It’s difficult to travel when you own pets. Pet owners have to hire someone they trust to stay or visit their home. This person is paid to feed, walk, and check on their pets. Or, pet owners board their pets at spas or kennels. Yet, these are costly options.
In the end, most pet owners skip traveling so that they can watch their pets themselves.
But, if they could find a vacation rental that was pet-friendly, everything would change! They could enjoy a relaxing vacation while keeping an eye on their pet.
How Many Travelers Will A Pet-Friendly Vacation Rental Property Service?
According to a TripAdvisor survey, of 1,100 people, more than 700 have pets. 53% of those surveyed travel with their pets.
This means that there is a special niche of travelers looking for pet-friendly rentals.
If you look at the United States (2015) as a whole, you see that there are 78 million pet dogs and 85.8 million pet cats. Meaning 44% of all U.S. households have a dog. While 35% have a cat. This shows the potential number of renters looking for pet-friendly properties.
As a vacation rental property owner, you can market your property as “dog-friendly.” You can get more bookings if you are willing to house cats, rabbits, birds, and more.
Thus, you can prepare your vacation rental for each type of pet. If renters like your property, you can get multiple bookings. Especially since finding pet-friendly rentals is difficult.
What Pet-Friendly Vacation Rental Properties Offer
Why are pet-friendly vacation rentals important? They allow vacationers to enjoy time off, without worrying about their pets.
You Can Charge Higher Rates for Pet-Friendly Rentals
Property damage is one of the fears of operating a pet-friendly vacation rental. Yet, there are preventative measures to ensure that your property is not damaged.
- You can charge higher rates, to make a profit.
You can imagine that you will have to schedule deeper cleanings following a pet-friendly rental. Charging more money will cover the cost of cleaning, while still giving you a profit.
- Require security deposits. In the event that there is accidental damage from a pet, you can use the security deposit for repairs.
- The worst-case scenario is to charge fees. Include this description in your vacation rental contract.
Is there too much property damage which the security deposit won’t cover? Inform the pet owner that there will be an extra fee for the repairs.
These increases in price are justified. 50% of dog owners said they would pay more money for pet-friendly accommodations.
In most cases, renters’ pets are well-behaved. These travelers know the difficulties of booking pet-friendly properties. Most will be responsible in the hopes of returning again next season.
It’s Easy to Make Your Property Pet-Friendly
Monetary security is one option. Another pet-friendly decision is to provide pet supplies. The basic supplies for a pet-friendly rental are marked food and water bowls. Yet, most owners will bring their own.
By providing a backup, you ensure that your kitchenware isn’t used for the pets.
Provide a Basket of Toys
If you own a dog, you most likely travel with your pet’s favorite toy. But, in the chance that the owner forgets, provide a basket of balls, ropes, and chew toys. This will keep the dog or cat occupied, so they do not chew/scratch your furniture.
Specify Your Rules
Make it clear in your property description the type of pets allowed. Specify a weight limit. For instance write, “Only dogs under 20 pounds.” That way, you don’t have a St. Bernard and its owner renting your apartment made for a Chihuahua.
Also, mention any extra rules in your vacation rental contract. Remind renters of these rules in your “Welcome Book.” One example would be if you do not want pets on the furniture or in the bedrooms. Your property is still considered “pet-friendly.” Yet these guidelines prevent wear-and-tear on expensive items.
How to Make Your Property Pet-Friendly
Protecting Your Furniture
Consider having a designated pet area. For instance, put a cat bed on the windowsill so the cat can sleep in the sun. Or get a large dog bed to put in the living room where your renters spend time. That way, you allow the pets to enjoy the house, but within their own specific area.
Don’t mind pets on the furniture? Try buying couch slips and stronger materials for furniture and bedding. That way, pets are less likely to rip or damage any furniture.
Lock Any Cabinets
Some pets are clever and sneaky. You want to have kitchen cabinets, garbage cans, and chemicals locked away from pets.
Consider buying child-proof locks for low cabinet doors. Store cleaning supplies in upper cabinets, and buy garbage cans with pressure-opening lids. This will prevent any medical emergencies and damage at your property.
Promote Your Pet-Friendly Area
Pet owners want to have as many options for their pets as they do for themselves. It is important for you to research the pet-friendly areas near your property. Market these areas for your benefit.
Such areas include:
- Off-leash beaches
- Dog parks
- Have dog pools and fountains to play and drink in (such as Cosmo Dog Park in Arizona)
- Dog spas
- Nearby walking trails
- Local veterinarians
- Outdoor eateries that allow dogs
Do You Own A Pet-Friendly Vacation Rental Property?
As you can see, there is a large market of pet owners looking for vacation homes. Vacation rental owners have the power to decide the type of pets that stay in their properties. Owners can charge higher rates, and require a security deposit, for peace of mind. Adding extra features to keep pets happy and occupied will give owners repeat bookings.
Do you have experiences as a pet-friendly vacation rental owner? What tips and stories do you have to share?
Kristen Martinelli
As Futurestay's Marketing Coordinator, Kristen's writing blends her literature background with entrepreneurship and design. She is excited to follow the growth of the vacation rental industry and provide resources for rental entrepreneurs.
6 comments
I like how you said that you should look at possible pet-friendly areas if you are going to have a vacation rental that allows pets. Having an apartment where people can stay without anything to do with pets around it might not be a good idea. Getting in an area with lots of benefits for dogs and cats would be a great way to ensure that your tenant has a wonderful time.
Hi Todd,
Glad to hear that you agree! For traveling pet-owners, it’s important that there are also restaurants, parks, and activities to do with the pets they brought along with them.
Thanks for the comment!
It makes sense that a summer rental owner could decide what kind of pets to allow to be in their home or condo or apartment. This would be really nice because then you can be sure that you don’t let anything that you will be allergic to on the property. If you ever want to live in it yourself that would be really good because you won’t have to worry about it.
Hi Todd,
Yes, vacation rental owners can set rules for the types of pets they allow in their rental, for any season! This gives them the flexibility to rent to a wider range of travelers, while also protecting their home from damage.
I really like what you said about advertising and running a vacation rental property as “pet -friendly.” I know that when I had a kitty, I always wanted to take my pet with me when I traveled. Thank you for the idea of being able to get more bookings and preparing your rental for each type of pet you advertise for, since finding a pet-friendly vacation rental is really difficult. It’s sound advice!
Hi Khorae,
I’m glad you found this article helpful! Having a pet-friendly rental is a great opportunity, and it is easy to specify the types of pets you can accommodate at your property. This gives rental owners more travelers who can book with them!