Airbnb Experiences With Rescue Dogs

Posted by Billy Francis

Rescue dogs have carved out a special place in our hearts. These resilient pups are a “pawfect” advertisement for second chances. If you want to make a dog’s day in the best possible way, check out these Airbnb Experiences that are designed to give back to the four-legged community who have given so much to us.

Rescue Dog Walk By the Bay

San Diego, CA
BFFs - Barking Friends Forever. Photo by Airbnb

Join your host, Ryan, on Shelter Island to help neglected pooches learn how to trust people again. During this heartwarming pet-friendly experience, Fido can join the rest of the pack and walk the length of the island and back, enjoying Pacific Ocean views along the way. Rescue Dog Walk By the Bay is one of Airbnb’s social impact experiences, which means all of the proceeds go to Ryan’s non-profit animal welfare organization, Free Animal Doctor. Airbnb doesn't take its usual fee, and every penny you spend helps individuals and organizations raise money for animal care.

Wind your way back to Wyndham San Diego Bayside. Located within walking distance of San Diego’s pet-friendly downtown, this hotel has a nice park next door and relief areas just outside.

Walk Rescue Dogs on the National Mall

Washington, DC
“Cheese? Where’s the cheese?” Photo by Airbnb

Walk Rescue Dogs on the National Mall gives you and Fido the chance to see some of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic sights in the company of canines from Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. Hosted by a knowledgeable Washingtonian, this experience includes a two-hour walk around the U.S. capital, taking in iconic views of the White House from the South Lawn. You’ll also hit some lesser-known spots like the entrance to Chinatown and the Navy Memorial. All the money raised from this experience goes to the rescue.

With no pet fee and amenities like beds, bowls, treats and a selfie station, Kimpton Hotel Monaco will make your pup’s visit to DC unforgettable.

Hike Runyon Canyon With a Rescue Dog

Los Angeles, CA
“I swear I just saw Mark Wahlbark.” Photo by Airbnb

For pooches who haven’t found their forever homes yet, going on an adventure in the sun is a rare treat. Hike Runyon Canyon With a Rescue Dog combines stunning views of the Hollywood Sign with a memorable day out for a group of shelter dogs. Along the way, snap pics of your pup with the pack in Hollywood-centric locations to help bring in donations and generate adoption interest. All of the money raised for this social impact experience funds Free Animal Doctor.

After a hike through the canyon, you’ll want to spend the afternoon lounging by a pool. Fortunately, pups are welcome to join you in the pool area at Hotel Ziggy in West Hollywood.

Dog-Friendly Agility and Sanctuary Tour

Kerhonkson, NY
“This game better end in treats.” Photo by Airbnb

High-tail it to the country with your canine for an action-packed day out at Wayward Ranch Animal Sanctuary in Kerhonkson, NY. You and your dog are invited to take part in the Dog-Friendly Agility and Sanctuary Tour at this nonprofit on 60 acres in Rondout Valley. Join your hosts for a guided tour of the sanctuary and a chance to meet resident pigs, goats and horses. Then, take part in agility training with an expert dog trainer on the sanctuary’s custom-built agility course. Dogs of all ages, sizes, breeds and experience levels are invited to come and play for the day.

If Fido needs somewhere to hang out during his pet-friendly road trip through the Catskills, book one of these epic pet-friendly vacation rentals near the sanctuary.

Snuggle Special-Needs Sanctuary Dogs

Aberfoyle, UK
“Do you have enough snuggles for all of us?” Photo by Facebook/Glendrick Roost AWC

Glendrick Roost Animal Welfare Centre in the village of Aberfoyle in Scotland proudly offers a home to pups who need extra day-to-day care. Meet the adorable residents of this awesome sanctuary on the Airbnb Experience, Snuggle Special-Needs Sanctuary Dogs. After passing through the double safety gate, you’ll be met by more than 20 wagging pups of all sizes. Keep walking through the crowd to the picnic tables where your host will tell you all of their stories and how they ended up at the sanctuary. Afterwards, go for a stroll around the grounds, meet other animals who live there and learn more about the centre’s unique mission. You’ll have to leave Fido at home for this Airbnb Experience.

Located in the foothills of the Trossachs, Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa is a beautiful base camp for people visiting this secluded region of Scotland.

PaddleBoard Haleiwa with Rescue Dogs

Haleiwa, HI
“This is so easy I can do it backward.” Photo by Airbnb

PaddleBoard Haleiwa with Rescue Dogs is an Airbnb Experience that will teach you how to glide down the Haleiwa River on a paddleboard with a rescue pup along for the ride. Start your adventure at Blue Planet, where you’ll learn from a certified instructor how to paddleboard the right way. When you’re ready to launch, Phoenix the SUPDog and her four-legged friends will hop on your boards and join you for a guided coast on the river. Your host will take photographs of this hour-long paddle as you navigate the calm waterway before the group returns to the beach to shower, share stories and take a group pic. While this Airbnb Experience doesn’t have space for outside dogs, you can book a lesson for Fido with a specialist instructor through SUPDog Hawaii.

Haleiwa Surf Pad is a short walk from Blue Planet Haleiwa. Four-legged guests can sniff around a shared backyard and clean up in an outdoor shower.

Visit the Happy Tails Sanctuary

Baie du Cap, MU
“The loveliest pack around.” Photo by Airbnb

Visit the Happy Tails Sanctuary in Baie du Cap, Mauritius to hang out with more than 130 rescue dogs. This vital sanctuary aims to rehouse as many canine residents as possible. Visitors can play, pet, walk and run with the dogs outside in the large dog park, then see the lovely house where they like to rest up. All proceeds go towards the sanctuary’s running costs and contribute to spaying and neutering stray dogs on the island.

Find the perfect place to stay with your dog among these pet-friendly lodgings across the island of Mauritius.


If you want to try something new with your pooch, check out these other awesome pet-friendly Airbnb Experiences around the world.

Tell us about your rescue dog! Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Airbnb.