Caring For Pets On A Home Swap
Home Exchange Blog
Many members of ExchangeHomes.com indicate in their listings that they would appreciate having their pets cared for by their exchange partners and that they are happy to reciprocate.
Before accepting this responsibility, home exchangers need to be fully aware of the task they are undertaking. Cats and similar small pets are usually fine, but if they agree to take care of a dog, they will need to return to house at least once during the day to allow him to go outside and take care of business. Just this simple necessity will restrict their activities and very probably mean no day-trips away from their exchange home.
Sometimes the pet owner is able to incorporate the help of a neighbor or friend who can pop in during the day. Another alternative is that they make arrangements for you to drop the dog off at a local kennel just for short periods on the days you’ll be traveling away.
Just make sure both parties think through all the implications ahead of time and NEVER agree to any sort of pet care you’re not 100% comfortable with.
Over the years I’ve heard of some really great stories involving home exchange pets. Geese, goats, llamas, pot bellied pigs, ponies, horses, birds - all have delighted their visitors. I also heard about a parrot that swore like a sailor and a dog that refused to let the family back into the house.
If there are children in the exchange party, taking care of new pets can make the trip especially memorable for them. It can also require an enormous amount of tact from parents when little Joey wants to take Bengi home with him at the end of the vacation!
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