cat harness, and know how to use both.

Pet owners should make sure that their pets are wearing an emergency phone number in case they get lost. All paperwork should be photocopied and kept in two different locations in case one set is lost. After that, all pet concerns should be eliminated while visiting a California vacation rentals area. The chance of your pet catching a disease or fleas from the previous tenant is covered by the State of California and room flea-bath requirements.