We love that so many Hosts welcome four-legged guests and that many Hosts have dogs of their own. Being able to bring dogs along is one of the primary reasons many dog owners choose camping as a form of vacation, and a pet-friendly listing can meaningfully expand your audience. Here are some common questions and answers as you set up your Hipcamp listing for pups.
Can I decide whether or not to allow dogs at my property?
Absolutely, it's your land, your call. You control your pet policy in your Host Dashboard and can update it anytime. Some Hosts welcome all pets enthusiastically; others prefer no animals at all. There's no wrong answer. What matters most is that your Hipcamp listing clearly reflects your preferences so Hipcampers can find the right accommodations before they book. Your pet policy can include limitations on the number, size, or breed of camper dogs. You can also read our FAQ about service animals.
What should I tell Hipcampers about my pet policy before they arrive?
The more clarity upfront, the smoother the stay. Your listing description, site rules, welcome instructions, and property signage are all great places to share things like whether dogs need to be leashed, any areas that are off-limits (near livestock, gardens, or neighbor fence lines, for example), and whether you have animals of your own on the property. Hipcampers appreciate knowing what to expect, as it helps them prepare and sets everyone up for a good experience.
I have farm animals, chickens, or livestock. Anything to keep in mind?
Yes, this is worth a clear callout in your listing. Even well-behaved dogs can get excited around farm animals, and not every Hipcamper will think to ask. Letting campers know upfront that you have animals on the property and where guest dogs can roam as a result, helps avoid awkward surprises. Some Hosts find it useful to install signs on their property that designate specific areas as pet-friendly and others as areas where Hipcampers dogs shouldn't go.
What if I have my own dogs on the property?
Mention it! Your dogs are part of the experience and many Hipcampers will love knowing there's a resident pup. That said, it's helpful to give campers a heads-up that you have a dog and whether they'll be around the campsite. Keep in mind that some campers may be allergic to dogs or prefer not to interact with them. Many Hosts with their own dogs choose to not allow camper dogs to keep things simple. If you are allowing campers to bring their own dogs, it is advised that you contain or supervise your own dogs while the guest dogs are on site.
Should I charge a pet fee?
That's entirely up to you. Many Hosts charge a small pet fee to help offset any additional wear and tear and Hipcamp makes it easy to set one in your Dashboard. Other Hosts prefer to include pets at no extra charge as a way to attract more bookings. Either approach works, just make sure any fee is reflected in your listing so there are no surprises at checkout.
What can I do if a Hipcamper's dog causes a problem during their stay?
Start with a friendly conversation in person or through the messaging system on the Hipcamp platform. Many issues can be resolved with a simple conversation. If something goes wrong and you feel the situation warrants follow-up, you can reach out to Hipcamp Support anytime. As always, documenting any concerns or damage with photos is helpful if you end up needing to report an issue.
Any general thoughts on making my property feel welcoming to dogs?
Little things go a long way. A shady spot, a water source nearby, waste bags, and clearly marked boundaries help dogs (and their humans) settle in comfortably. If there are any hazards on your property that could be risky for a curious dog (e.g. open water, machinery, dense brush) it's worth flagging those in your listing and welcome notes. You know your land better than anyone. Finally, being aware of any county or local pet requirements is also recommended.