Paws on the Road: How to Airbnb with Your Dog Without Losing Your Leash (or Your Mind)

Hey there, fellow wanderlusting pup parents! I’m Michelle, founder of Finnegan's Standard Goods and Bella Bean Couture, a 25-year-old dog accessory empire that’s been keeping tails wagging and necks stylish since dial-up internet was a thing. My secret to success? Treating every walk like a runway show. My first dog Bella Bean (a Boxer), and honestly all my pups since her have had more color-coordinated collar & leads than I have shoes! (Judge away.) Over the years, I’ve crisscrossed the country with my furry co-pilots, turning Airbnbs into temporary doggy dens. Whether it’s a cabin in the Lake Tahoe or a beach shack in Malibu, here’s my foolproof guide to traveling with your dog—plus a packing list that’s equal parts practical and ridiculous.

**5 Tips for Airbnb Stays That Won’t Leave You Howling**

1. Read the Fine Print (Then Read It Again) “Pet-friendly” can mean anything from “your Chihuahua is welcome” to “we tolerate a small, silent, hypoallergenic rock.” Double-check weight limits, breed restrictions, and whether “pet fee” translates to “you’re funding the host’s future yacht.”

2. Channel Your Inner Doggy Diplomat Message your host with a photo of your dog looking *irresistibly* guilty. Caption: “This floof promises not to eat your throw pillows. Probably.” Bonus points if your dog wears a bandana in the pic.

3. Scope the Neighborhood A great Airbnb is useless if the closest “yard” is a cactus-filled desert or a 4th-floor balcony. Prioritize spots with nearby parks, trails, or at least a fire hydrant.

4. Embrace the “No Trace” Policy** Pack lint rollers, Extra Papertowels and Natures Miricle. So. Many. Lint rollers. You’ll find fur in places fur shouldn’t be. (Pro tip: since we have an extra furry pup we vacuum before checkout. Hosts love this, and your dignity remains intact.) We also tend to bring lots of dog blankets; this makes our pups feel like they have a special spot in this temporary space.

**The Ultimate (Slightly Ridiculous) Packing List**

1. Fashion Essentials (Because Vanity is a Virtue)** Matching Collar & Lead Set**: *Obviously*. My dogs have seasonal collections. Spring? A Floral set for brunch (yes boy pups can wear flowers too) and Ginghams for a romp at the lake and a basic classic Waxed Cotton Collection for hiking and exploring Your pup’s OOTD matters. Bandanas**: For that “I’m on vacation, and for the perfect photos of your pup living their best lives!

  2. Practical Stuff (Boring, But Necessary) Poop Bags**: Buy the unscented ones. Trust me. 4. Home Away From Home Their Bed: Our Blankets work in the car, the Airbnb couch, and on the sidewalk at that sweet cafe you just found!

Favorite Toy: The one they’ve loved since 2012. It’s now 10% stuffing, 90% hope. Or a brand-new Rope Toy we have everything from a Nautical Anchor or a cute Red Horse (goes so cute with our Vintage Cowboy Bandana)   

White Noise Machine: To drown out Airbnb creaks that your dog will interpret as “ghost squirrels.” 

Final Thoughts: Wag More, Worry Less Traveling with your dog isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the chaos, the mismatched Airbnb art, and the memories (even the ones involving emergency duct tape). After 25 years in the biz, I can confirm: a happy dog makes every trip better. Just don’t forget the lint roller.

Now go forth, adventurers! And if you need a collar that says, “I’m too pretty for this Airbnb’s tacky décor,” you know where to find me.

Michelle (along with River the Labrador that is always at my feet and her sister Gemma the French bulldog, who’s currently judging my packing skills from her throne in the backseat)  Finnegan's Standard Goods, Bella Bean Couture

**P.S.** Check out *Collars & Co.*’s new “Glampurr Collection” — perfect for dogs who glamp harder than you do.