You and your fur baby frolicking in a lush backyard, chasing tennis balls, rolling in the grass, all while staying in a luxurious vacation rental with a fenced-in yard. No leash, no boundaries. Just tons of tail wagging.
Your dogs deserve vacations too, but fur parents know the struggle of searching for accommodations that welcome furry companions while offering safe outdoor spaces where dogs can run free without worry.
Fenced yards change everything for pet-friendly vacations. Thoughtfully designed rentals make pet-friendly travel easier than ever, allowing your fur babies to have freedom to explore and play safely while you relax knowing they can’t wander off or escape.
Here are some of our best paw-approved homes that aren’t just places that allow pets, but they’re designed as true pet playgrounds where your four-legged companions can enjoy off-leash freedom in secure, private yards.
- The Retreat – Great for large groups with pets wanting lakefront luxury
- Hickory Nut Hideaway – Best for mountain getaways with four-legged friends
- Fallbrook – Perfect for desert oasis stays with spacious grounds
- Old Mill Getaway – Perfect for dogs who love mountain town adventures
- Hidden Bear – Great for families with pets seeking lakeside fun
- Cottage By The Bay – Best for coastal escapes with furry friends
- Casa De Kota – Perfect for desert lovers traveling with dogs
The Retreat
Can accommodate up to 16 Guests | 5 beds and 4 baths
Let your dogs roam freely while you enjoy a waterfront paradise at The Retreat. This stunning 5,000+ square foot modern home is best suited for large groups traveling with pets. It has a nearly one-acre fully fenced yard that will make your fur babies get ultimate off-leash freedom.
Best Home Features:
- Spacious, fully fenced yard and a screened-in porch overlooking Lake Norman
- Indoor/outdoor saltwater pool, private dock with 150 feet of shoreline, and fire pit area
- Lake Norman waterfront location with kayaks and paddleboards included
Why You’ll Love The Retreat: The secure fenced space plus incredible lakefront amenities means everyone in your group, including your four-legged friends, gets their own version of vacation paradise in this spectacular North Carolina setting.
What Our Past Guests Are Saying:
“Such a great house for several families and kids. Multiple gathering spots plus an incredible huge screened-in porch. Xtra large kitchen and island with perfect chairs for kids. Love the fenced in back yard and pool under the huge porch.” – Melanie A.
Hickory Nut Hideaway
Can accommodate up to 6 Guests | 3 beds and 2 baths
Among the laid-back vibe of the mountains, but snugly settled between the Asheville buzz, Hickory Nut Hideaway is your best Cape Cod-style retreat. You and your furry friend can explore nearby adventure activities or just stay in and chill at the private fenced yard.
Best Home Features:
- Fenced yard with a fire pit, perfect for evening downtime and stargazing
- Wraparound deck overlooking the fenced yard and the Blue Ridge Mountains
- Minutes from Fairview with easy access to boating, hiking, biking, and Asheville attractions
Why You’ll Love Hickory Nut Hideaway: This rustic home maintains a fresh and peaceful environment while being conveniently located near fresh food jaunts and outdoor adventures that make Asheville special.
What Our Past Guests Are Saying:
“Our stay was so excellent! It was everything we were looking for with a getaway! The house was even better in person then online. It was clean, homey, spacious and so comfortable and we loved how it was pet friendly but never smelled like a pet had been there. It was hard to leave the house because it was so comfortable. We had 1 minor issue with the internet and I emailed the management company and it was resolved immediately. They were super nice about it and resolved the issue. I would recommend this house to anyone whose planning a trip to NC it was great!!” – Holly H.
Fallbrook
Can accommodate up to 12 Guests | 4 beds and 3 baths
Don’t miss out on the incredible desert mountain views during sunset here at Fallbrook. This stunning, remote Scottsdale retreat has plenty of yard space for anyone to gather and have fun. Pets can also roam and explore safely, maintaining that secure feeling for a pet parent.
Best Home Features:
- Expansive 40-acre property with plenty of space for pets, play, or picnics
- Private pool, putting green, fireplace, rooftop deck, multiple lounges, and dining areas
- Near the Rio Verde recreation area and close to the Tonto National Forest
Why You’ll Love Fallbrook: The presence of horse stables adds special character to this extraordinary desert escape. The backyard also comes with outdoor amenities and games that will definitely make families with toddlers have fun, too.
