DogVacay Host — The Best Gig in Hollywood (Or Anywhere Else)

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Frankie Dog and Fries

Frankie Delano Feldman’s favorite role is that of DogVacay host.

Anyone involved in the canine culture knows that it’s often much easier to accommodate and interact with four-legged friends than their two-legged counterparts. Pets show unreserved  gratitude and unconditional love with nary a complaint. Humans not so much. That’s why I wouldn’t dream of opening up my Hollywood home to strangers who found me on a website and want to rent a room for the night. But having a sleepover with pre-screened pooches whose owners are discerning enough to deem me a worthy DogVacay host? Hell yes!

Becoming a DogVacay host is the perfect way to enter the sharing economy if you’re interested in that, or just a great way to enjoy more of the company of dogs. All that, and you make a few extra bucks on the side for having fun? Why not? Personally, I see it as getting paid for hosting a play date for little Frankie Delano Feldman, my new Australian Labradoodle pup.Make Your Home a Dog Vacay Resort 5

The DogVacay reps tell me it can actually be quite profitable–their founder funded his entire lavish wedding with the proceeds from other people’s pets. Hosts average about $30 per night I’m told, after DogVacay takes its 15%, and you get to set your own time, pick your own guest size and breed, and you’ll be fully insured by the company! What could be simpler, or more fun?

Now the DogVacay peeps have very generously provided tips for making your home more hospitable, and I’m going to share them with you. Who knows? You could be one dog gate away from doggie nirvana.

Make Your Home a Dog Vacay Resort 2Secure all entrances. We recommend DogVacay hosts install dog gates in front of main entrances so the pet can’t slip out, and to block off rooms that aren’t safe or pet friendly—especially closets. Even the best behaved dogs have trouble resisting a tasty shoe.

Hide food, cleaning materials and meds. Food and medications pose great safety risks for pets, and should always be kept out of reach or locked away. To keep your Guest pups safe, we recommend putting child/dog-proof locks on all cabinet doors within reach.

Make Your Home a Dog Vacay ResortHang handbags. Think twice before you set down your purse or bags. Bags have big openings that are typically easy for pups to stick their noses in. Your best bet: always hang them up out of reach, or put them in a closet or cupboard.

Create dog-free zones. Garages, laundry rooms, and even bathrooms can be dangerous places for pets to wander, as they often contain products harmful or even life-threatening. While hosting, keep these rooms closed off.

Make Your Home a Dog Vacay Resort 3 Close the toilet lid. If you do let pups roam freely into your bathroom, put the toilet lid down—toilet water contains bacteria and harsh chemicals harmful to dogs. Make sure pups have access to a fresh and clean bowl of water at all times.

For more photos, tips and tips on becoming a DogVacay host, and to learn how to make your office dog friendly, see my gallery on HGTV.com. And don’t forget to check out the invaluable list of dangerous household items for pets below.

Make Your Home a Dog Vacay Resort Dangerous Infographic

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Lisa Johnson Mandell

Lisa Johnson Mandell is an award winning journalist, author and film/TV critic. She can be heard regularly on Cumulus radio stations throughout the US, and seen on Rotten Tomatoes. She is the author of three bestselling books, and spends as much of her free time as possible with her husband Jim and her jolly therapy Labradoodle Frankie Feldman.

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