How to Negotiate Pet Clauses in Timeshares

When it comes to time-share vacations, there's bad news for dog and cat lovers. According to many of the experts, those who travel with their beloved canine and feline companions, the rules of timeshares are generally even more rigid than those of hotels, and the vast majority of timeshare rentals won't even consider a dog or cat in the space, mainly due to consideration for other renters with intense allergies to the dander and fur of pets. But like many tough dilemmas, there may be some solutions available to tenacious negotiators of a pet "claws."

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Seek out "specialty" timeshares. Among the long list of timeshare properties, you may find a few that really do cater to cats and dogs, especially with other pet-friendly enterprises on the rise. You might find one or two in your state that will not object to a furry tenant moving in for a few weeks.

2. Discuss "fees" for pets. Some timeshares accept pets with a "cleaning fee" attached, proving the old adage that everything has its price. See if you can bring the "cleaning fees" down to something you consider reasonable for the boarding of your pet.

3. Find other timeshare renters who want to keep pets. Coordinate locations if possible. Having a list of names who will commit to using the same timeshare may help you negotiate a specific unit in a timeshare enterprise, since you could virtually ensure a constant rental of the pet-friendly unit.

4. Get the pet-friendly unit booked long-term. See how long other pet owners could commit to booking the same timeshare. If you can provide a timeshare owner with a reasonable number of years of semi-constant rentals for a pet-friendly unit, the odds start coming up in your favor.

5. Get a travel agency in on the act. Since these kinds of agent businesses deal with regular travel concerns all the time, they may be able to help you work something out. Alternately, travel agents will help you find pet friendly hotels or other lodging and assist you in negotiating prices.

Resources

• Forum: Pet owners with timeshare interests
• Pet friendly vacations