What Our Past Guests Are Saying:
“The house was exactly like the pictures represented and was absolutely breathtaking. Talk about amazing sunsets and rises! We as a group of all females felt very safe at this location. The property is so huge that we never even saw any neighbors. The amenities were great especially the pool which had cool features controlled by a single remote. The kitchen was clean and had everything we could possibly need to prepare meals and to our surprise there were even seasonings and spices provided. I really liked how every bed had more than enough pillows as I myself love sleeping with tons! When we ran out of supplies it was very easy to find more. Our stay was so peaceful and quiet. Although the barn was off limits it was close enough to at least admire the beautiful horses and talk to them. 🙂 Overall I would highly recommend this place for any occasion. Thank you so much!!!” – Melissa J.
Old Mill Getaway
Can accommodate up to 9 Guests | 3 beds and 2 baths
Your fur babies will love the secure space to roam while you enjoy the quiet neighborhood at Old Mill Getaway. Just minutes from scenic trails and the Deschutes River, this thoughtfully designed retreat has pet-friendly features that make traveling with dogs stress-free.
Best Home Features:
- Fully fenced private backyard with a large pet door for convenient yard access
- Built-in hot tub on deck, outdoor dining table & chairs, and BBQ grill
- Nearby Bevel Brewing, Old Mill Amphitheater, Vince Gunna Stadium, and many more
Why You’ll Love Old Mill Getaway: Aside from the prime location near the southwestern edge of the city, the pet gate near the entrance helps keep your four-legged friends safe while loading and unloading.
What Our Past Guests Are Saying:
“We really enjoyed this house. Clean and comfortable, fenced yard and a doggie door. Craftmatic adjustable bed! Lots of kitchen extras like oils, spices and wraps, foil etc. Even snack goodies and a great coffee bar!” – Gretchen H.
Hidden Bear
Can accommodate up to 6 Guests | 3 beds and 2 baths
Hidden Bear welcomes your furry companions to a quiet corner of the Poconos with a spacious fenced yard perfect for safe pet play. Located in a private residential community, your dogs can get a secure outdoor space while your family enjoys year-round adventures and activities.
Best Home Features:
- Pet-friendly home with spacious fenced yard for worry-free playtime
- Vaulted ceilings with skylights, cozy fireplace, communal pool, and lake access
- 15 minutes to Big Boulder Ski Resort, Hickory Run State Park, Hawk Falls, and Split Rock
Why You’ll Love Hidden Bear: The Towamensing Trails has a beautiful 190-acre lake and community that gives both you and your pets plenty of space to enjoy the lovely environment and recreational facilities together.
What Our Past Guests Are Saying:
“The house was a great size and nice and clean. The fenced in yard was a plus for our dogs. We had a great stay!” – Jennifer C.
Cottage By The Bay
Can accommodate up to 4 Guests | 2 beds and 1 bath
Experience island tranquility and true peace of mind with a secure outdoor space. Nestled just a stone’s throw from the coast, Cottage By The Bay offers a coastal retreat on Whidbey Island with a fully fenced-in yard and large lawn perfect for dogs to run around and explore.
Best Home Features:
- Fenced-in backyard with spacious lawn ideal for families and furry friends
- Loft with a desk space, fireplace, and covered back patio with alfresco dining setup
- Short 10-minute walk to Frank D. Robinson Beach for beach access
Why You’ll Love Cottage By The Bay: The cozy cottage vibes come with a practical, pet-friendly design, making it easy for your dogs to enjoy the outdoors safely while you relax in this peaceful island setting surrounded by natural beauty.
What Our Past Guests Are Saying:
“The home was beautiful and clean! The backyard is gorgeous! The area is very quiet and peaceful!” – Sarah J.
“Nice and clean house, close to all our favorite places. Appreciated the fenced yard for the dogs.” – Katie S.
Casa De Kota
Can accommodate up to 10 Guests | 4 beds and 2 baths
Leisure and fun await at Casa De Kota. This remote and secluded home has breathtaking desert landscapes, amenities, and privacy you need for a perfect getaway with your loved ones and four-legged companions.
Best Home Features:
- Fully fenced expansive yard, great for hanging out with your furry friends
- Above-ground pool, hammock, two fire pits, outdoor dining area, and game garage
- 10 minutes from Joshua Tree with desert landscape views and privacy
Why You’ll Love Casa De Kota: The spacious outdoor area gives you and your pet plenty of space to have fun and explore safely while providing entertainment options. It is perfect for active families who want their pets to enjoy the vacation as much as they do.
What Our Past Guests Are Saying:
“Wonderful property and hosts! Great communication and very accommodating. Ample bedding for our large group, huge backyard, and incredibly comfortable beds. The place is well stocked with essentials, too. Garage game room great for families. Jacuzzi tub great for couples! Also includes infant accomodations.” – Sarah J.
Why Fenced Yards Matter for Your Vacations with Pets?
If you are traveling with pets, this means that you will be required for extra planning, but choosing vacation rentals with fenced yards makes everything easier. Indeed, fenced yards provide peace of mind that nothing else can match when traveling with dogs.
Your Dog Needs a Potty Break
Dogs thrive on routine and outdoor time, even during vacations. A fenced yard lets them maintain their normal patterns for bathroom breaks and playtime without the hassle of leashing up for every trip outside.
Off-Leash Means Peace of Mind
Your furry friends should also have off-leash freedom to run, play, and explore without the constant worry of them wandering off or encountering dangers. This secure space means you can truly relax during your vacation instead of watching your pets every second.
Zoomies Need Room to Happen
Every pup gets the wiggles, and a fenced yard is the perfect stage for those lightning-fast laps. Watch tails wag and ears flop as your dog races in circles, burning energy before nap time. It’s entertainment for them and free comedy for you.
Preparing Your Pet for Vacation Rental Stays
Don’t let concerns about traveling with pets hold you back from amazing vacation experiences. Before your trip, ensure your pet is ready and will be comfortable with new environments. Here are the best ways to prepare before traveling with your pets.
Know What to Pack
- Bring familiar items like their regular food, favorite toys, and bedding to help them feel at home in unfamiliar surroundings.
- Exercise your furry friend before arriving at your vacation rental (a tired dog is a well-behaved dog!).
- Pack essentials like waste bags, grooming supplies, and any medications your pet needs
- Check that your pet’s identification tags are current, and consider microchipping for added security.
- Keep vaccination records handy, as some properties or local areas may require proof of current shots.
Be a Responsible Fur Parent
Always clean up after your pets and respect property rules about where dogs can go. Leave the vacation rental in the same condition you found it, including removing pet hair and addressing any accidents immediately. Being a responsible pet parent helps ensure vacation rentals remain pet-friendly for future travelers.
Create a Pet-Friendly Itinerary
Many destinations offer pet-friendly restaurants with outdoor patios, dog parks, and even pet spas for special pampering. However, there are also some establishments where pets are not allowed. So, be sure to create a vacation itinerary that works for both humans and pets in your group. Also, schedule dog-friendly activities during cooler parts of the day, especially in hot climates.
Best Tips for Pet Parents on Choosing the Right Pet-Friendly Home
Beyond fenced yards, the best pet-friendly vacation rentals should offer additional features that make traveling with dogs easier.
Look for Houses with Pet-Friendly Floors
Looking for properties with pet doors that give your furry companions independence to access the yard whenever they need is great. But looking for pet-friendly homes with durable flooring like tile or hardwood cleans up easier than carpet if “accidents” happen.
Understand the Pet Policies and Restrictions
Check pet policies carefully before booking. Some properties limit the number of pets, restrict certain breeds, or set weight limits for dogs. Understanding these rules up front prevents disappointment and ensures your whole family can enjoy the vacation together.
Prepare for Pet Fees
Pet fees vary by property and typically range from flat rates to per-night charges. These fees help cover additional cleaning and maintenance needed for pet-friendly rentals. Always disclose that you’re bringing pets when booking, as undisclosed animals often result in fines or even eviction from the property.
Make the Most of Your Pet-Friendly Vacation
Finding the perfect vacation rental is already challenging, what more when you’re traveling with your four-legged friends?
Book your next tail-wagging getaway today and create unforgettable memories with your whole family, including the furry members!
No more constant supervision or keeping dogs leashed 24/7 during your getaway. These homes with fenced yards and secure outdoor spaces mean worry-free playtime for your pups and true peace of mind for you.
Pets are paw-ssible here at AvantStay! Check out more of our pet-friendly homes and secure your stay now.
